March 8. 2019
Pictured: Apprentices wash the vegetables harvested in the garden.
TIFTON–High school students who want to get a taste of the past while gaining valuable experience for the future can become a part of the Youth Apprentice Program at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia Museum of Agriculture (GMA) and Historic Village. Applications for the program will be accepted through March 22.
“Designed to involve young adults ages 14 to 18, the apprentice program provides a way for participants to make friends, gain skills and work experience, and learn about the past,” Lynn McDonald, the Museum’s coordinator of volunteers, said. “Fun is also a part of the program. Some apprentices have not known anyone at the start of the summer only to make some very good friends while participating.”
Former apprentice Alana Griffin gained a lot from the program.
“I loved all the great experiences and opportunities I received while working at the GMA, and I enjoyed meeting new friends with the apprenticeship,” Griffin said.
Youth apprentices agree to work a minimum of 30 hours during the summer and another 30 hours during the school year to help with interpretation and special events. Many of the students find it easy to work well beyond the minimum required hours with several fun events hosted by the Museum and plentiful options for interpretation.
“Students who are interested in history, acting, and communications are great candidates,” McDonald said. “However, students with varied backgrounds and interests are welcome to participate.”
The apprentice program begins in June and typically runs until the end of July. The apprentices usually volunteer two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in June and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in July; however, the program works with all schedules.
“Many students find the schedule very flexible and easy to work around normal summer activities such as a family vacation or attending a camp,” McDonald said. “The hours during the summer program are long enough to learn new skills but short enough so that it stays engaging and fun.”
“I loved volunteering at the museum in my spare time,” former apprentice Lindsey O’Quinn said. “I made some great friends and learned some valuable skills, not to mention that it looks pretty good on a resume.”
For information or to obtain an application, interested students can contact McDonald at (229) 391-5223 or e-mail her at lmcdonald@abac.edu .
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