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Summer Internship Program: Mecklenburg County

Orange County

Primary Program Area Focus: 4-H

1. Describe your 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 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 camp classes
  • Providing logistical support to the agent including, but not limited to, assisting with class sign-ups and camper/parent orientation

Similarly, the intern will work with the agent to plan and implement a CS/STEM day camp, as part of the 4-H/Microsoft partnership. The goal of this camp is to increase the digital literacy skills of participants in grades 4 – 7.  The teens involved in the Microsoft partnership who will lead the program will gain leadership, communication, problem-solving, and team work skills while practicing civic engagement.  The intern will also be expected to serve as one of two adult chaperones to two teens attending Citizenship Washington Focus.  He or she will compile and analyze evaluation data from the Microsoft/4-H partnership and assist the agent with planning for year 2 of the grant program. 

2. Describe the knowledge / skills you expect the intern 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, local foods systems, and agriculture

3. How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?

As a member of the Mecklenburg 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 ANR agent to develop, implement and evaluate programs in the community garden.   He or she may also assist with the development of displays relating to nutrition, healthy choices, and the availability/benefits of local foods.  He or she will 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.