Farm Camp Programs 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 discount

Store discounts

Job summary

Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment in Freeport, ME seeks a Farm Camp Programs Lead Counselor to create and lead daily farm, garden, or cooking activities for younger campers, and to support counselors with social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

You will collaborate with the Farm Camp Manager, participate in staff trainings and meetings, assist with curriculum implementation and daily operations, and help ensure safety and engagement during the 2025 season (June 4 – August

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in experiential or outdoor settings.
• Ability to create, plan, and lead age-appropriate camp activities.
• Willingness to learn about farm operations and animal care.
• First Aid and CPR certification encouraged, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Create and lead daily farm/garden/cooking activities for younger campers (ages 4–9).
• Lead afternoon mixed-age activities during Choice Time for several days weekly.
• Support counselors with campers’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Assist with program operations and curriculum implementation.
• Provide staff coverage and substitute when needed.

Skills

Youth experience

Outdoor activities

Communication

Safety awareness

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.

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.

Responsibilities

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

• Create and lead daily farm, garden, or cooking‑based activities for younger campers (ages 4 to 9) during “Farm Focus Time” - these can be taken from existing curriculum or created and implemented by Programs Lead Counselor
• Create and lead activities based on interests and experiences for mixed age groups during afternoon “Choice Time” for a predetermined number of days each week
  
  • See copy of the general schedule here
• Support counselors with social, emotional, and behavioral needs of campers in conjunction with Farm Camp Manager
• Support program operations and logistics such as leading camp‑wide activities and helping with curriculum implementation
• Provide additional staff support, substitute into programs, and counselor coverage as needed
• Connect with parents and caregivers with updates, positive feedback, answering general questions, and providing behavioral notes as required
• Communicate daily updates and concerns regarding camp or campers to the Farm Camp Leadership Team
• Role model positive energy, engagement in activities, clear communication, and enthusiasm for camp
• 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
• Uphold all camp policies, rules, and regulations that help foster an environment of mutual respect, safety, support, and engagement for all campers
• 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 and teens, especially in an experiential or outdoor setting
  • Leading any of the following activities: arts and crafts, nature exploration, cooking, livestock/garden/science‑based activities, and leadership initiatives
  • Training in and/or knowledge of any of the following: sustainable agriculture, farming, environmental science, gardening, livestock, or culinary arts
  • Supporting youth and teen’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
  • Comfort with behavior management and group leadership
• 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

Work Environment

• Field‑based position requires frequent walking between office areas and field positions.
• Must be comfortable working in varied weather conditions and agricultural settings.
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and computer work may be required.

Requirements

This is a full‑time, seasonal position, running from June 4 – August 21, 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 4 - 12 (not including weekend) + 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.