The Edible Schoolyard

Volunteers are integral to the success of our program, enriching and enlivening our daily work. Among them neighbors, university students, and parents, our volunteers often find their time at The Edible Schoolyard to be deeply rewarding. Most importantly, volunteering demonstrates to students the caring and commitment of the larger community.

HOW TO BE A VOLUNTEER

Thank you for your interest in volunteering! We look forward to a mutually rewarding relationship and are deeply grateful for your gift of time.

Because The Edible Schoolyard is integrated into a public school, volunteers must be certified to work with children at the office of Berkeley School Volunteers before beginning their commitment. Please contact Michelle Khazai at BSV, 510.644.8833, or online at www.bpef-online.org/volunteers.html.

Throughout the school year, each grade level is scheduled for blocks of time in the kitchen and garden. Your time as a volunteer will begin at the same time as one of these blocks – please contact The Edible Schoolyard office for dates.

Volunteers typically spend one 90-minute class period working with a class of 30 students each week in either the kitchen or garden. Committing one day a week at a regular time works best with our volunteers' schedules. This consistency is most rewarding for students, since it allows them to build relationships with volunteers over a ten-week block of classes.

VOLUNTEERING IN THE GARDEN

Volunteers work with sixth, seventh, and eighth grade science classes in the garden. This provides students with invaluable opportunities to work and interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, while experiencing the pleasures of gardening and the natural environment.

Volunteers may work alongside students and teachers, occasionally supervise small groups on their own, or work alone outside of class time to maintain the garden itself.

During each class, students, teachers, and volunteers meet in an opening circle, divide into small groups, and take on tasks like amending soil, planting and harvesting, and composting. Each class ends with cleanup and coming together as a group to share reflections on the day's activities.

VOLUNTEERING IN THE KITCHEN

Students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades come to the kitchen classroom as part of their English, History, and Electives classes. Following the introduction given by kitchen teachers, the class divides into three groups, each led by an adult, around the worktables and cooking stations.

The volunteer typically works alongside students as they prepare a delicious dish from garden produce, set the table with flowers and a tablecloth, and sit together to share food and conversation. Cleanup follows, and the class gathers for a reflective closing circle.

Kitchen classes emphasize tasting (with all the senses), learning cooking skills using real tools, and creating a sense of community by fostering conversations between adults and students.

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