Youth Program Instructor

We are looking for individuals interested in working as an educator in a hands-on, outdoor setting within a variety of our elementary educational programs. In the spring & fall, we host two after-school programs, lead Garden Classroom field trips, and run a Spring Break camp—all of which will be facilitated primarily by two instructors. During the summer, four instructors collaborate to implement our nine-week Summer Camp program. YGP Summer Camp provides much needed hands-on, high-quality child care for 1st – 6th graders during the summer break.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

SPRING & FALL

• Plan and lead activities for two After-School Programs.
• Develop and facilitate garden-based activities for Spring Break Camp.
• Teach Garden Classroom Field Trips for all Grand County students (Preschool-6th grades) using YGP’s curriculum.
• Assist with our once a month Harvest of the Month garden-to-school nutrition education program during school lunches

SUMMER

• 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 supervise 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 with the programs team to provide reflection on day-to-day activities

Other Youth Program Duties

• Build relationships with the schools and teachers in addition to families of program attendees
• Utilize Positive Youth Development and restorative principles when engaging with students
• Assist the Youth Programs Teams with implementing teen programs as needed
• Develop & administer program evaluations and interpret data with Youth Programs Director
• Track numbers and compile other data for reporting & grant writing purposes  
• Empower kids to grow and eat healthy food

Other Expectations:

• Instructors must be at least 18 at the start of the season. Background check required.
• Instructors will work 35 hours per week on average during the spring/fall (schedule varies) and 40 hours per week on average during the summer (M-Th 8:30am-4:30pm, F 8:30-5:00). The majority of the work day, especially during the summer season, is spent working directly with elementary-aged kids.
• Instructors should expect to be outside the majority of the day, in all-weather types.
• YGP is involved in a series of local community events and fundraisers that instructors may be required to work during evenings or weekends (Plant Sale, Weed & Feeds, Garden Dinners, Harvest Fest, farm chores, etc.)
• 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 each season at the garden.
• Assist the Farm Team with farm duties, as needed based on season

Professional Development Opportunities:

• Gain experience teaching elementary-aged students • Build your teaching skill set by leading hands-on science & nutrition lessons • Learn how to use a garden as a teaching tool • Build relationships with students, teachers, summer campers, & families • 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
• Hands-on agricultural/gardening experience and general knowledge preferred