Lead Education Intern at Project GROWS

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FSLA Status:
Full-time (40 hours/week), seasonal, non-exempt employee

Reports to:

Education Manager

Ideal

Start Date:

May 13, 2025

End Date:
August 14, 2025

Project GROWS is a proud participant in the Internships VA program. InVA

About Project GROWS

Project GROWS is a nonprofit educational farm in Augusta County, Virginia with a mission to grow a healthy community by connecting all people to nutritious foods
. Our farm stewards a healthy ecosystem that yields nutrient-dense food as well as providing beautiful, engaging natural spaces that promote self-discovery and joy. We provide experiential, hands-on education through summer camps, in-school activities, and mentorship programs. Our team also manages multiple farmers markets that improve food security and contribute to our local food economy. We envision a world with an equitable food system where everyone has the access and knowledge to choose, grow, and enjoy foods that support a healthy life.

To learn more, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org

About Summer Camp Program

Project GROWS offers summer camps at two locations: the Project GROWS Farm in Staunton and the Waynesboro Education Farm (WEF) at Berkeley Glenn Elementary School in Waynesboro, which together provide six weeks of programming for students from kindergarten through middle school. Our camp programs aim to connect children and youth to nutritious foods through hands-on, farm and project-based learning activities such as cooking, planting, nature exploration, guided discussions about the natural world, and garden design.

Each day brings new experiences designed to spark curiosity, engage campers, and support meaningful learning.

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.

• 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…