Summer Crew Lead

Description

Soul Food Project is an urban farm in the northeast corridor of Indianapolis. Soul Food Project is committed to fostering wellness in the African-American community by providing affordable food, offering spaces for local artists, and raising our youth as future leaders. More than food production, our farms serve as beautiful oases in Indianapolis and are used as teaching laboratories for people of all ages. Our farms engage both youths in our after-school programs and elders & children in our community. Part of our work is to keep the spaces beautiful through landscaping & garden maintenance. We also grow food distributed at a weekly farm stand, food pantries, and veggie boxes in the neighborhood. Food justice, youth power & cultural roots are the core foundations of our work.

Seeds to Leaders is an exciting youth development program designed for young people in Marion County, ages 14-17, who have a passion for learning and community involvement. Participating youth will manage urban farming plots, contributing to a youth-led initiative focused on experiential learning, employability training, and community service. This program integrates real-world business principles, food sovereignty, and local agriculture, providing valuable personal and professional growth skills.

Responsibilities

Crew Leads will be working outside on the farm, helping to manage behaviors and ensuring the safety of our youth employees (ages 14-17). Crew Leads will participate in training from May 28th to May 30th, 2026, and then lead the youth through a seven-week program from June 2nd to July 18th, 2026 (Holiday breaks on June 19th and July 4th); we run on a Tuesday to Saturday schedule. As part of a dynamic team, you will lead your crew in various tasks, from weeding and planting to “real talk” discussions on urban agriculture and food sovereignty. Think of it as a summer camp counselor on a farm!  Ideal candidates are team players who enjoy problem-solving, hard work, and playing in the dirt!  

Manage and lead a crew of seven youths through farm tasks (i.e., weeding and harvesting), field trips, and partnerships. 

- Attendance tracking/ behavior monitoring 

- Assist in planning and facilitating activities with your crew and community members.

- Develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while managing youth operations.

- Contribute to a positive community impact through hands-on service and interaction with the community. 

Qualifications

Live in Marion County (At least live in the county during the job time frame)

- Be 18+ years old 

- Have reliable transportation to and from work 

- Experience working with youth

**Experience on a farm or garden is a plus!**

Contact Information