Orange County
Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H/Agriculture and Natural Resources
Describe the plans for this internship. (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)
- Assist unit 4-H, Agriculture and Natural Resources , and FCS agents in planning and implementing summer programs.
- Assume a leadership role in managing 4-H programs and Extension presence at the Orange County Fair, to include assisting volunteers with show management, clerking the 4-H livestock auction, supporting 4-H members in their project work.
- Plan and manage a new grant-funded day camp for adolescent males (underserved audience): “Chef Boys are We”. Principles of kitchen safety, cooking techniques, reading and following recipes, nutrition and food safety will all be taught.
- Market/promote the Beef Producer Field Day to various audiences. Recruit and support sponsors and exhibitors.
- Assist 4-H staff with Cloverbud Day Camp (ages 5-8) and TACO (Therapeutic Adventure Camp of Orange), a horseback riding program for children with disabilities.
- Assist the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in record keeping tasks working with a Virginia Quality Assured (VQA) and source and age, Process Verified Program (PVP) sale.
- Plan and implement at least two special-interest workshops for youth or adult audiences.
- Assist with youth and adult canning and food preservation workshops to meet a growing need in the county.
- Attend Extension Leadership Council (ELC) meetings and collect community input on Extension programs.
- Help evaluate existing Extension programs for educational quality, behavior changes, and increased life skills.
Describe the knowledge / skills that the intern is expected to gain from this experience.
Planning and organizational skills - Learn the Extension Programming Model and implement the model in new and existing programs.
Youth behavior management skills - Youth are a different audience than adults and need to be coached/guided in a fun, supportive way, but also in ways that establish authority and respect for others. Safety and supervision of youth are key concepts for the intern.
Interpersonal skills - Develop through collaborative programming efforts at the unit and planning district levels.
Communication skills - Position requires a significant amount of verbal and written communication, promotional activities, and face-to-face educational contacts.
Evaluation skills - Intern will develop survey instruments for planned programs and conduct interviews with select stakeholders for program input.
Knowledge of Cooperative Extension - Student will be exposed to a variety of program types and efforts and will be an integral team member of numerous planning groups to gain first-hand Extension experience.
How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?
The intern will work with three VCE Agents (4-H, Agriculture and Natural Resources , FCS), one full-time 4-H Educator, and two unit support staff to gain a better understanding of programs provided by VCE and the planning that goes into quality, educational, community-based programs. A strong office team is currently in place and the intern will be expected to join the team approach to programming.
The intern’s training and responsibilities will be carried out in a hands-on manner. This is not simply an observational opportunity, but rather a chance for the intern to be trained by VCE and then educate the community based on this training and under the supervision of Extension staff.
The intern will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the role that VCE plays in the community through partnerships and collaboration. Current community partners include Orange Office on Youth, Orange Parks and Rec, the Boys & Girls Club of Orange, Central Virginia Cattleman Association, and more than 450 community volunteers.
The intern will be given an opportunity to explore ways in which he/she can obtain a career in Extension. The chosen candidate will work under the direction of the 4‑H agent, who served as an Extension intern in 2000 and has since gained and maintained Extension employment and a successful career.