Washington Youth Garden Internship

The Washington Youth Garden is located at the National Arboretum, a 446 acres urban oasis approximately 10 minutes from the nation's capitol. The internship programs provide opportunities to gain valuable experience working with professional horticulturists, educators, and non-profit professionals in a botanically rich and diverse garden. The Washington Youth Garden works with inner-city youth from northeast Washington, D.C. in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades. Children tend their own garden plots filled with vegetables, flowers and herbs. Duties include assisting garden staff with hands-on-teaching of gardening, assist with nature lessons, arts and crafts projects, leading songs, skits, and field trips and instilling in children an appreciation for the environment, gardening, and self-esteem. Assist in garden management with a variety of duties including planting, watering, weeding and pruning.

Each intern will develop and complete a long-term project during the internship.

Requirements:

A college student of sophomore standing (or equivalent experience) with a strong interest in science and children. A background in gardening and working with children is desirable. Self-motivation; patience; enthusiasm, flexibility, love of youth and the outdoors, especially with children of multi-cultural populations. Must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Musical, art and crafts, and/or theatrical experience a plus.

Duration:

3-month Internship: Start, June 3rd, through August 30st, 2002

Compensation:

$8.50 per hour, workmen's compensation provided, 40 hours a week required, Monday through Friday, and occasionally some weekend work.
This internship is partially funded by Exxon Mobile.

Application:
Resume, letter of interest in internship, and two letters of reference, and phone
number to be reached. (Application can be e-mailed to rushk@ars.usda.gov)