The Wyckoff Youth Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) provides first-hand experience cultivating organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials on our urban farm and garden through stewardship of our 1.25 acre site.
The garden includes raised beds for seasonal vegetables and medicinal herbs, as well as fruit and nut trees, wildflowers, roses, and native plants. You will learn alongside qualified gardeners/urban farmers, fellow apprentices, and community members of all ages.
GAP engage in hands-on learning and skills
Agricultural Skills → Acquire tangible farming skills necessary for caring for plants and their surrounding ecosystems: including growing, harvesting, weeding, compost management, irrigation, and an introduction to power tool safety.
Professional Skills → Cultivate the social, emotional, and interpersonal tools students need for college or future career opportunities through practice in conflict resolution & repair using restorative practices, team collaboration, and empathetic listening.
Leadership Skills → Practice accountability, integrity, and clear communication through weekly workshops, skill-swap days, peer group problem-solving, and public-facing customer service interactions.
What skills have you gained this season?
“Learning how to interact more with different ages. Engaging with the youth more often.”
-Chloé, Senior GAP 2025
“My experience was very positive and what surprised me very (much was) that this was something I was actually into and decided to apply for college where I can pursue it more.”
– Tristan, 1st year GAP 2022
Apply to be a GAP Apprentice
Applications due May 8th, 2026
Group interview will be held on Saturday, May 23rd 2026
2026 Program Dates
Apprentices are expected to commit to the full schedule of sessions. Please make sure you are available for all program days before applying.
First Year Garden Apprentices
Summer Schedule
7 weeks from July 8 – August 22, 2026 Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Senior Garden Apprentices*
Summer Schedule
7 weeks from July 8 – August 22, 2026 Thursday & Friday 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fall Schedule
10 weeks from August 29 – October 24
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m
*open only to eligible returning 1st year participants
Key Apprentice Responsibilities
- Taking care of the Farm: harvesting vegetables, weeding, watering, composting
- Engaging with community members, volunteers and visitors
- Participating in weekly team building activities, workshops & field trips
- Assisting with the coordination of special events, including the farm stand, community workshops, seasonal programs and volunteer days
- Preparing and facilitating a workshop of their own design at the conclusion of the program
Qualifications
- You will be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2026
- You currently have or will get your working papers (Employment Certification)
- You have or are able to set up a bank account to receive payment via electronic transfer
- You live in Brooklyn. Priority will be given to students who live or attend school in East Flatbush, Canarsie, Brownsville, Flatlands or Flatbush
- Interests
- You are eager to learn about growing and taking care of plants
- You want to explore the connections between food and people
- You like being outdoors and enjoy working outdoors in the sun, light rain, and with dirt
- You are collaborative and willing to work alongside others as a part of the farm crew
Help us continue to grow these programs by donating today!
The Wyckoff House Museum is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer and committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, transgender, and gender nonconforming people.