Prince Edward County
Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H
Describe the plans for this internship. (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)
The intern will work primarily with the 4-H Extension Agent to support and expand the unit’s summer camping program. He or she will provide assistance with the implementation of Junior 4-H Camp through:
- Processing of camp applications and maintenance of the camp database.
- Working with agents in the camping cluster to develop and deliver lessons to teen leaders and counselors-in-training on teamwork, leadership, communication, and camp policies.
- Working with agents and volunteers to develop and lead a class at camp.
- Providing logistical support to the agent including, but not limited to, assisting with class sign-ups, camper/parent orientation, camper check-in and sign-out.
Similarly, the intern will work with the agent to plan and implement day camp programs. These will include Between the Pages, a reading camp for youth in Pre-K through Grade 1 and Cloverbud Summer Experience for youth ages 5 – 8. He or she may also assist the agent in the development of one-day special interest programs such as youth canning workshops or the CSI forensic sciences program.
Describe the knowledge / skills that the intern is expected to gain from this experience.
Through this experience, the intern will gain knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- The development of educational materials and programs designed to meet identified needs of the community.
- Presentation, teaching, and public speaking.
- Program evaluation.
- Implementation of programs designed to meet the needs of youth appropriate to their ages and stages.
- Working as a member of a team to meet goals in a fast-paced environment.
- Time management and prioritization of tasks.
- Subject matter knowledge in youth development, nutrition, and local foods systems.
How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?
As a member of the Prince Edward Extension team, the intern will learn about VCE’s various program areas. In addition to working with the 4-H agent, the intern will be expected to work with the Unit FCS agent and the Nutrition Outreach Instructor to develop educational materials that will support extension programming throughout the year. These may include development of displays relating to nutrition, healthy choices, and the availability/benefits of local foods. He or she will also accompany agents to meetings with other VCE staff members and community groups. Through these opportunities, the intern will learn how Virginia Cooperative Extension plans, implements, and evaluates programs to meet identified needs and improve the lives of Virginians.