Lead Education Intern

Objectives

The Lead Education Intern (LEI) will work with the Education Manager to support all aspects of the Summer Camp Program, through planning lessons, facilitating activities, supervising campers, and collaborating with teachers and staff. The LEI will function as a core member of the Project GROWS team, exemplifying an ethic of community, teamwork, personal responsibility, and creative problem-solving in pursuit of the organization’s mission.

Internship Learning Goals:

➔ Learn about the operations and management of a garden-based summer camp program

➔ Gain experience teaching K-12 students in outdoor settings through project-based methods

➔ Develop leadership and mentorship skills through hands-on experience mentoring camp staff, managing camper behavior, and planning lessons

➔ Gain experience developing and leading hands-on activities such as gardening, cooking, and nature exploration

➔ Observe how schools and nonprofits can collaborate to support garden-based education

Essential Functions

• Program Support & Leadership: Assist Education Manager in planning and executing summer camp programs at all locations. Plan and lead games, activities, and farm-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity. Serve as a secondary supervisor to summer camp interns and volunteers to execute assigned tasks, provide support, and offer training and feedback to improve skills.
• Camper Supervision & Safety: Supervise groups of camp participants, practice and support behavior management, and foster a positive camp culture through strong relationships and enthusiasm. Monitor camper and staff safety, following organization protocols at all times.
• Camp Operations & Administration: Assist with all aspects of camp logistics including setup, cleanup, procuring materials, organization, communications, and recordkeeping/reporting.
• Other Program Support: Provide as needed support for other Project GROWS programs and initiatives including farm support, field trips, markets, youth programs, community and special events, etc.

Core Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Passion for working with children, especially in outdoor settings
• Strong interest in gardening, nutrition, and/or environmental stewardship
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and upbeat around groups of energetic campers
• Confidence and excitement to lead large group games, icebreakers, and activities
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively with both children and adults
• Strong work ethic and self-motivated when working independently as well as in a group setting
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and follow directions
• Comfortable accepting and receiving feedback
• Comfortable working outside during hot, cold, and inclement weather
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Ability to lift 40 lbs regularly

Preferred Qualifications*

• Experience leading groups of children and/or youth
• Experience working in a summer camp setting
• CPR/First Aid certified (If not already certified, Project GROWS will pay for training)

*While experience working with children and working at camps is helpful, a willingness to work hard, try new things, and improvise is most important! We encourage candidates with limited experience to still apply.

Other Requirements

• Because this position is partially funded through the InternshipVA Program, applicants must be currently enrolled at a Virginia higher education institution or intending to enroll in the upcoming semester. Additionally, applicants must have a high school diploma and cannot have already completed their undergraduate degree before starting employment.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by their start date (approximately May 13th).
• Because our farm is located in an area without access to reliable public transportation, we recommend that applicants with access to a vehicle apply. In addition, a valid driver’s license is required to fulfill job duties as is a clean driving record, for insurance purposes.
• Because we routinely work with children, background checks are required for final applicants
• Cell phone communication