Education and Recreation Internship – Summer 2025
Location: Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, Wichita, KS
Pay Rate: $12–$13/hour
Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week
Duration: 12 weeks, starting late May (flexible to accommodate academic schedules)
Overview
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, is seeking enthusiastic individuals for its Education and Recreation Internship program. This internship offers hands-on experience in environmental education, sustainability, child management, and activity coordination. Interns will gain skills in curriculum planning, student engagement, and logistics while working across various themed garden stations and supporting daily program operations. Activities align with Kansas State Learning Standards for K-5 students, providing a dynamic and enriching educational environment.
Multiple candidates will be hired, and applicants are encouraged to apply even if their focus is on one area of the internship and does not encompass all responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead upcycled art projects, environmental lessons, and sustainability-focused experiments.
- Facilitate rhythm, music, or theater activities using age-appropriate instruments.
- Organize outdoor exploration and recreation activities, incorporating subtle educational elements.
- Oversee early check-in (7:30 AM) and late check-out (5:00 PM) to ensure student safety and readiness.
- Assist with transitions between stations, maintaining a smooth schedule.
- Supervise lunch periods and manage behavioral or logistical challenges as needed.
- Guide students through creative upcycled art projects in the Downing Children’s Garden Barn.
- Deliver interactive environmental lessons tied to Kansas Science Standards at the Fireside Patio.
- Design sustainability modules on composting, water conservation, and more in the Resource Lab.
- Facilitate creative arts activities in rhythm, music, and theater in the Beverly Blue Teaching Garden.
- Organize safe and engaging outdoor play sessions in the Koch Carousel Gardens.
Learning Opportunities
- Gain practical experience in child management, environmental education, and activity coordination.
- Build a comprehensive portfolio showcasing lesson plans, student feedback, and project outcomes.
- Develop skills in logistics, teamwork, and creative program execution.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to:
Savannah Herrman
Email: sherrman@botanica.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.