Farm Camp Buds Lead Counselor

Seeds of Peace Camp; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Campground rentals (tent sites, bikes,

Farm Store discount

Job summary

Wolfe’s Neck Center in Freeport, ME invites applications for Farm Camp Counselors to support the Farm Camp program running June 8 – August 21, 2026. You will co-lead Buds age 4 group, teach hands-on farm activities, and supervise campers with a focus on safety and curiosity.

This full-time seasonal role requires experience in early childhood education, outdoor learning, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather. CPR/First Aid encouraged; housing may be available.

Qualifications

• Experience in early childhood education, outdoors or experiential learning.
• Ability to lead arts/crafts, nature exploration, cooking and farm activities.
• Knowledge of sustainable agriculture or environmental topics encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead Buds (age 4) activities and supervise campers.
• Plan and implement farm-based education with safety and structure.
• Support social, emotional, and behavioral needs of campers.
• Communicate updates to leadership and families; follow camp policies.
• Train with staff, join weekly meetings, and help with daily operations.

Skills

Early childhood education

Outdoor experience

Arts and crafts

Nature exploration

Cooking activities

Gardening

Livestock/garden/science activities

Sustainable agriculture

Environmental science

Culinary arts

Job description

About Wolfe’s Neck Center

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture & the Environment is building an ecologically and economically resilient food system in the Northeast through regenerative agriculture. Based on a diversified, organic farm of over 600 conserved acres on the coast of Maine, our nonprofit works to accelerate food systems change through public education, farmer training and market development, and agricultural research and innovation. With its demonstration farm, oceanfront campground, wooded trails, and historic buildings, our vibrant campus serves as a unique hub for education and exploration.

Farm Camp Description and Philosophy

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 15 to August 21, 2026

Responsibilities

The Farm Camp Buds Lead Counselor will be responsible for the following:

• Co‑lead the following age groups: Buds (age 4)
• Take lead on teaching, planning, and implementing 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
• Take lead for all social, emotional, and behavioral needs of campers
• 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 and co‑counselor
• 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
• Co‑leading one hour of Before Care and one hour of After Care on an every other week schedule

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Working professionally in early childhood education, 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
  • Supporting Pre‑K children’s social, emotional, and behavioral needs, ideally in a formal setting (ie in a school or at another institution)
• 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

Benefits

Compensation includes:

• Pay range of $17.50 - $19.00 per hour, to be paid on a semimonthly basis on the 5th and 20th of the month
• 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

Non-Discriminatory Selection Process

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment welcomes a diverse pool of candidates. In accordance with federal Equal Opportunity laws, Wolfe’s Neck Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, sexual orientation including gender identity or expression, veteran status, or physical or mental disability in the hiring of its employees. Applicants are selected based on their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, prior work experience, and references from previous employers.

American With Disabilities Statement

Applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. This job description summarizes the primary duties and responsibilities of the role and may change as business needs evolve. It is not an employment contract and does not guarantee employment for any specific period; employment is at will, in accordance with applicable laws.

Work Environment

• This position requires frequent walking between offices, camp areas, and field positions such as our forest, pastures, barns, and garden
• Must be comfortable working in varied weather conditions and agricultural settings
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and limited computer work may be required

Requirements

This is a full‑time, seasonal position, running from June 8 – August 21, 2026. A commitment to the entire training and camp season is required. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4:30 pm. There will be a brief staff meeting held every Wednesday after camp that might result in a later departure time.

• Staff Training: June 8 - 12 + 2 paid hours of virtual training to be completed prior to the start of staff training
• 10 Weeks of Camp: June 15 - August 21
  • Note: There will be no camp on June 19 and July 4 in observance of federal holidays. These are unpaid holidays.
• Optional: August 24 - 28 for End of Summer Vacation 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

Farm Camp Counselors will report to the Farm Camp Manager and be part of the Visitor Education and Experience Department.