Company description

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment is a fast-growing, national nonprofit organization based on a campus of over 600 acres of coastal farmland in Freeport, Maine. Our work is dedicated to creating a world where agriculture and food systems support farmer viability, thriving ecosystems, and vibrant communities. Through regenerative farming demonstration and training, innovative research,on-the-farm education, and collaborations, Wolfe’s Neck Center works to advance agriculture - on our own farm, regionally, and nationally - to accelerate holistic change in food systems and mitigate the effects of a changing climate.

Job description

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. We believe that Farm Camp is a place where kids have fun in nature, with food, and with animals. Studies have shown that joyful experiences outside as children correlate with increased future environmental stewardship. Early experience in an agricultural setting may also lead to better understanding of food origins and connections with farms, as well as more informed eaters and consumers. Our goal is to provide these opportunities while emphasizing play, exploration, and farm-based activities. Each year, we host hundreds of campers ages 4 to 15 from the local community and out-of-state. The Farm Camp season runs for 10 weeks from June 16 to August 22, 2025

Responsibilities

• 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: Campers over 12 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 here
• Communicate daily updates and concerns regarding camp or campers to the Farm Camp Leadership Team
• Connect with parents and caregivers with updates, positive feedback, answering general questions, and providing behavioral notes as required
• Implement all camp policies, rules, and expectations that help foster an environment of mutual respect, safety, support, and engagement for all campers
• Act as a role model and support for Junior Counselors
• Participate in staff training, weekly staff meetings, and miscellaneous duties that contribute to day-to-day operations including set up and clean up of all daily supplies, equipment, and spaces
• Provide and document basic first aid to campers 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, livestock/garden/science-based activities
• Training in 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)
  First Aid and CPR certification encouraged, but not required

Requirements

This is a full-time, seasonal position, running from June 9 – August 22, 2025. 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 9 - 13
• 10 Weeks of Camp: June 16 - August 22
  Note: There will be no camp on June 19 and July 4 in observance of federal holidays. These are unpaid holidays.
• Optional: August 25 - 29 for End of Summer Break Camp for grades K-5

Counselors must be able to:

• Complete a successful background check prior to hiring
• Legally able to work in the United States (we cannot provide VISA sponsorship)
• Work from the Wolfe’s Neck Center campus in Freeport, ME

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 Store and Farm Café

For more details about our camp and Wolfe’s Neck Center, please visit our website.

Summer 2025 WNC Farm Camp Positions Include: Farm Camp Counselor; Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. Counselor; Farm Camp Lead Counselor; Farm Camp Programs Lead Counselor; Farm Camp Medic

Compensation

this position is: hourly, varies DOE, $16.00 - $17.00

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline