Farm Camp Counselor

Seeds of Peace Camp; Freeport (ME); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing (limited)

Campground rentals (tent sites, bikes,

Camp store & cafe discounts

Job summary

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment seeks a Farm Camp Counselor to lead youth activities on our farm in Freeport, ME. Responsibilities include supervising age groups, leading hands-on farm education, and coordinating with staff and parents for a safe, engaging experience.

The role runs June 8–August 21, 2026, is full-time seasonal, with training week and regular meetings. Weekly hours are 8am–4:30pm, with occasional after-care duties and paid training hours.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in experiential or outdoor settings.
• Ability to lead farm-based activities and maintain safety.
• Willingness to learn about farm animals and garden work.

Responsibilities

• Co‑lead one of the following age groups: Buds (4), Peapods (5), Sprouts (6–7), Seedlings (8–9), or Farm Kids (10–11).
• Lead farm-based education activities, provide structure and supervision.
• Create and lead afternoon activities during “Choice Time” based on interests.
• Communicate daily updates to the Farm Camp Leadership Team and with parents.
• Implement camp policies and serve as a role model for Junior Counselors.
• Participate in staff trainings and help with daily setup/cleanup; provide basic first aid as trained.

Skills

Activity planning

Relationship building

Risk management

Communication

Farm animals & garden

Job description

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

The responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. If you do not fit this description perfectly but believe that you would be a good fit for this position, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Role & Responsibilities

Farm Camp Counselors will be responsible for the following:

• Co‑lead 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
• Co‑leading one hour of Before Care and one hour of After Care on an every other week schedule

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 livestock/garden/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)
• First Aid and CPR certification encouraged, but not required

Benefits

Compensation includes:

• Pay range of $16.50 - $18.00 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

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, 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 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.

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.

For more details about our camp and Wolfe’s Neck Center, please visit our website. If you have questions about the position and application process, please contact Katie Williams, Farm Camp Manager, at [e-mail]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.