Seasonal Educational & Camp Program Staff

Abbey Gardens is a charitable organization focused on the remediation of a decommissioned gravel pit into a green space that provides economic and recreational opportunities for our community. Our vision is to inspire a healthy community and create opportunities to learn about living sustainably. The 380-acre site is developing incrementally towards becoming a demonstration and education site on local food, gardening, sustainable living, biodiversity, and ecology. In addition to helping nature reclaim the land, the Abbey Gardens’ team is dedicated to demonstrating solutions and practices that will inspire generations of good stewards for our earth and people. Our project offers tremendous opportunity for learning and experimentation as well as project management.

Seasonal Educational & Camp Program Staff are an integral part of the Abbey Gardens’ team and will support spring and summer programming as well as the maintenance of programming areas. We are looking for 2-3 (funding dependent) versatile and enthusiastic individuals who can work independently while making a positive contribution in a team environment.Responsibilities involve program design and development, implementation, facilitation, and evaluation with the support of experienced outdoor educators. Abbey Gardens hosts programming for children, adults, special groups, and tourists where educational opportunities may be formal or informal. The Seasonal Education Team will have the benefit of facilitating a variety of programs and working on all stages of development.

Primary Responsibilities:

Co-delivery of Summer Lil’ Buds Series (2-hour program every week: 8 summer weekly programs).

• Some program development may be involved.
• Choosing suitable books and development of associated activities and crafts.
• Set up, delivery, and clean up.
• End of season debrief and clean up.

Co-development and Co-delivery, 8 weeks of summer camps: Fresh Air Tykes(ages 5-7),Outdoor Kids(ages 8-11).

• Organization, design, and development of week-long Camp Programs.
• Daily set up and clean up.
• Leading and assisting daily nature themed based programs including games, activities, and crafts.
• End of season debrief and clean up.

Participation in one day leadership program, “Take the Lead” (ages 15-17).

Support Program and Education Coordinators with existing programming and program related projects:

• Assist Education Coordinator with 7-week Spring EcoExplorers Program (5-hour program for 7 weeks).
• School and Community group visits and programming.

Daily/Weekly maintenance of Enchanted Forest, Education Gardens, and on-site self-guided programs

Daily care and maintenance of heritage rare breed equines, chickens, and ducks.

Other Potential Opportunities:

- Support in the development and/or facilitation of other programs, tours, events, and activities at Abbey Gardens.

- Weekly grooming and training of Ojibwe Horses with volunteer pony team (optional, dependent on level of comfort).

- Assisting with the delivery of any Pony Trekking programs (optional, dependent on level of comfort).

Skills/Experience:

- Experience and/or interest in education and programming for children.

- Experience and/or interest in ecology, gardening, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable living.

- Comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.

- Valid Standard First Aid or agreement to attain valid Standard First Aid prior to start date.

- Current Vulnerable Sector Check or agreement to attain Vulnerable Sector Check prior to start date.

- Leadership qualities and a dynamic fun personality.

Work remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 4 months

Salary: $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-02-29
Expected start date: 2024-05-01