Farm Camp Counselor/Sustainable Ag Intern in Ohio

Posted on January 4, 2015 by in Education, Farming, Internships // 0 Comments

Junior Farm Camp Counselor/Sustainable Agriculture Intern wanted at Gorman Heritage Farm in Cincinnati, Ohio

Internship Description: Gorman Heritage Farm is seeking four (4) paid Junior Camp Counselors/Interns to join our creative, experienced, and dedicated staff for 12 weeks during the summer of 2015.

Junior counselors will gain valuable experience in farm-based education.

Gorman Heritage Farm is an educational working farm in the Village of Evendale, just north of Cincinnati, Ohio. This 122 acre non-profit farm provides the opportunity to explore and learn the history, methods, and values of a working family farm in a natural setting.

• The Junior Counselor’s primary responsibility is to assist Senior Counselors in leading ten week-long sessions of farm camp. Junior Counselors will gain experience with campers from a variety of backgrounds and ages (4-15 years). Camps focus on daily farm chores, hands-on nature exploration, and camp favorites like songs, games, and crafts.

• Junior Counselors will gain experience working in a cooperative, supportive, and educational working environment.

• They will have the opportunity to lead activities and assist in planning camp activities.

• Junior Counselors will learn about and participate in farm operations and animal care. They will also have the opportunity to assist with public special events on the farm.

• There will be opportunities to share one’s own skills and experiences with campers, volunteers, staff, and interns from other local organizations.

• Junior Counselors receive one week of paid training. There will also be a paid team building activity/trip during the week of July 4th.

• Junior Counselors will have the opportunity to participate in workshops/classes pertaining to different environmental issues.

• Junior Counselors will have the opportunity to plan and implement small projects relating to sustainability on the Farm.

Gorman Heritage Farm promotes:

• Hands-on education for people of all ages (particularly local students) about agriculture, local habitats, and the value of manual labor

• The preservation of a distinct regional identity and local traditions, specifically the history of

Gorman Heritage Farm and the values of the Gorman family that helped it flourish

• An understanding of modern food systems and how sustainable agriculture, the consumption of locally grown food, and responsible land use can support a healthy society

• The entrepreneurial spirit that seeks new avenues for self-sustaining business opportunities

• Community building that highlights the essential connections between people, land, and meaningful labor

General and Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist Senior Counselors in leading a group of 6-11 campers around the farm, assist in leading small and large group activities, and help supervise campers’ participation in structured activities

• Responsible for knowing the location of all of your campers during camp hours

• Demonstrate sensitivity to and fulfill the needs of the campers to the best of your ability

• Interact appropriately with campers in a variety of situations

• Appropriately model behavior and use positive behavior-management techniques, including: enthusiasm, positive attitude, patience, a sense of humor, and self-control

• Help with morning set-up and afternoon clean-up of camp areas

• Required attendance at the scheduled training sessions and after-camp staff meetings

• Responsible for being active in all aspects of camp preparation and implementation

• Plan and lead activities for campers throughout the camp week

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with children

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age by May 26th

• A marked ability to assist in planning and implementing programs for campers

• Ability to work as a member of a team and also independently

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated interest in the environment, sustainability, agriculture and education

• Passion for the natural world and working with children

• Flexibility and creativity

• Special skills and experience such as playing musical instruments, singing, or crafts is a plus but not required

Experience: Experience with children, camp, and animals preferred

Responsible to: Senior Farm Camp Counselors & Camp Director

Location: 10052 Reading Road, Evendale, OH (just north of Cincinnati city limits)

Duration: May 26th—August 14, 2015 (12 weeks)

Hours: 40 hours per week; 8:00am – 4:00pm M-F; 30 minute lunch break each day

Training:

• May 30th is a mandatory training day from 8:00am – 3:30pm at Gorman Heritage Farm.

• Camp Training Week is May 26th through May 30th. If you are available please come after school until 4:00pm each day for further training.

Compensation: $1,300 – $1,500 stipend for the summer based on experience

Application Procedure: Visit https://www.GormanFarm.org/camp-jobs to apply. You will need to submit a cover letter and resume. Please email these materials to our Camp Director at camp@gormanfarm.org.

Accepting Applications: We will start accepting applications Monday, January 12th, 2015
Deadline: Ongoing, until positions are filled