A Vegetarian Thanksgiving!
December 1, 2011
At Global Youth Village international summer program, our cuisine is predominantly vegetarian. We encourage youth and staff to be more eco-friendly by eating 
a more plant-based diet which is lower on the food chain. Our Thanksgiving meal would be incomplete without some tofu turkey. Check out our recipe for this very simple and tasty dish you can serve this Thanksgiving!
Vegetarian Tofu Turkey Loaf
Ingredients:
- 2 blocks firm or extra firm tofu, well pressed
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tbsp sesame or canola oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp worchestire sauce
- 3 tbsp water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- parsley (for garnish)
Preparation:
Facilities & Village Cuisine
November 9, 2011
The Global Youth Village is located in the southwestern part of Virginia, a four to five hour drive southwest of Washington, D.C. It is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, on a beautiful 80-acre wooded site with a stream, soccer field, basketball court, classroom buildings, pool, outdoor stage, gardens, art studios, computer lab, staff lounge, a health center and a dining facility.
Accommodations for counseling staff are in cabins with youth. Other staff are housed in similar cabins, but with adult staff only. (Housing for couples or families is very limited. Please inquire as to availability prior to applying, if this is a need for you. ) Centralized bathhouses serve each cluster of cabins. Select program areas are air-conditioned. Sleeping areas are not.
The Global Youth Village serves a delicious vegetarian (ovo-lacto) diet with dishes representing various international cuisines. Special dietary needs can usually be met. Poultry or fish entrees are served on rare occasions.
FAQ’s
November 1, 2011
We look forward to answering your questions regarding the Global Youth Village. You are welcome to give us a call, but first check the Frequently Asked Questions below. These are the commonly asked questions.
Visit the Parent Forum and ask your question and we will respond promptly.
- What kind of people sign up for Global Youth Village (GYV)?
- What is the population?
- When do your programs start to fill up?
- Can my child come with a friend?
- How long has Global Youth Village been running?
- Is there financial assistance available?
- How do people get to Global Youth Village?
- Can you tell me your facilities and the climate?
- Can you describe cabin life?
- What beliefs and religions are practiced at GYV?
- What kind of food is served at your dining room?
- Are there any extra expenses beyond the tuition?
What kind of people sign up for Global Youth Village (GYV)? What is the population?
If your child is interested in current events and international relations, likes to travel and meet people, and has a sense that things could be better in this world, then this is the program for him/her. Every year teens from approximately 15-20 different countries attend the Global Youth Village. Some youths have been awarded scholarships from local foundations. People come from different economic, religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
All of the young people who participate show sensitivity, leadership potential, and a willingness to try new things. On average, 50% of the young people are from across the United States and the balance are from other countries. In 2012, we expect young people from Native American tribes in Montana, Indonesia, China, Nigeria, and Iraq.
When do your programs start to fill up?
Because we keep our group size limited (60 young people each session), it is important to register as soon as possible. Out of 70 spaces, 35 are open to young people from the U.S.
We fill almost all our spaces by May, but sometimes there are occasions when international students are not able to obtain visas and positions open up. To be sure of a space, send in your application and a $100 deposit as soon as you have decided. It is best to call to let us know that your application is coming.
Can my child come with a friend?
The answer is yes… But, we want everyone to be adventurous, try new things and make new friends. So friends should have an agreement in advance to make the most of this experience, not be exclusive, and expand their circle of friends.
How long has Global Youth Village been running?
We have been offering global living experiences for teenagers since 1979 (33 years).
Is there financial assistance available?
Our staff is continuously working to fund more than 50% of the people who come to Global Youth Village. International participants such as those from Iraq and Indonesia will be fully funded by the US State Department in 2011. We raise general scholarship funds (approximately $12,000) every year which are used to provide partial scholarships to US youths who would not normally be able to attend a program such as this.
All of these measures allow us to say that the program population is truly representative of the global expereince. You can find out if you are eligible for assistance. Most assistance is allocated in February.
How do people get to Global Youth Village?
Families living around the area typically drive down. For those youths coming from the Midwest, West Coast, or internationally, flying is the most common means of transportation. Legacy offers a bus service from Washington DC Airports, Roanoke airport and Lynchburg airport to GYV for a small fee. In the city of Lynchburg, VA there is a Greyhound/Amtrak station at which Legacy can pick up youths coming in via bus or train. The station is about a 40 minute drive from GYV.
Can you tell me your facilities and the climate?
The Global Youth Village is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Legacy’s eighty acres of lush woodlands provide a peaceful and safe natural setting. Hiking trails, streams, a pond, flowers, and organic vegetable gardens foster new relationships with nature. Up to ten young people share a wood frame cabin with an adult staff member.
Bathrooms and showers are centrally located near the cabins in the girls’ and boys’ areas. Program facilities include art studios, pottery and ceramics shop, air-conditioned workshop areas, a store, dining hall, outdoor stage, big top tent, health house, basketball court, soccer field, volleyball/badminton court, table tennis, swimming pool, sites for rock climbing instruction, and fire circles. An outdoor stage provides a nice setting for evening programs and games. Temperatures can range from 62 degrees F to 103 degrees F during the day (17 degrees Celsius at night to 40 degrees Celsius during the day).
Can you describe cabin life?
The cabin serves as a home away from home for 8 to 10 young people and a staff member. Cabin groups are carefully mixed and girls and boys cabins are completely separate. In your cabin, there may be as many as five different cultures. The cabin is a place to relax. There is laughter, storytelling, and also much needed sleep. You will always remember your cabin group.
What beliefs and religions are practiced at GYV?
There is a wide range of faiths practiced here. Bahai, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Native American, Quaker, Shinto and other faiths are regularly represented. People are encouraged to do their spiritual or religious practices that are part of their regular routine. There is a special room set aside for prayers, meditation, and reflection. On Friday afternoons, Jumaa prayer is offered for Muslims. On Friday evenings, Shabbath is observed. On Sundays, church trips for those who regularly attend services are arranged.
What kind of food is served at your dining room?
The Global Youth Village menu is an international cuisine that provides yet another venue for cultural exploration. The diet is primarily vegetarian(chicken is served twice a session). At the Global Youth Village, the meals are served “family style” in our dining hall. International dishes are prepared with natural foods and whole grains, with special attention given to the cultural tastes on campus. Legacy can accommodate special diets. Through the dining experience participants:
- explore variety and new foods from around the world
- become flexible and open to new experiences
- learn about better nutrition and balanced diets
- discover what eating low on the food chain entails
Are there any extra expenses beyond the tuition?
Yes, families should be prepared to incur some other expenses such as travel to and from our program site. In the spring, we send a list of recommended clothing. It is the responsibility of each family to make sure that the participant comes properly equipped. We will also bill you a set fee of $30 for the Legacy store which allows your child to purchase 2 snack items a day.
Summer Staff Positions
October 27, 2011
Positions available fall into four main categories: workshop, administrative, counseling and support services (food service, health care). Please spend some time in each category and review the position descriptions in detail before submitting an application.
Green Your World, Dialogue & Peace Building, Crossing Cultures through the Arts
Youth Leadership Coordinator, Youth Activity Coordinator, Special Programs Coordinator, Arts Coordinator, Trip & Youth Services Coordinator, Scheduling Coordinator
Seeking a licensed nurse and a 1st aid certified “lay” health care manager.
Experienced chefs, cooks, sous chefs. Also hiring prep cooks and a pastry chef (trainee) with no experience required.
Food Service Positions
October 26, 2011
Kitchen staff perform a vital function within the Global Youth Village. Food is not only viewed as a source of bodily nourishment, but as a means of expressing one’s culture.
Kitchen staff do not have counseling responsibilities. Yet, as an integral part of the staff team, food service staff are encouraged to participate fully in the Global Youth Village, developing friendships with other staff and young people, while enjoying the cultural, educational, and recreational activities as responsibilities allow.
Legacy’s vegetarian kitchen serves three home-style meals daily to approximately 90 people, with international entrees from countries such as Greece, the Middle East, India, Japan, and Nigeria. During their 8-9 hour workday, all kitchen staff share in the tasks of dish washing, stocking and cleaning, dining hall setup and general orderliness. Positions include:
Cook & Meal Manager
October 20, 2011
Manage overall meal production for Global Youth Village residences and guests, working with a team composed of an assistant and prep cooks while preparing entrees, soups, sauces, baked goods and desserts. Observance, enforce and maintain kitchen sanitation, health and safety procedures. Applicants must have some professional experience within the food service arena, or have extensive experience in various aspects of quantity cooking (preferably vegetarian). Supervisory experience also preferred.
Minimum Qualification:
- Experience as a cook or assistant cook, preferably in an institutional setting
- Training and experience in vegetarian cooking for large groups
- Ability to work well within a team, with daily deadlines.
- Ability to prepare foods for special needs groups (vegans, food allergies, diabetes, etc.) as needed.
- Knowledge of food preparation and service standards, health, safety, and sanitation procedures.
- Some previous supervisory experience (preferably in food service field)
- Fluent in English.
- Minimum High School graduate with at least one year post graduate work experience or education.
- Minimum age: 21
Responsible to: Food Service Director
Specific Responsibilities:
- Work with Food Service Manager to estimate needs, menu changes, special dietary ramifications of particular meals, and to order, receive and store foodstuffs and supplies.
- Give instructions to and monitor the work of the prep cooks, ensuring that the meal is served on time, in the proper quantity, and up to standards of quality and sanitation.
- Oversee seasoning of dishes.
- Oversee deliveries.
- Function as general all-around cook for meals and special events.
- Short order cook or bake as needed.
- Assist in the cleaning and set-up of the food service area at the beginning of season. Assist in kitchen closing at end of season.
- Work as part of the team to maintain sanitary & safety standards throughout the program.
- Evaluate procedures and menus at end of season, making recommendations for next season.
- As wish and able, assist in the design and delivery of select evening programs or other special events on occasion.
- As wish and able, teach occasional afternoon activities or electives or fulfill some other programmatic role of interest.
- Fulfill select other support functions as outlined in the general job description, applicable to all staff (i.e. helping set up and break down facility, etc.)
Essential Functions:
- Physical ability to lift, unload, move food and supplies; lift dishes to their storage location.
- Sensory ability to determine cleanliness of dishes, food contact surfaces, and kitchen area, in addition to assessing condition of food.
- Cognitive and physical ability to operate electrical and mechanical kitchen equipment safely (dish washer, food processors, blenders, etc.).
- Ability to communicate with staff and youth, and provide necessary instruction and training.
- Cognitive and communication abilities to conduct necessary functions of kitchen management.
- Ability to communicate to staff and youths the safety regulations and emergency procedures in case of the need for evaluation of dining hall.