Volunteer Mentor with children in a nature enrichment program

The Volunteer Mentor position is an experience designed for adults who are passionate about deeply connecting with nature, cultivating self-awareness, cultural change, and supporting children to thrive to their highest potential. This unique opportunity provides an embodied experience to practice your skills in leadership, nature-based mentoring, and culture-building. As a volunteer mentor, you will be fully immersed in our outdoor homeschool program one-three day(s) per week throughout at least one fifteen-week session in the school year, with the preference that you commit to a full school year. The volunteer mentor provides essential support to lead mentors and MITs (Mentors in Training) by building meaningful relationships with children one-on-one or in small groups, inspiring curiosity and stewardship, and helping to hold a nurturing container for learning and growth to occur. The team of mentors work to create personal goals, engage in self-reflection, and discover opportunities to push beyond their own perceived limitations. They will be constantly challenged to develop deeper self-awareness as they dive into the art of nature-connection mentoring. The ideal candidate is a passionate, lifelong learner with grounded life experience in fields such as education, parenting, and/or ecology. Minimum Requirement of Volunteer Mentor Applicants: ● Clean background check ● At least 2 years of experience working with youth ● A willingness to receive feedback and overcome perceived limitations and challenges ● Commitment to completing the term for which you are accepted ● Able to attend the staff meetings and volunteer training sessions Expectations for All Employees, MITs, and Volunteers: Support the Kiva Center mission and exhibit a commitment to: ● Working collaboratively, with integrity and respect for fellow employees, associates, and our communities. ● Embracing personal responsibility and accountability for your health and well-being at all programs, including but not limited to physical and mental health. ● Positively representing The Kiva Center and families by being a mature and positive role-model for their children. ● Engaging in a powerful and transformational educational learning experience. It will ask a lot of each person’s time, focus, and energy regardless of their goals and intentions. We expect them to practice good self-care while they are here. Job Purpose: As a Kiva Center Volunteer Mentor, you are responsible for fostering a love for the outdoors with children in our community. In this position, you become a role model for youth as you inspire curiosity, build confidence and comfort in nature, facilitate teamwork, share knowledge and skills, and maintain a positive attitude. You will support lead mentors who plan weekly experiences with children. The ideal candidate has experience with children and is thoughtful, wise, responsible, and proactive. Principal Responsibilities: ● Collaborate with the lead mentor(s) to encourage earth stewardship in participants through enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion for nature. ● Take full responsibility and initiative for your learning experience. The outcome of your learning directly correlates with your engagement in your learning process. ● Maintain clear communication with the mentors to actively support children’s needs. ● Act as a role model for all participants, illustrating appropriate behavior and environmental ethics ● Encourage a joyful, safe, meaningful outdoor experience for participants ● Exhibit a willingness to share your personal passions related to your connection to the earth, such as ancestral skills, ecology, outdoor games and traditional arts. ● Maintain regular contact with the Kiva program mentors and engage in briefing and debriefing. ● Attend mandatory trainings and mentor meetings ● Show up to all commitments on time and well taken care of (i.e. well-rested, well fed, and with good hygiene) Desired Skills and Abilities: ● Deep care for nature and people ● Desire to receive feedback and work with it intentionally. ● Beginner mind to continually develop yourself as a mentor and leader ● Strong communication skills with adults and children. ● Ability to support children in emotional regulation and conflict resolution ● Ability to reflect coupled with a love for learning ● Good organizational skills and ability to exhibit patience and professionalism Watch our video to learn more: The Kiva Center