Farm Camp Counselor

About Our Organization 

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment is dedicated to transforming relationships between farming and food for a healthier planet. We are a farm-based education, research, and visitor center situated on 626 acres of farmland, forest, and rocky coast in Freeport, Maine. Our campus consists of an organic dairy program, livestock barns, fruit and vegetable production, an oceanfront campground, and miles of wooded hiking trails. As a working farm located within a unique mix of ecosystems, we offer a remarkable and inspiring place for visitors to learn, play, and connect while empowering people of all ages to engage with their food. 

Farm Camp 

At Farm Camp, kids engage in hands-on learning that immerses them in sustainable agriculture and the environment. From caring for livestock, tending (and tasting) what is in our gardens, and exploring our surrounding ecosystems, campers fill their days with discovery. While emphasizing play, exploration, and farm-based activities, campers try new things, gain confidence, and grow in their individual relationship with farming and food. Each year, we host hundreds of campers ages 4-15 from the local community and out-of-state. The Farm Camp season runs for 10 weeks from June 17 to August 23, 2024. 

Role & Responsibilities 

Farm Camp Counselors will be responsible for the following: 

• Co-supervise one of the following age groups: Buds (age 4), Peapods (age 5), Sprouts (ages 6-7), Seedlings (ages 8-9), or Farm Kids (ages 10-11)
• Note: Our 12+ campers participate in a different program called Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F.
• Lead farm-based education activities, providing appropriate structure and supervision
• Activities are hands-on and inquiry-based and include daily farm chores, gardening, soil science, cooking, and wool crafts – these can be taken from existing curriculum or created and implemented by staff.
• Create and lead activities based on interests and experiences for mixed age groups during afternoon “Choice Time”.
• See copy of the general schedule under our “Farm Camp Schedule” FAQ.
• Communicate daily updates and concerns regarding camp or campers to the Farm Camp Leadership Team
• Connect with parents and caregivers with updates, answering general questions, and providing behavioral notes as required
• Act as a role model and support for Junior Counselors
• Participate in staff training, weekly staff meetings, and miscellaneous duties that contribute to the day-to-day operation of the camp including set up and clean up of all daily supplies and equipment.
• Implement all camp policies and expectations that help foster an environment of mutual respect, safety, support, and engagement for all campers
• Provide and document basic first aid according to camp policy and level of training

Qualifications 

Experience: 

• Working with youth, especially in an experiential or outdoor setting
• Leading any of the following activities: arts and crafts, nature exploration, cooking, and science-based activities
• Experience with and/or knowledge of any of the following: sustainable agriculture, farming, environmental science, gardening, livestock, or culinary arts

Skills: 

• Create, plan, and lead summer camp activities that are age-appropriate, engaging, and fun
• Build positive relationships with and between campers, staff, and parents
• Manage risk, exercise judgment, and adapt with a keen eye for safety on a working farm
• Take initiative, be creative, and communicate effectively
• Willingness to learn about and handle farm animals, get your hands dirty in the garden, and actively engage in all camp activities
• Ability to work outside in a variety of environments and weather (including heat, humidity, and rain)
• Wolfe’s Neck Center follows Maine CDC guidelines for COVID-19 protocols and expects all employees to be willing to adhere to those recommendations
• First Aid and CPR certification encouraged, but not required

Terms of Employment 

This is a full-time, seasonal position, running from June 10 – August 23, 2024. A commitment to the entire training and camp season is required. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday 8am – 4:30pm. There will be a brief staff meeting held every Wednesday after camp that might result in a later departure time. 

• Staff Training: June 10 – 14
• 10 Weeks of Camp: June 17 – August 23
• Note: There will be no camp on June 19 and July 4 in observance of federal holidays. These are unpaid holidays.

Compensation includes: 

• Pay range of $16.00 – $17.50 per hour, to be paid on a bi-weekly basis
• Potential for low-cost, on-site housing (limited availability)
• Free or discounted rentals at our campground, including tent sites, bikes, kayaks, and canoes (dependent on availability)
• Discount in the Farm Café and Farm Store.

Documentation establishing your right to work in the United States is required along with the completion of a successful background check.