Seasonal Farm Camp Educator (Counselor) (Appleton)

What You'll Do

• Your Impact: As a Camp Educator/Counselor, you are the backbone of camper experiences and hold a special place in this essential summer work.
• Camp is a unique environment for children to develop their sense of self, form social bonds, explore their interests, learn, and have fun.
• With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an educational barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farm Camp offers a uniquely immersive summer experience.
• Campers are introduced to Appleton's historic working farm and expansive landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities.
• Our program for ninety campers ages 4-14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees' expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration.
• You'll lead daily activities that support the camp curriculum including chores in the barnyard and education garden; exploring our historic property and its many wild habitats; learning about food production, sustainability, and ecology; art and craft making; and free play.
• We offer two weeks of collaborative paid training to prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.
• Specifically, you'll:
• Daily supervise and keep campers safe, while having fun and promoting learning.
• With support from camp staff and farm resources, design and implement camp curriculum and activities based on farming, food, sustainability, and the natural world.
• Plan daily age-appropriate activities and farm projects with the camp team.
• Lead plant and animal farm chores with campers in the Learning Garden and Education Barnyard; support fellow staff in the use and maintenance of these spaces.
• Communicate with camper parents regarding camp questions and basic camper information.
• Perform daily camp staff chores to organize, prepare for, and close out each day.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director and Assistant Director to evaluate experience and performance.

Requirements

• Skills and Experience: Holding or working toward a Bachelor's degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, informal educator, and/or childcare provider with children ages 4-14.
• A willingness to learn, bringing passion and enthusiasm to working with young people each day.
• A special interest in outdoor education, especially in a farm-based setting, and a great attitude about working outdoors in all conditions.
• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required; an on-site training option will be provided.
• A desire and ability to share your passion for the natural world with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be at least 17 years old by the first day of camp.
• Full availability for camp staff training weeks and all weeks of camp, June 8-August 21; our work week is 35-40 hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM-4:00pm plus Wednesday staff meetings until 4:00PM.
• Reliable transportation to work every day.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
• Proof of physical exam within 18 months and required immunizations, as mandated by Massachusetts Camp Regulations.