Founded in 2000, Calypso Farm and Ecology Center’s mission is to promote local agriculture and environmental awareness through hands-on education in natural and farming ecosystems. We do this through a variety of educational programs – for young and old – both on the farm and in the community. In all of our programs, we strive to increase access to and awareness of the benefits of purchasing and eating local foods.
Farm Camp & Guide Program Coordinator
Open until Filled
Hours: part and full-time (20—40 hrs/week) – varies through the season
Dates: April 1 – October 1, 2019
Compensation:
$15/hour
Farm lunches May – September (Monday thru Fridays) when on site at the Farm
CSA vegetable share through the growing season (early June through late September)
Position Overview
The Farm Camp & Guide Program Coordinator is an education focused position at Calypso Farm. There are three primary responsibilities: 1) Leading Farm and School Garden Camp Sessions— Calypso offers several summer camp sessions for youth at the Farm and in school gardens around Fairbanks 2) Leading Calypso’s Farm Guide Program – a multi-generational volunteer program which trains individuals, families and seniors in leading groups of children on farm-based field trips and 3) Assisting with Farm-Based Field Trips – this position works closely with Calypso’s Field Trip Coordinator to offer farm field trips for youth from late April through September.
What is Farm Camp?
Farm Camps are week long day camps held at Calypso Farm. There are sessions for children 5-7 years old and sessions for children 8-12 years old. Teens aged 13-17 assist with the camps as Junior Counselors. Farm Camps offer children a farm immersion experience, exposing them to all aspects of farm life and boreal forest ecology.
What is the LEAF Camp?
The LEAF program—Learning Ecology and Alaskan Farming is a day camp with sessions held at three different school garden locations. LEAF Camp is designed to give students ages 5-12 a chance to experience Alaskan gardens first hand. In addition to learning how to grow vegetables, they learn how to prepare fresh produce in the garden.
What is the Farm Guide Program?
The Farm Guide Program is an inter-generational volunteer program at Calypso where participants learn all about the farm and then assist in guiding groups of children around the farm during field trips. Anyone is welcome to participate in the program and we strongly encourage parents with their children and seniors to get involved.
Roles and Responsibilities
Develop age appropriate program plans and lessons for Farm Camps and LEAF Camps with the assistance of Calypso’s Field Trip Coordinator
Train and supervise Farm and LEAF Camp Counselors and Junior Counselors
Communicate with all parents or guardians of campers
Post about camps a minimum of twice weekly on Calypso’s social media outlets
Outreach to the community about Calypso’s Farm Guide Program
Organize and implement Farm Guide Training Days
Work with the Farm Guides to insure the program is functioning well
Assist as with Farm Field Trips—including scheduling and running field trips
Review and implement all Safety Policies for Camps and Farm Guides
Carry out evaluation activities for all camp and farm guide activities
Write up end of season evaluation for all camps and farm guide activities
Qualifications
Outdoor and/or environmental educational experience
Experience in developing and writing outdoor education and/or school garden-based lessons
Supervisory experience
Volunteer coordination experience, preferred
High-energy, enthusiastic, positive, “can-do” attitude
Highly independent and self-motivated
Excellent interpersonal communication skills
Belief in Calypso’s mission (see at the top of first page)
Flexible and friendly
Reliable vehicle
Great documentation skills
Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
Punctual
Pass a Background Check
Gardening or Farming Experience is a bonus (not required)
First Aid & CPR certified (training provided)
To Aply:
Please send a copy of your resume, 3 work related references and answers to the following questions to Christie Shell, Calypso’s Assistant Director calypsochristie@gmail.com. We will then contact you about interviews!
1. Describe why you are interested in being the Calypso Farm Camp and Guide Program Coordinator:
2. Describe any outdoor/environmental education experience that you have:
3. Describe any supervisory experience that you have or experience that will aid you in this position,
4. Describe any volunteer coordination experience you have that will aid you in this position.
5. Describe any farm or garden experience that you have (preferred but not required):
6. Give a brief overview of a garden-based lesson appropriate for 7-10 year olds:
7. If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
8. How did you hear about the position?