Engaged Summer Students

Project Description:

University Sustainability at George Mason University uses the strengths of the institution to provide leadership in environmental, social, and economic stewardship on our campuses and throughout the local and global communities we’re a member of. We improve the operational sustainability of the university through specific programs, initiatives, and activities.
The Engaged Summer Program opportunity is with our Greenhouse and Gardens program, which manages multiple sustainable, food-producing sites at the Fairfax Campus. Each year, the program host hundreds of volunteers and dozens of interns who complete thousands of hours of service all while growing food that is served by Mason Dining (Sodexo) on campus! The program is now entering a new and exciting phase where it will focus on addressing food insecurity.

Join us for a hands-on, experiential learning opportunity throughout the summer with sustainable agriculture experts at the Potomac Heights Garden, the Innovation Food Forest, and the Presidents Park Greenhouse.You’ll learn about sustainable food production, permaculture (permanent agriculture), composting, hydroponics, and more! You’ll develop and implement a plan to distribute food produced by the program during the summer to community members in need.You’ll support the Greenhouse and Gardens program’s sustainable agriculture experts by completing ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the various Greenhouse and Gardens sites.

Website: green.gmu.edu

Modality: Hybrid. Students can complete their hours both remotely and on-site. The Majority of hours will be completed in person. 

Is the site accessible to public transportation? Yes

Volunteer Requirements: Students must be willing to work outdoors; in hot, buggy and messy conditions.

Background Check Required? No

Project Description:

Our mission is to distribute food to our neighbors in need by mobilizing our giving community and volunteers.

Food for Others Front Desk Volunteer Role

Front Desk Tasks:

• Greet clients and assist them with the intake process
• Work with clients in finding additional resources for any other needs they may have using our Information walls
• Answer phone calls and questions about Food for Others' operations and programs
• Direct individual and group volunteers to Volunteer Coordinators
• Straighten waiting area
• Copy client handouts
• Additional office tasks as needed

Front Desk Training:

• Train with Karen, FFO staff member, on the client intake database while serving clients
• USDA guideline form must be completed, one time per year, before signing up for a shift
• All volunteers must renew training on an annual basis

Office and its setup:

• you will be sitting behind plexiglass
• sanitizer wipes will be available to wipe down your phone and desk
• vaccinated staff are stationed in the office
• volunteers come through the office to check in, but stationed in the warehouse
• you will be the only volunteer stationed in the office

Characteristics of Success:

• Good people skills
• Ability to work with a diverse group of clients, volunteers, and staff members
• Basic computer skills
• Have patience and a respectful manner

Helpful Skills:

• Fluency in Spanish or another language (Korean, Vietnamese, Farsi, etc.)

Website: www.foodforothers.org

Modality: In-person only. Students will be required to be on-site to complete their hours.

Is the site accessible to public transportation? Yes

Volunteer Requirements: 

• Required training
• Good people skills
• Ability to work with a diverse group of clients, volunteers, and staff members
• Basic computer skills
• Have patience and a respectful manner
• Spanish or other languages preferred

Background Check Required? No

Project Description:

Our mission is to connect those who serve with those in need. We are seeking to continue growth of our volunteer/nonprofit center through social media/IT, video production and working to assist with in office administrative tasks, as needed. The major focus would be on outreach to the nonprofit community and the general public through video and social media interfaces. 

Website: loudouncares.org

Modality: Hybrid. Students can complete their hours both remotely and on-site.

Is the site accessible to public transportation? No. The student should have access to a car to reach our site 

Volunteer Requirements: 

• Video creation and editing experience preferred,
• Social media and IT skills,
• General organizational abilities,
• Ability to receive a task and self motivate,
• Good communication skills. 

Background Check Required? No

Project Description:

Our mission is to build the mindful leaders of tomorrow. The student would be teaching young children between ages 2- 12 age appropriate- math, writing, reading, art, science, mindfulness, yoga.

Website: www.theteacenter.org

Modality: In-person only. Students will be required to be on-site to complete their hours.

Is the site accessible to public transportation? No. The student should have access to a car to reach our site 

Volunteer Requirements: 

• Must be able to pass a background check and have a recent TB test

Background Check Required? Yes

More information will be announced shortly

Project Description:

SERVE Shelter Summer Camp intern:

• From June 5th to June 16th, in collaboration with staff, create a summer camp plan for an 8-week summer day camp at the NVFS SERVE Family Emergency Homeless Shelter
• Plan a daily camp schedule which can be flexible, but will provide structure and a map of activities for children to expect during the camp time
• Prepare modification of activities to accommodate toddler, elementary and middle school age-groups
• Plan themed weeks and flyers to advertise the themes so that families/ children will know what to expect and to build excitement around camp
• Set up general parameters and sticker charts to implement an evidenced based, positive behavior reward system during camp
• When camp starts on June 20th, prepare recreational and educational supplies each day before camp starts
• Lead and/or collaborate with staff and volunteers to facilitate recreational and educational activities
• Ensure a comfortable and safe environment for everyone; supervise summer camp activities and immediately notify staff if additional help is needed
• Actively engage with children during summer camp including demonstrating activities, providing extra support for children who need it, and building rapport with summer camp participants
• Consistently utilize positive behavior reward system to reinforce children when they demonstrate behaviors like sharing, taking turns, help their peers, etc.
• Plan and utilize kid friendly surveys to inform camp activities and future planning
• Be creative and have fun!

 The camp takes place at the NVFS SERVE Family shelter located at 10054 Dean Dr., Manassas, VA 20110.

Modality: This internship is in-person, Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Hybrid/ remote work can be completed during the camp planning stages from June 5th to June 16th but will transition to fully in-person from June 20th to August 8th.

Is the site accessible to public transportation? No. The student should have access to a car to reach our site 

Volunteer Requirements: 

• Interview with NVFS staff
• Criminal/ sex offender background check
• CPS background check
• Attend a virtual volunteer orientation and camp specific orientation

Background Check Required? Yes