Farm Camp Counselor / Educator

About Our Farm:

Hart to Hart Farm is a 285-acre organic dairy farm in central Maine. 1.5 hours from Portland, and just half an hour from beautiful coastal Belfast, spend the summer working on our farm and engaging with youth from the community. Our mission is to foster awareness of farm stewardship, growing healthy foods, and the importance of sustainable, local agriculture, through education and experience. We believe hands-on education can plant future seeds that will help all people become better stewards of the Earth. If you want to be part of this work, we hope you join us this summer! The farm includes a historic barn, outbuildings for chickens, goats, sheep, horses, rabbits, and a free-stall barn which is home to 130 dairy cows. Scenic pastures, organic gardens and orchard, ponds, wetlands, forests, and farm provide an ideal camp setting to explore.

About the Job:

Our commitment to education and community engagement extends to our upcoming summer camp, where we aim to provide a unique and enriching experience for children to learn about farming, sustainability, and the joy of the outdoors. We are seeking qualified individuals to teach sustainable agriculture and environmental lessons utilizing our gardens, farm, fields, forests, and ponds. Educators collaborate to inspire and engage campers ages 5 – 13 to build lifelong, meaningful relationships with the natural world on an organic farm. Campers participate in farm chores, gardening, and cooking as well as a wide range of environmental and agricultural activities. You will play a pivotal role in creating a memorable and educational experience for camp participants. You will lead farm-based activities, facilitate hands-on learning, and ensure a safe and engaging environment for campers to explore the wonders of agriculture.

We are offering a unique opportunity to build your own skills and passions, and help craft a summer of opportunities for youth to learn from and grow with you!

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan and co-teach a range of outdoor farm and environmental activities through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Topics are taught through exploration, games, art, songs, and stories and include but are not limited to:
• • animal care and feeding
  • gardening
  • sustainability
  • insects
  • birds
  • soil science
  • freshwater ecology
  • wetland ecology
  • forest ecology
  • art
  • cooking
• Set up and clean up all supplies and equipment
• Role model healthy living, positive energy, clear communication, and good stewardship of the environment
• Participate in daily farm chores with campers
• One overnight outing with campers attending Farm Extravaganza
• Participate in one family program and school field trips
• Participate in staff training, weekly staff meetings, community chores, and miscellaneous maintenance duties to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the camp
• Implement all camp policies, rules, and regulations
• Provide first aid to campers according to camp policy
• Reset and clean camp space, bathrooms, and kitchen as a team at the end of each day and session
• Supervise Junior Counselors in Training who are assigned to your group
• Communicate and report to the Camp Director daily updates and any concerns regarding the camp or campersJob Qualifications:
• Passion for sustainable farming, agriculture, and environmental education.
• Previous experience working with children ages 5 -13 years in a camp or educational setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with a good sense of humor
• A willingness to get dirty, hike, work with farm animals, and dig in the garden
• Knowledge in sustainable farming/gardening and/or environment education (strengths can be in one or the other – animal husbandry a bonus)
• Must be patient, fun-loving, creative, enthusiastic, and confident in their ability to motivate and assist campers in learning new knowledge and skills while creating a safe environment
• Excellent multitasker, and team player, with a genuine passion for working with and empowering young people.
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds
• CPR and First Aid certification
• Minimum of 17 years old

Schedule:

This is a seasonal position during the summer camp period. The position runs for 9 weeks from June 8th – August 8th and includes 1 week of mandatory staff training. Some weekend prep work may be required with advance notice.

Compensation:

Compensation includes a furnished room in the farmhouse (a $800 value based on area housing options for studios), all meals included with lodging, and a $360 -$400/week stipend (additional compensation based on education and experience). Option to leave at last week of camp if returning to school. Individuals not needing room & board will be offered a competitive salary. Excellent opportunity for an paid internship.