Youth Program Volunteer

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Youth Program Volunteer with New Haven Farms

About New Haven Farms

New Haven Farms’ nonprofit charitable mission is to promote health and community development through urban agriculture. We transform vacant urban land into vibrant and productive organic farms. Our Farm Manager and volunteer corps cultivate urban farms, and our harvest is made accessible to low-income families who struggle with diet-​related chronic diseases and food insecurity. Farm members receive produce baskets combined with farm education, cooking demonstrations, and nutrition education on a weekly basis. For more information about New Haven Farms, visit newhavenfarmsct.org .

Position description:

The purpose of this position is to give children ages 3-14 years old a chance to explore, play, and learn about the environment, food system, and nutrition through an experiential education model and on-farm activities. Children learn about gardening, the environment, and healthy eating habits. Volunteers will help deliver interactive lessons and work with youth on farm activities, as well as helping to lead cooking demonstrations and group exercise.

By working in this position, volunteers will help introduce youth to healthy habits that will serve them for a lifetime. Through providing a welcoming, well-run program for youth, this position will also better allow our adult participants to attend and bring their children to our programs.

Measures of success:

This volunteer’s activity is measured by the number of children who we host at our programs, as well as by the relationships formed with the youth at our Youth Farm-Based Wellness Program.

Activities:

• Assist in delivering cooking demonstrations
• Participate and help to lead group exercise
• Supervise gardening activities
• Provide general oversight of youth ages 3-14 years old

Preferred qualifications:

• Investment in farm-based wellness as means to reduce risk of chronic disease
• Experience with childcare or teaching
• Knowledge of or experience in gardening, environment, science, health and nutrition, and/or physical activity
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including youth and adults
• Bilingual English-Spanish (preferred)

Time commitment:

Youth Environmental Education Volunteers should be available for regular weekly hours. The Youth Farm-Based Wellness Program runs concurrently with our adult Farm-Based Wellness Program, from 5:30-7:30pm every Tuesday and Thursday from June through mid-September. Volunteers may be asked to show up before and stay slightly after these hours.

Site:

Volunteers will meet our Youth Program Educator at one of our program sites, depending on which day the volunteer is working. These sites are at 15 James Street and 170 Ward Street in New Haven.

Supervision:

New Haven Farms’ Youth Program Educator, Youth Program Assistant, and Community Health Ambassadors will work with volunteers and oversee all activities.

Benefits and support:

New Haven Farms will provide supervision and all supplies for cooking, gardening, and exercise activities. This position provides volunteers with experience cooking, gardening, working with children, and educating. It is also an opportunity to build community within New Haven.

Volunteers will be welcome to have meals along with program participants when meals are served.

To volunteer:

Fill out the volunteer intake form on our website and our volunteer coordinator will follow up with you. You may also direct any questions to Haley Goldblatt at volunteercoordinator@newhavenfarmsct.org.