Youth Garden Apprentice Program 2023

2023 GAP

Highlights from the 2022 season:

• We are on track to collect 9,000lbs of food scraps this year, up 12% from last year!
• Garden Stewards logged nearly 600 hours volunteering their time, representing a significant investment by our closest friends and neighbors.
• The teen Garden Apprentice Program welcomed 8 local teens this year including 3 returning Senior Apprentices, a first time offering!
• Our Biodiversity in the City outdoor education program served over 300 students.

What our Garden Apprentices are saying:

What was your experience as a Garden Apprentice this season?
“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

What skills have you gained this season?
“Learning how to interact more with different ages. Engaging with the youth more often.” – Danielle, returning Garden Apprentice

Help us continue to grow these programs by donating today!

The 2023 Youth Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) provides first-hand experience cultivating organic vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials on 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.

The Wyckoff House Museum is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer and committed to the goal of building a culturally diverse staff. We strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, transgender, and gender nonconforming people.

Responsibilities include: soil cultivation, weeding, pruning, watering, planting, mulching, composting, cover cropping, harvesting, managing farm tools, engaging with community volunteers and on-site visitors, leading open-garden volunteer days, assisting with farmers markets and participation in farm-based workshops. Apprentices will have occasional “homework” including background reading about gardening and about the ways our urban food system operates.

2023 Program Dates:

Summer Schedule: July 6 – September 1, 2023 (nine weeks, four days per week); Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (9am – 1pm); Saturday (assigned shifts between 9am – 4pm)

Fall Schedule: September 2 – October 28, 2023 (eight weeks, one day per week); Saturday (assigned shifts between 9am –  4pm)

Key Apprentice Responsibilities

• Farming and gardening: planting seeds and starts, harvesting vegetables, weeding, watering, composting 
• Engaging with community members, volunteers, and visitors
• Participating in  weekly workshops and field trips, facilitating a workshop for peers
• Assisting with special events, including the weekly farmstand, public community workshops, seasonal programs and open volunteer days

Qualifications

• You will be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2023
• 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
• 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
• You are available for both the 16-week summer and fall schedules  listed below, in particular Saturdays

How to Apply:

There are three ways to submit an application

• ONLINE FORM: Use this Google Form to complete online via google forms please use this link: https://forms.gle/e7gAVcybyUbuqEULA
  1. Note: you must have a gmail email address to submit via Google Forms
• EMAIL: Complete 2023 Youth Garden Apprentice Program (GAP) Application form and send via email to garden@wyckoffmuseum.org
  1. Include “Application for 2023 Garden Apprentice Program” in the subject line
  2. Attach the completed application as a Doc or PDF. You may email photos of each handwritten page with completed form via email
• MAIL/ MAILBOX: 
  1. You can drop the application in the black mailbox with numbers “5816” affixed to the fence of the property on Clarendon Road at E. 58th street, next to the tire shop
  2. Mail to: Garden Apprentice Program Application 5816 Clarendon Rd. Brooklyn, NY 11203

Applications for the 2023 Youth Garden Apprentice Program must be submitted by May 20, 2023