Seasonal Farm Camp Educator (Counselor)

About the role

The Farm Institute's Farm Camp creates a safe, accessible, fun, inclusive and enriching educational environment for all sixty campers ages 4-13 to engage in authentic farm activities. As a camp educator, you'll have a fun, energetic, and meaningful experience that also comes with real responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Support the wellbeing and learning of self, campers, and fellow staff.
• Design and implement curriculum based on food, farming, and resource management with support from The FARM Institute staff.
• Lead an age-specific group of campers for week-long programs: Ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-13.
• Manage Farm-Based Educators in Training (CITs, aged 14-17) as part of your group.
• Plan daily developmentally appropriate activities and design weekly farm projects.
• Lead plant and animal farm chores with campers in the Friendship Garden and pastures; support fellow staff in the use and maintenance of spaces.
• Maintain reflection and planning worksheets.
• Communicate with parents regarding camp questions, basic camper information, and farm awareness.
• Lead group presentations during our weekly Farm Fridays.
• Perform daily facility chores and lead daily classroom cleanup.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance.

Requirements

• Holding or working toward a Bachelor's degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, nutrition, or other relevant course of study is preferred.
• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability; a willingness to learn.
• Gardening, cooking, livestock handling, environmental education, fiber arts, or carpentry.
• Desire and ability to share your passion for the natural world with children from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to work outdoors with children in all summer weather conditions.
• Reliable transportation to work each day.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds.
• This position can fulfill internship credits for relevant majors.
• Must be 18+ years of age by the start of camp.
• Full availability for staff training (June 8-18) and all weeks of camp (June 22-August 21), Mondays-Fridays, 8:30AM-3:30PM; extra work hours are required for Meals in the Meadow, our annual farm to table fundraiser on a Saturday.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications are required; on-site training option provided.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Skills and experience: Holding or working toward a Bachelor's degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, nutrition, or other relevant course of study is preferred.
• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability; a willingness to learn.
• Gardening, cooking, livestock handling, environmental education, fiber arts, or carpentry.
• Desire and ability to share your passion for the natural world with children from diverse backgrounds.
• The ability to work outdoors with children in all summer weather conditions.
• Reliable transportation to work each day.
• The ability to lift 50 pounds.
• This position can fulfill internship credits for relevant majors.
• Must be 18+ years of age by the start of camp.
• Full availability for staff training (June 8-18) and all weeks of camp (June 22-August 21), Mondays-Fridays, 8:30AM-3:30PM; extra work hours are required for Meals in the Meadow, our annual farm to table fundraiser on a Saturday.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications are required; on-site training option provided.
• 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.

Skills

• Environmental education.
• Outdoor recreation.
• Health and safety.
• Childhood development.
• Communication.
• Collaboration.
• Critical thinking & problem solving.
• Leadership.
• Empathy.
• Resilience.
• Work ethic.

Benefits

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.
• Equal Opportunity and Diversity: The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

Pay

Hourly Rate: $17.00-$19.00/hour Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

Schedule

Hours per week: 35-40 hours/week, Mondays-Fridays, 8:30AM-3:30PM

Pay

Hourly Rate: $17.00-$19.00/hour Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

Location

Location: The FARM Institute, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA