¡Cultiva! What You Need To Know About the ¡Cultiva! Youth Project

¡Cultiva! is a youth operated organic market garden.  Participants (ages 11-19) will plant and nurture a 2 acre garden, harvest the produce weekly to sell at the Boulder County Farmer's Market, and donate a portion of what is harvested to those in need in the local community.  Through this project, youth will learn to care for and protect the environment, will learn how to operate a small business, and will take part in a variety of activities which create positive change for the community, the environment, and youth themselves.

Goals of the Program:

• Teach youth Leadership skills.
• Give youth opportunities to give back to the community – help those in need.
• Connect youth with the environment, promote sustainable agriculture, and teach youth to grow food for themselves.
• Provide youth with valuable life skills, business skills, interpersonal skills, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  

For questions about ¡Cultiva! or to apply for the program, please call Vanessa Keeley at 303-413-7248 ext. 1, or contact her by e-mail: 

This summer ¡Cultiva! will be a 10 week long program. Participants will work 10 - 15 hours a week, tending the garden,  delivering and preparing produce for homeless shelter residents, seniors, and  families in need.  Daily environmental and experiential activities will take place.

Starting pay for summer participants (ages 14 and up) is $6.85/ hour.

¡Cultiva! participants have the power to decide about many aspects of the project.  Decisions will be made as a group.  Youth are encouraged to be involved with project administration, public relations, community education, as well as garden work and community service projects. Participants are expected to commit to the full time requirement. ¡Cultiva! 2008 Project Schedule: June 3rd - August 9th, 2007 Participants schedule will alternate weeks. For example on Week 1 work days are Tues and Thursday. Week 2 work days are Wed, Fri and Sat. Odd numbered weeds will follow the same schedule as week 1 and even numbered weeks will follow the same schedule as week 2. Tuesdays, 8am - 1pm: Garden work Wednesdays, 8am - 1pm: Children’s Peace Garden Thursdays, 8am - 1pm: Garden work and    Community Service Projects (alternating weeks) Fridays, 7:30 - 10am: Harvest Saturdays, 7:30am - 2:30pm: Boulder County    Farmer's Market

Vanessa Keeley Youth Programs Director

All participants must have a social security card/number.  Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if you need to get a card. . You will also need a photo ID (school ID) or a birth certificate.

EQUIPMENT LIST Required Items - Daily   Recommended Items Water (2 Quarts) Sun Lotion Lunch Hat with brim for sun protection Closed toe shoes/boots Food for snacks   Rain Jacket

EXPECTATIONS

All ¡Cultiva! participants are asked to fully commit to the program.  This commitment includes:

1. Showing up on time every day!
2. Calling ahead of time if you are sick or have to be late.
3. Doing the required work without complaining or slacking.
4. Completing gardening and greenhouse responsibilities before leaving work.
5. Completing community service projects and behaving responsibly when out in the community.
6. Participating respectfully in environmental education and other learning activities.
7. Contributing positively to the group.
8. Helping to make group decisions.
9. Conducting yourself in a mature, considerate and responsible manner at all times.
10. Showing respect for yourself, others, and the workspace.
11. Showing leadership and doing what needs to be done without being asked.  Coming up with ideas and sharing them with the group, when appropriate.
12. Work to your full potential.

There will be no smoking, alcohol, drugs or swearing during ¡Cultiva! time.

You will receive a paycheck every 2 weeks. Final paychecks can be picked up at our office or mailed to your house.

 

Please e-mail us at if you have questions or comments about this website.