Youth Program Instructor

Dates: May 25th, 2023 — August 17th, 2023

Compensation: $15/hour; 38 hours/week, M-F

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Four instructors will work as a cohesive team to run our nine-week Summer Camp program.
• Instructors will receive an in-depth training prior to leading camp on working with kids of different age groups in an outdoor setting.
• All instructors will plan, organize, and lead Summer Camp with guidance and support from the Youth Programs Director. Daily Summer Camp responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 
  • Ensure overall smoothness of the Summer Camp day including safety of campers
  • Prepare materials for activities and snacks
  • Manage groups of children while building relationships/rapport with them
  • Lead two-three activities per day with co-instructors and facilitate free play
  • Encourage campers to learn, have fun, and connect with the garden
  • Communicate with parents/guardians
  • Assist with creating experiential, fun, and educational activities related to each Summer Camp theme
  • Provide positive and constructive feedback to co-workers
  • Participate in debriefs to provide reflection on day-to-day activities
• Utilize Positive Youth Development and restorative principles when engaging with students

Other Expectations:

• Instructors must be at least 18 at the start of the season. Background check required.
• Instructors will work 38 hours per week on average during the summer (M-Th 8:30-4:30, F 8:30-5:00). The majority of the work day is spent working directly with elementary-aged kids.
• Instructors should expect to be outside the majority of the day, in all-weather types.
• Instructors must be certified in CPR and First Aid; certification opportunity will be provided if applicant is not already certified.
• Instructors should be a positive and enthusiastic team member throughout the duration of the summer.

Educational Opportunities:

• Gain experience teaching elementary-aged students • Build your teaching skill set by leading hands-on lessons • Learn how to use a garden as a teaching tool • Build relationships with summer campers, families, & community members • Write and implement creative lessons & activities • Have opportunities to connect children with gardens, food, & community • Learn about the nonprofit sector, especially about YPG as a nonprofit farm and educational space • And more!

Desired Skills:

• Responsible and reliable, with strengths in time management, prioritizing and delegating tasks
• Works well independently and in a team setting with an ability to communicate positively and effectively with staff and community members
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and enthusiasm for the YGP mission
• Experience working directly with youth, an interest in experiential education, and a desire to work with children
• Problem solver who is flexible and able to improvise

To Apply:

Please e-mail a brief cover letter and an attached resume with 1-3 references (that can speak to your experience working with kids or other job duties) to Youth Programs Director, Erin Vick, at erin.v@youthgardenproject.org. Priority application deadline by March 24. Interviews the week of March 27. Application is open until filled.