WORK WITH WE
moonrise over the poverty hills (paiute shoshone territory) // photo by Dave Hage
Weaving Earth provides nature-based education for action at the confluence of ecological, social, and personal systems change. We are currently looking for part-time skilled youth mentors to join our Wild Tenders Team. The Wild Tenders program (see a full description here) serves youth ages 4-14 and is committed to delivering high-quality, nature-based experiences for youth that are rooted in our Relational Education curriculum: Earth Intimacy, Co-Liberation, Embodiment, and Prayerful Action.
WILD TENDERS YOUTH MENTOR
SEBASTOPOL, CA ~ MID-AUGUST 2023 THROUGH MID-JUNE 2024
As a Wild Tenders Youth Mentor, you will train with and report to Lauren Hage, Weaving Earth’s Executive Director. You will work alongside the rest of the Wild Tenders Team to implement Weaving Earth’s core curriculum and Relational Education practices in our youth offerings.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
FACILITATION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT
  <> Co-facilitate/co-create weekly schedule and content based on WE’s core curriculum and practices. Integrate your pre-existing skills with new skills that support the youth and the quality of education in the program.Â
  <> Work with and plan for the distinct developmental needs of the youth in your care.
  <> Creatively adapt to new situations in the field.
  <> Lead 1-2 weeklong summer programs (summer camp or backpacking trips), depending on interest and experience.
COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP
  <> Show up ready to take lead and support the leadership of your co-mentors.
  <> Participate in regular, collaborative debrief sessions and practice peer-to-peer mentoring to support the individual growth of team members and the collective growth of the team itself.
  <> Uphold good relations and communication with youth, families, and fellow staff members.
  <> Communicate program updates to families via weekly emails and occasional parent meetings.
  <> Co-design and co-facilitate all seasonal gatherings and other family events.Â
OPERATIONS AND GEAR
  <> Take care of onsite prep and post-program clean up each week.Â
  <> Ensure that all Weaving Earth protocols are followed and reported accurately (emergency, medical, reimbursement requests, et cetera)
  <> Take care of program gear, manage storage of all group materials, track inventory and maintain a clean working environment.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
AGE GROUPS
NOTE TO APPLICANTS: Please indicate in your cover letter which age group(s) you are interested in working with, and include relevant experience working with those ages.
OTTER ROMP
7-10 YEAR OLDS
BOBCAT POUNCE
11-14 YEAR OLDS
III. WEEKLY WORK SCHEDULE
TUESDAY
Day Long Program
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WEDNESDAY
Office Day
~ 10 AM - 4 PM
THURSDAY
Afterschool Program
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
~ 10 AM - 4 PM
12:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Day Long Program
Office Day
Afterschool Program
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
THE REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION ARE:
- Experience working with youth in a group setting (or equivalent experience being with children).
- A passion for working with youth.
- A strong personal relationship with the natural world.
- A strong commitment to equity and ecological & social justice.
- Ability and willingness to respond to emails, phone calls and texts in a timely manner.
- Patient, uplifting, imaginative, playful, adaptable.
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to emergent situations in the field, including the needs of individuals and the group.
- CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications are required, Wilderness First Responder preferred. (note: we offer some of these trainings – please inquire if you don’t have these certifications already)
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THE PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION ARE:
- An engaged relationship with and knowledge of local ecology.
- Basic knowledge of child development and the ability to work with and plan for the distinct developmental needs of diverse age groups and individuals.
- Experience creating or co-creating curriculum.
- Experience leading groups & group management skills.
- Ability to support youth in nature-based crafts & activities and a willingness to grow and develop skills in any area you feel less familiar with (e.g. seasonal based curriculum, gardening and harvesting, ecosystem tending, storytelling and song sharing, gathering and tending to materials for shelter, fire and wild crafting, tracking, bird language, herbal medicine, field journaling, wandering and curiosity led learning in the field, peacemaking and conflict resolution, awareness games, campfire cooking).
- Experience working in close collaboration with a team.
- Experience facilitating anti-bias or similar curriculum with youth.
- Ability to navigate conversations with parents/guardians/family members.
- Ability to manage multiple variables and hold the big picture.
- Detail oriented and well-organized.