Position: Children's Farm Camp Educator

Supervisor: Brittany Futterman, Program Coordinator

Status: Currently accepting resumes for position term May 1- August 9, 2007

Summary of Position Prairie Crossing Learning Farm in Grayslake, Illinois is seeking a flexible, energetic person who enjoys developing lesson plans and working outdoors with children to serve as a farm educator for the 2007 Children's Farm Camp.

As a key summer staff member of the Learning Farm, the educator will develop curriculum and lead camp sessions for children ages 3-9. Working closely with the Learning Farm Program Coordinator to ensure that the camp is an outstanding educational and recreational activity for children, the educator will have the opportunity to creatively make use of the Learning Farm's unique resources and new children's garden facility.

This is a part-time summer opportunity with the Learning Farm. Ideally, one Children's Farm Camp Educator will be responsible for all six camp sessions (see schedule at bottom), however, the Learning Farm will consider hiring more than one person and divide the commitment by age group, depending on candidates' availability.

The total expected time commitment, including preparation, teaching and follow up is 205 hours for the season, and compensation for the full six sessions is a fixed sum of $2,870. Weekly time commitment will vary depending upon camp schedule, and preparation time outside of teaching, which may be done on a flexible schedule.

Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum that makes use of the Learning Farm's unique resources for at least two and up to six camp sessions
• Work within a limited budget to source and purchase materials
• Set up, teach, and clean up for the agreed upon camps
• Communicate effectively and professionally with parents of campers: write and distribute parent syllabi, address parent concerns, etc.
• Oversee one camp assistant and volunteers

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field
• At least one year of experience in developing early childhood curriculum preferred
• At least one year of experience teaching children, ideally in an outdoor setting, preferred
• Knowledgeable about gardening and/or organic agriculture
• Able to adapt or revise activity plans when meeting indoors in inclement weather
• Professional in speaking with parents and other adults
• Reliable and willing to commit to an agreed upon schedule
• Punctual

Schedule and Salary

This is a part time position from May 1 to August 9 (skipping the week of July 4). We are seeking educator(s) to lead these camp sessions:

My First Camp (3 year olds plus an adult caregiver) (1) Jun 18-29, 10:00-11:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays

Sweet Peas (4 and 5 year olds) (2) Jun 18-28, 12:30-3:00 p.m. and (3) Jul 9-19 9:00-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursdays

Hungry Caterpillars (children entering Grades 1 and 2) (4) Jul 9-19 12:30-3:00 p.m. and (5) Jul 23-Aug 2 9:00-11:30 a.m., Monday-Thursdays

Green Thumbs (children entering Grades 3 and 4) (6) Jul 23- Aug 2 12:30-3:00 p.m., Monday-Thursdays

The Children's Farm Camp Educator should plan to work for at least 30 minutes before and after camp for set up and clean up. In addition to these hours, the Farm Camp Educator will also be required to develop camp curriculum and parent syllabi, source and purchase materials, and meet with the Program Coordinator to review plans before camp.

A post-camp evaluation will also be required. A timeline for these activities will be arranged at the time of the employment agreement; and this work can be done on a flexible schedule.

Compensation will be $2,870 for all six camp sessions. If this position is split between more than one candidate, pay will be divided accordingly.

To Apply

Apply by email to Brittany Futterman, Program Coordinator, at bfutterman@prairiecrossing.com.Include a resume, specific letter of interest, and which camp sessions you are available to lead.