Q: What does Vida Verde do?
A: Vida Verde’s mission is to promote educational equity by providing FREE overnight environmental learning experiences for students who don’t otherwise get the opportunity. Since 2001, we have served thousands of youth from historically marginalized communities with our core program—a three-day, two-night camping trip, taken as a class during the school year. Our Teen and Family program extends this work with a week-long teen leadership summer camp along with activities throughout the year.
Q: How do volunteers help you?
A: Volunteer support helps us run our free programs for students from historically marginalized communities. Volunteers help upkeep and improve farm facilities for student campers to enjoy for generations to come.
Q: What do volunteers do?
A: Typically, volunteers will do projects in the garden (turning over a bed, mulching, etc.), general facilities projects (fixing a fence, graveling a road, etc.), direct-program support (making wood cookies for students, setting up tents, etc.) or a project associated with the current construction of the Education Barn.
Q: How many volunteers do you need?
A: The more the merrier!
Q: Can anyone volunteer?
A: On weekdays, anyone 14+ can volunteer on their own; on weekdays and weekends, all ages are welcome but younger folks must be accompanied by an adult.
Q: What type of skills does a volunteer need in order to volunteer?
A: Many of the projects here require physical movement such as standing, walking, bending, some lifting. Seated volunteer opportunities are occasionally available. All other skills can be taught by staff!
Q: What training do volunteers receive?
A: Depends on the project and timeframe. Volunteers may receive instructions from a staff member and are able to work independently, or for more complicated projects, a staff member may work alongside volunteers. For volunteers that come over a longer period of time (say, weekly for 3 months), they can expect to build skills in building, working with tools, or learn more about sustainable organic gardening.
Q: What days and hours can volunteers work?
A: Weekdays 8a-5p. Vida Verde also hosts community volunteer days on Saturdays, every other month. All other weekend days must be pre-scheduled and are subject to the availability of staff to host.
Q: How can I bring a group to Vida Verde to volunteer?
A: Contact Harmony@Vveducation.org to start. Weekdays are a little easier scheduling-wise, but weekends are possible depending on staff availability. We can host groups of any size up to 30.
Q: What does it look like if I am a corporate group and want to come for the day?
A: Vida Verde welcomes corporate or other groups to volunteer with us on the farm to support educational equity and camp programs. Groups can expect a fun, bonding experience on our beautiful coastside farm, moving their bodies and enjoying the fresh air. V.V. staff members will oversee projects and provide guidance. Groups have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact for students.
No financial contribution is required to volunteer, however, in-kind donations of materials and tools are greatly appreciated.
Q: What does a typical group volunteer day look like?
A: A typical day starts with the group arriving to an opening circle, where we introduce the farm, our programs and staff, and play some games! We then move into a guided project (maybe building a yurt, or turning over a bed in the educational garden). We ask folks to BYO lunch (usually) to picnic at tables that student campers have their meals on! After finishing up projects in the afternoon, the day is closed with a time of reflection and appreciation before a beautiful coastal drive home.