As children begin to develop a stronger sense of who they are as individuals in the world, many questions naturally arise. They begin to discover the uniqueness of their personal relationship with their surroundings and can be fraught with confusion and feelings of disconnection if they aren't fully realizing their capabilities. Our rite of passage work honors pre-teenagers by challenging them with skills that are deeply satisfying and empowering. By building respect and trust for each other and our surroundings, a reserve of strength is established which can be drawn upon throughout life. The children are grouped by gender during rites of passage since they are becoming aware of and sometimes self-conscious of their differences (and similarities!). Our goal is to create safe and sacred space for asking questions and sharing ideas and stories. Examples of activities in this age group are shelter building, animal tracking, gardening, fire by friction, rope making, drumming, silent meditation, leadership and trust-building games, cooking, sewing, etc. The children in the rite of passage programs will sleep over at the farm on Friday night and may participate in a sauna. Camp will end on Saturday morning at 10am with a farm-fresh brunch that the children prepare for their families.

Do you have a passion for working with kids in an outdoor setting? Are you excited to learn about sustainability while passing on your knowledge to the next generation? Then get involved in our Hands-On Sustainability youth education program by becoming a 'Volunteer Educator.' Now recruiting volunteers for 2010.

Volunteer Educator Position Description
(possible internship or independent study credit available)

Our Hands-on Sustainability Program engages youth ages preschool through college in an interactive farm tour and hands-on activities and lessons on specific sustainability and ecology themes (gardening, natural building, forest ecology, restoration, etc.). There are opportunities for volunteers to develop ongoing relationships with groups that visit regularly.

Volunteer Educators will lead youth field trip activities at Tryon Life Community Farm using activities from TLC Farm's Curriculum (examples here) and their own creativity.

Volunteer Training:

Training for each volunteer educator includes attending a training session and observing / co-teaching 1-2 classes before being the primary teacher for visiting students.

Sign up for our next Volunteer Training! April 3, 2010 Contact emily(at)tryonfarm.org to register. Training is free and lunch will be provided.

Volunteer Commitment: We are now recruiting volunteers who can commit to leading regular field trips throughout the winter and spring (although a longer commitment would be great!) Each volunteer will commit to leading a trip twice per month. We can arrange your commitment based upon your current schedule and the requests we get from interested youth groups and schools. Field trips are usually scheduled 9am and 5pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays.

 

Requirements: Volunteers must have prior experience working with youth in an educational setting. Experience with sustainability education is a plus, but not required. Must be willing to have a background check if you do not currently work within a school system or other employer where it was recently required.

For more information please contact Emily Gowen, Youth Education Coordinator.

Email: emily (at) tryonfarm.org

Cell: 802.399.6426

Farm Phone: 503.245.3847

Father Sky Rites of Passage for boys were developed in part through a partnership with Rite of Passage Journeys in Seattle. For more information, contact mbibeau@tryonfarm.org