Farm Camp Counselor/Sustainable Agriculture Intern in Ohio
Senior Farm Camp Counselor/Sustainable Agriculture Intern at Gorman Heritage Farm in Cincinnati, Ohio
Internship Description: Gorman Heritage Farm is seeking six (6) paid summer interns to join our creative, experienced, and dedicated staff for 12 weeks in the summer of 2015.
Interns will gain valuable experience in farm-based environmental education.
Description of Site:
Gorman Heritage Farm is an educational working farm in the Village of Evendale, just north of Cincinnati, Ohio. This 122-acre not-for-profit farm provides people the opportunity to explore and learn the history, methods, and values of a working family farm in a natural setting.
Interns’ primary responsibility is to lead nine week-long sessions of farm camp as well as planning theme camps, leading tours, and working in our gardens and farmyard. Interns will guide campers from a variety of backgrounds and ages (4—15 years). Camps focus on daily farm chores, hands-on nature exploration, garden and cooking activities, and camp favorites like songs, games, and crafts.
Interns will gain experience working in a cooperative, supportive, and educational working environment with other interns and farm staff.
Interns will use their creativity and skills to plan and lead at least one, one-week themed camp such as a cooking, art, science, or wilderness camp.
Interns will gain valuable mentorship and leadership/management skills working with Junior Counselors (ages 16—18) and Counselors-in-Training (ages 13—15).
Interns will learn about and participate in farm operations and animal care. During non-camp time, interns will be given the opportunity to: work with our gardeners, farmers and volunteers; to grow, harvest, and market produce using organic methods; and produce eggs and meat using family-scale methods.
Interns will participate in workshops/classes pertaining to different environmental issues.
Interns will plan and implement small projects relating to sustainability on the Farm.
Interns will also assist with at least one public weekend special event.
There will be opportunities to share one’s own skills and experiences with campers, volunteers, staff, and interns from other local organizations.
Interns receive one full week of paid training and team building. There will also be one paid week of team building during the week of July 4th.
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 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:
Lead a group of 6—11 campers around the farm, lead small and large group activities, and 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 and staff in a variety of situations
Appropriately model behavior and use positive behavior-management techniques, including: enthusiasm, a positive attitude, patience, a sense of humor, and self-control
Mentor Junior Counselors and Counselors-in-Training
Help with morning set-up and afternoon clean-up of camp areas
Required attendance at the scheduled training sessions and camp staff meetings
Responsible for being an active part of all activities (i.e. lunchtime games, egg collecting, produce harvesting)
Plan at least one themed camp
Participate in workshops and projects with other counselors to build a better understanding of life on a working Farm as well as build different skill sets in a variety of topics in local/sustainable agriculture and environmental education
Work at least one day of an event weekend
Desired Qualifications:
Previous experience working with children preferably in a day camp setting
Preferred applicants will have completed at least one year of college
A marked ability to plan programs and conduct activities
Ability to work as a member of a team and also work independently
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated interest in the environment, agriculture, sustainability, and education
Creativity and open-mindedness
The ability to be flexible and “go-with-the-flow”
Special skills and experiences such as playing musical instruments, singing, cooking, arts or crafts is a plus but not required
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
Current certifications in standard first aid and community CPR are preferred
Experience: Experience with children, farming and/or gardening preferred or related college experience
Responsible to: Katie Murtaugh, Camp Director
Location: 10052 Reading Rd. Evendale, OH (just north of Cincinnati city limits)
Duration: May 26th—August 15, 2014
Hours: 40 hours per week; 8:00am – 4:00pm M-F.
Compensation: $2,600 – $3000 stipend based on experience (on-site housing provided)
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 Katie Murtaugh at camp@gormanfarm.org. She can be contacted with questions at (513) 563-6663 ext. 109
Accepting Applications: We will start accepting applications Monday, January 12th, 2015
Deadline: Ongoing, until positions are filled
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