Position Title Campfire Heart of Iowa/AmeriCorps 4-H Positive Youth Development Instructor (can pair with certain internships) Half-Time (900 hours) or Quarter-Time (450 hours) Living Allowance-Paid in equal semi-monthly installments Half-Time (900 hours) $9,500.00 Quarter-Time (450 hours) - $4,725.00 Youth Mental Health Corps positions may be available-with additional living allowance. Education Award-upon successful completion of term Half-Time-$3,697.50 Quarter-Time-$1,956.35 Internship Credit - may be available through your academic program; check with your advisor. Location Boone, Ames, West Des Moines, Des Moines (specific site assignments vary) Term of Service School-year terms beginning September/October running through May or August 2027. Semester terms available for Fall or Spring Program Campfire Heart of Iowa in partnership with Iowa 4‑H and AmeriCorps Position Summary This AmeriCorps position offers students the opportunity to serve youth through research‑based, high‑quality programming aligned with Positive Youth Development. Members support community‑based activities, build professional skills, and help expand access to meaningful learning experiences for youth across Central Iowa. AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages individuals in structured service to strengthen organizations, expand access to resources, and support youth and families. AmeriCorps 4‑H members serve in partnership with local programs to deliver hands‑on, developmentally appropriate activities that make a measurable impact. About the Program Camp Fire Heart of Iowa connects young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves. Through school‑year programs, clubs, and community experiences, Camp Fire helps youth develop confidence, social‑emotional skills, and a sense of belonging. This aligns naturally with the AmeriCorps 4‑H mission to empower youth through youth‑adult partnerships and research‑based experiences. Together, Camp Fire and AmeriCorps 4‑H expand access to high‑quality programming for youth in diverse communities across Central Iowa. Key Service Activities

• Develop high-quality lesson plans in Camp Fire programming areas including life skills, outdoor education, STEM, literacy, and creative arts.

Lesson plans will be age appropriate and geared towards those in K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 grades, incorporating best practices in youth development and lesson planning concepts covered during orientation/training. Members should expect to prepare 2-4 lesson plans per week which will be reviewed by the Site Director for constructive feedback. Members will serve approximately 200 unique youth during their service term.

• Prepare weekly for planned program activities to ensure smooth and efficient use of time aligning activities with youth program quality standards covered during training (supplies gathered, room/facility set up for activities, etc.). Members should expect to prepare for approximately 5 hours of formal instructional time per day (approximately 25 hours of formal instructional time per week).
• Engage participants in clean-up activities before leaving and show respect for facilities.
• Member will provide direct care and supervision to participating youth, leading activities and piloting lessons they have planned in summer camp program.

Direct care activities include:

o Supervising children/activities, ensuring the whereabouts of assigned participants are known at all times. o Providing encouragement and promoting positive interactions between participants. o Ensuring safety and well-being by enforcing program policies, setting appropriate boundaries, responding to injuries/accidents, remaining aware of any potential hazards and mitigating risk to participants. o Developing positive, trusting relationships with participants by offering praise and positive reinforcement to further enhance program outcomes.

• Collect performance measures by facilitating data collection surveys (supervising youth, answering questions, reading questions for younger participants).
• Attend weekly staff meetings to prepare for and debrief each session.
• Members may engage in other allowable activities that are not specifically outlined in the position description, but that support the AmeriCorps program design, and which will help the Program meet its goals.

Under no circumstances will members be asked to perform prohibited activities. Service Schedule Members serve a minimum of 13-20 per week. Service generally occurs Monday-Friday during program hours. Occasional evening or weekend service may occur for events or preparation. Eligibility Requirements At least 17 years old High school diploma or GED (or in progress) U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident Must pass a national service criminal history check Desired Skills & Qualifications Experience working with youth of diverse backgrounds Strong communication and leadership skills Ability to engage children and teens in a positive, enthusiastic manner Interest in one or more content areas: STEM , literacy , creative arts , outdoor education , life skills

AmeriCorps Member Benefits Living Allowance:

$4,725 or $9,500 based on term type (QT/HT)

Segal Education Award:

$-$1,956.35 or 3,697.50 upon successful completion and based on term type (QT/HT) upon successful completion Student loan forbearance and interest repayment (eligible loans) Childcare assistance (if eligible) Professional development, training, and statewide networking opportunities Performance Expectations Members must: Complete required AmeriCorps 4‑H Canvas trainings Submit bi‑monthly timesheets Complete monthly progress reports Participate in scheduled check‑ins with program staff Complete mid‑term and end‑of‑term evaluations Why This Role Is Unique This AmeriCorps position allows students to serve youth in meaningful ways while gaining professional experience in youth development, program leadership, and community engagement. Students may pair this service term with an academic internship if their department approves and requirements align with the service activities.

Pay:

$4,725.00 - $9,500.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Flexible schedule Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person