Seasonal Farm Camp Educator (Counselor)

The Trustees of Reservations • Edgartown, MA

8d • $17 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

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. Through daily barnyard and garden chores, projects, and games, our campers make real-life connections that strengthen their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us. As a camp educator, you’ll have a fun, energetic, and meaningful experience that also comes with real responsibility. You’ll be trusted to keep campers safe, engaged, and supported throughout the day, a big responsibility but one that you won’t be navigating alone. With thorough training, clear expectations, and a supportive leadership team, you’ll grow as a leader while making an impact that truly matters. As a Camp Educator (also referred to as Farm-Based Educators or FBEs), you are the backbone of camper experiences and hold an important place in this special work, as camp is a unique environment for children to develop their sense of self, form social bonds, explore their interests, learn, and have fun. You will work both collaboratively with your fellow staff, as well as independently with your own camper group while improving your teaching, organizational, and leadership skills. Daily routines include educational activities, games, and chores in the garden, barn, and pastures; learning about local food production, sustainability, and ecology; arts and crafts; and free play. Two weeks of paid collaborative training prepares our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.

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.
• 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.

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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees