Camp Emerald Bay Ecology and Conservation Program Santa Catalina Island, CA 90704 www.campemeraldbay.org
Title: Organic Garden Project Volunteer Organization: Camp Emerald Bay, Western Los Angeles County Council, Boy Scouts of America Location: Camp Emerald Bay, Santa Catalina Island, CA. 33° 28' 08" N, 118° 31' 52" W Duration: At least one month in the time period of February 1 November 1, 2011. Description Camp Emerald Bay is looking for a qualified volunteer to help us as we develop an environmental program for the thousands of young adults we host every year. The volunteers primary work will be to maintain and develop our garden and compost facility, which has 350 sq. ft. of planter beds. Other work can be tailored to meet the individuals learning objectives. Emerald Bay is a camp located on the west end of Catalina Island, off the California coast. A far cry from the bustling tourist destination of Avalon, the West End offers camp staff unparalleled opportunities for hiking, trail running, swimming, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and much more. A run into town requires some planning, as the nearest town of Two Harbors is a 30-minute drive down dirt roads. Camp population may vary; some months we have only 8 residents, while in summer months we host up to 100 staff and 500 guests. We will let you know what to expect during your stay, but the ideal volunteer would be comfortable in the spectrum of environments. We require a minimum of 6 hrs/day of work in the garden, 5 days a week. After that you are free to go adventuring. If you work while our Boy Scout summer camp is in session (June through August): See additional expectations on next page. If accepted: You will need to register with Scouting, which includes a background check. We will guide you through that process. Drugs (including marijuana) are not welcome here. Drinking alcohol responsibly is allowed for over-21s, except during the summer months when camp is dry. Drug Testing: Camp Emerald Bay staff must understand that if they are involved in a workplace accident or it is determined by their supervisor or the camp director that there is a reasonable suspicion that they are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, the staff member may be subject to saliva drug testing. Food and Accommodation Food is often provided by our camp cook, who offers standard or vegetarian meals. On the rare occasion that the cook is out of camp, you will need to make your own food. You will have opportunities to purchase supplies in the nearby town. You will be accommodated in a shared cabin. We have most amenities, including electricity, running water and shower facilities. Your first arrival and final departure ferry tickets will be covered. Other travel to/from the island will be at your own expense. Qualifications and Responsibilities The Garden Volunteer assists the Ecology and Conservation Director in implementing the garden and composting portion of the program. They will also help with daily operational tasks in support of the program. Qualifications: Successful applicants will posses the following attributes: Be at least 18 years of age. Be available for a month or more in the time period of February 1 November 1, 2011. Longer stays are preferable. Have a thorough knowledge of composting and garden design & maintenance. Be comfortable using tools and constructing outdoor structures and instructional aids. Show creativity and a passion for gardening, environmental education, and helping young adults. Be hardworking, punctual, self-starting, and able to work without supervision. Be organized, and goal- and task-oriented. Subscribe to the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Must register as an adult member of the BSA. Be able to lift 40 lbs. Responsibilities Maintain and develop the garden facility, to maximize its educational value to year-round programs and be a model of responsible organic gardening on the island. Plant, maintain, and harvest a full crop of organic vegetables. Assist the Ecology and Conservation Director in developing a vision for the garden. Help build or install projects to support that vision. Collect and process compost scraps from the kitchen daily. Maintain the compost pits. Ensure that plants, tools, and structures are maintained and improved. May help with other initiatives, such as the recycling program and camp landscaping. Be a positive influence on the camp community. Demonstrate quality customer service and presentation. Other duties as assigned. To Apply Please send an email to [email protected] to request an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with priority given to early applications. Acceptance is usually announced two months prior to start date. Additional Expectations for Summer Volunteers During the months of June-August, Camp Emerald Bay runs our well-known Boy Scout summer camp. We serve over 500 campers each week, teaching over 40 different classes for youth. Some aspects of the volunteer experience will be different during this season. Expectations Because this is such a challenging operation, we have higher expectations from our summer volunteers. We will try to keep work to a total of 6 hours/day, 6 days a week. In addition to the above gardening tasks, we ask that you be willing to do the following: Teach an environmentally-themed class each day (we will provide lesson plans) Wear the staff uniform: Staff t-shirt, staff socks, and jeans or scout shorts (we will provide the first set of shirt and socks) Participate in camp programming like campfires, staff meetings, and flag ceremonies Be friendly to other staff and participate in staff events Food and Accommodation Food is more consistent in the summer months, as our cook will be in camp all summer. You will be accommodated in a shared cabin, usually with several other people.
