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

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

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, leadership initiatives
  • Training in and/or knowledge of any of the following: sustainable agriculture, farming, environmental science, gardening, livestock, culinary arts, or camping

• 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 in the kitchen, cooking with others,  and knowledge of food, kitchen skills, and safety (can be informal)
  • Comfort in campsite preparation and gear upkeep
  • Comfort canoeing and guiding or teaching others how to canoe (canoe guiding experience preferred)
• Ability to work and sleep outside in a variety of environments and weather (including heat, humidity, and rain)
• At least one of the Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. counselors must hold a WFA  certification
• At least one of the Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. counselors must hold a lifeguard certification
• At least one of the Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. counselors must be over the age of 21

Work Environment

• This position requires frequent walking between offices, camp areas, and field positions such as our forest, pastures, barns, and garden
• Must be comfortable working in varied weather conditions and agricultural settings
• Prolonged sitting, standing, and limited computer work may be required

Requirements

This is a full-time, seasonal position, running from June 4 – August 21, 2026. A commitment to the entire training and camp season is required. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, 8am – 4:30pm, with the exception of the overnight for Farmward Bound.  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.

Benefits 

Compensation includes:

• A stipend of $1,853-$2,070, 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

To Apply 

Please submit online: Farm Camp Staff Application, Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. Questionnaire, and upload your resume.

• Your resume should include: contact information, education details, brief outline and list of work/volunteer/related experience, applicable skills, certifications with expiration dates

For more details about our camp and Wolfe’s Neck Center, please visit our website. If you have questions about the position and application process, please contact Katie Williams, Farm Camp Manager, at kwilliams@wolfesneck.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Summer 2026 WNC Farm Camp Positions Include: Farm Camp Counselor; Farmward Bound/C.H.E.F. Counselor; Farm Camp Lead Counselor; Farm Camp Programs Lead Counselor; Farm Camp Buds Lead Counselor; Farm Camp Medic; Assistant Farm Camp Manager

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.