Photos for a Cause

Sylvia Center Interns 2012

The Sylvia Center at Katchkie Farm is hiring 2 Educational Program Interns for the 2012 growing season, 1 Garden Program Intern and 1 Culinary Program Intern.
These interns will work in collaboration with each other, with the Education Director at Katchkie Farm, and with additional TSC staff as needed. These internships are designed to provide individuals that currently have experience in the fields of gardening / farming and culinary work the opportunity to learn how to use their skills to teach: food literacy, self-efficacy in the kitchen, and the importance and nutritional value of eating seasonally and locally. At the end of the internship, the interns will feel prepared to work in the fields of farm-based and culinary education for children.

The internship will take place at Katchkie Farm, a 60-acre organic vegetable farm located in Kinderhook, NY (just 30 minutes south of Albany). At this location TSC has its own Children’s Garden where participants plant, weed, and harvest the vegetables. In an open-air kitchen they prepare the vegetables they have harvested into a healthy meal they share at communal tables.

Each internship is a six-month position (May – October) and may be renewed for additional seasons. Reporting to the Education Director at Katchkie Farm, both interns are responsible for assisting the Education Director with day-to-day operations of the educational farm and maintenance of the Children’s Garden including: leading and instructing children during our weekly educational programs, doing garden work, caring for farm animals, and working on administrative tasks. Interns will also work with TSC staff to develop, prepare for, and conduct various off-farm educational programs, activities, and events including: farmers markets, weekend programs, and community outreach events. Interns will receive training in the pedagogy of teaching gardening, cooking, and natural science to children; in basic organic gardening; and in Sylvia Center teaching methods and culinary techniques. Additional learning opportunities may include visits to other farm-based education programs and food-focused operations, gardening workshops, working with local food-centered businesses, and readings in relevant topics.

Specific Garden Program Intern tasks: Develop, prepare for, and act as the lead instructor for garden activities during education programs and special events. Garden, greenhouse, and farm animal chores. Communicate with Culinary Program Intern to determine produce needs for programs. Coordinate content and presentation of newsletter. Assist in the development and management of the Volunteer Program. Prepare annual end-of-season Garden Program Intern report.

Specific Culinary Program Intern tasks:
Develop detailed lesson plans and act as the lead instructor for the culinary portion of educational programs and special events. Lead children in creating a meal together. (Typically groups of 30-60 people, divided into smaller groups.) Prep vegetarian and vegan dishes for programs and special events. Communicate with Garden Program Intern to determine garden produce availability. Purchase rotating stock. Track and maintain appropriate inventoryMonitor and maintain cleanliness and organization of refrigerator and prep kitchen. Prepare annual end-of-season Culinary Program Intern report.

Compensation: Educational opportunities as outlined. Stipend of $1,600/month along with some eggs and farm produce. Housing is not provided.

Donate to The Sylvia Center

It’s a brand new year and we are embarking on an exciting chapter of expansion. Help us reach our goals for 2012. Donate today!

Visit the IFPDA Print Fair and Support The Sylvia Center

Buy tickets to the IFPDA Print Fair here and 75% of your purchase will support The Sylvia Center! And don’t forget to buy your kids the Eye Spy treasure hunt game they can play at the fair. For more information or to buy tickets, please click here.