Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. Counselor

Seeds of Peace Camp; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Wolfe's Neck Center is seeking Camp Counselors for Farm Camp programs in Maine. Counselors will engage campers aged 4–15 with hands-on farming, gardening, and environmental activities, including livestock care, garden tastings, and exploring coastal ecosystems. The role emphasizes play, exploration, and farm-based learning during a 10‑week season.

Camp programs like Farmward Bound and C.H.E.F. focus on leadership, teamwork, and practical skills in cooking and farming.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead Farmward Bound and C.H.E.F groups for youths aged 12–15.
• Co-lead farm and cooking activities with structure and supervision.
• Facilitate weekly excursions to Wolfe’s Neck State Park and canoe trips offshore.
• Coordinate daily chores, harvesting, cooking, crafts, and soil science activities.
• Lead evening care sessions and support overnight/overnight programming as scheduled.
• Maintain safety, cleanliness, and organization of gear and spaces.
• Communicate updates to leadership and families, and participate in staff meetings.

Skills

Counseling

Leadership

First aid/CPR

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.

About Farmward Bound

Farmward Bound campers immerse themselves in our farm production through meaningful projects in our fields and with our livestock. They will learn more about our sustainable farming practices and participate in the many steps it takes to go from farm to table. The group will expand their exploration of Wolfe’s Neck during a weekly excursion to Wolfe’s Neck State Park. These campers can participate in an optional one‑night overnight on the farm, typically held Thursday into Friday. This program only runs for 8 out of the 10 weeks of the summer and will be supplemented by two weeks of our C.H.E.F program.

About C.H.E.F.

Cook. Harvest. Eat. Farm! This group of campers will transform into farm‑based chefs over the course of their week here. They will get a closer look at what it takes to produce the food we eat – visiting and working in our gardens and vegetable fields and harvesting produce. They will then take to the kitchen to learn how to prepare what was picked, the basics of knife and food safety, and different cooking techniques. Whether campers come in with cooking experience or are total novices, our goal is for each one to leave a little more comfortable in the kitchen and with a better understanding of farm to table. Note: There is NOT an overnight component to this program. It does not include an overnight and will only take place during Weeks 6 and 7 (July 20 to July 24 and July 27 to July 31).

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

Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F Counselors will be responsible for the following:

• Co-lead the following groups: Farmward Bound (ages 12-13) and C.H.E.F. (ages 12-15)
• Co-lead farm and cooking‑based activities and provide appropriate structure and supervision
  • Activities are hands‑on and inquiry‑based and include daily farm chores, harvesting, cooking, preparing meals, crafts, soil science, and wool crafts. These can be taken from existing curriculum or created and implemented by staff.
• Co-lead a 1-night FWB overnight each week on the property – note that the two weeks of C.H.E.F. programming does not include an overnight
• Facilitate weekly excursion to Wolfe’s Neck State Park
• Guide weekly canoe trip off coast of farm, teaching proper paddling techniques and safety
• Create and lead activities based on interests and experiences for mixed age groups during afternoon "Choice Time"
  • See copy of the general schedule here
• Prepare and manage food and gear for overnight and canoeing keeping storage spaces clean and organized
• Introduce leadership skills including listening, communication, team building, and peaceful conflict resolution
• 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
• 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
• Implement all camp policies, rules, and expectations 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