ENGAGE: San Diego County Fair's Plant Grow Eat Program

The San Diego County Fair's Plant*Grow*Eat program serves elementary students through interactive learning stations focused on plants and farm animals, with students gaining hands-on knowledge about farming and the food cycle. Teachers throughout San Diego County can sign up their class to participate in this program at no cost. For more than 30 years, the Fair has introduced more than 250,000 students, thousands of teachers and volunteers to this award-winning agricultural program.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to help San Diego County youth, be involved in a fun community event, and receive one free entry to the Fair.

Parking and location information will be provided in the confirmation email upon registration.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

Key Responsibilities:

• Help teachers guide students from activity to activity while introducing the presenter at each station and ensuring that students are in the right spot.

• ​Farm staff will lead volunteers on a brief tour of each station to meet presenters and see the layout. Once the busses of students arrive (around 10-11am), students are split into small groups and each volunteer is assigned a group to lead.

• Keep the group together and foster a positive learning environment.

• At the final station, the volunteer will assist in bagging and labeling seed projects that the students will take home.

• After their group has completed all stations and is seated for the cow milking demonstration or released to lunch, the volunteer will lead a new group through the farms if needed.

Skills & Qualifications: 

• Good with young children

• ​Able to stand/walk for majority of shift

• Able to be outside for duration of shift

• Experience working with children

• ​Experience in customer service

• Interested in agriculture

Training Provided: A brief training on how to direct students through the Farm will be provided.

Attire: Closed-toe shoes and pants without holes are required as volunteers will be walking on dirt. A hat is highly suggested for sun protection and a jacket or layers is suggested depending on weather conditions. This opportunity takes place outdoors with little or no shade, so volunteers should wear sun protection such as sunscreen and a hat.

Bring: Water Bottle

Physical Requirements: Standing for the duration. Unfortunately, this opportunity is not able to make accommodations for individuals with physical limitations. The space where this project takes place is wheelchair accessible.

About San Diego County Fair

The mission of the San Diego County Fair is to connect their community through shared interests, diverse experiences, and service to one another in an inclusive, accessible, and safe place with an emphasis on entertainment, recreation, agriculture, and education.