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Hiring: Lead Instructors – Farm and Garden Camp

Farm and Garden Camp in Amherst, MA includes activities in the Children’s Garden, hands-on animal care and productive farm work, an intentional focus on growing the food that we eat, a weekly farm stand for families, and preparing, sharing and celebrating at the Friday Farm Feast. Located on the Hampshire College Campus, the Farm Center serves as a vibrant public resource to connect to our food and explore the rich history of agriculture in the Pioneer Valley. Farm and Garden Camp is a program of The Farm Education Collaborative (TFEC). TFEC designs and delivers authentic agricultural experiences that nurture the connections between families, farms, and food in the Pioneer Valley. Find out more at http://farmandgardencamp.org/.

Lead Instructors are responsible for guiding and supporting campers ages 4-14 through daily farm and garden activities and transitions during each 5-day camp session. They attend mandatory staff training and are expected to work for the duration of the program. Compensation is $12 per hour for new instructors.

 Lead Instructors are responsible for:

  • Supervising and leading a group of campers
  • Guiding and serving as a role model for Jr. CIT helpers and CIT staff
  • Teaching lessons on gardening, agricultural crafts, cooking, and animal care
  • Supervising campers during arrival, meal times and leading choice activities
  • Actively engaging in all camp activities
  • Assisting with other camp activities as needed, including daily set-up and clean-up
  • Attending staff meetings
  • Working full-time for the duration of the program (1 week training + 7 weeks camp)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working with children, preferably in a day camp setting
  • Desire and/or experience working with children in farm and garden settings
  • Ability to plan and implement children’s activities
  • Ability to work both as a team player and independently
  • Creativity, flexibility and patience
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Experience with crafts, cooking, farm animals, and/or gardening
  • Current certification in standard First Aid and CPR (required)

To apply: Send a cover letter describing your interest in our program, your resume, and three letters of recommendation or contact information for three references to farmcampdirector@gmail.com. References are preferably employers who have seen you working with children and/or in agricultural capacities. We begin reviewing applications for all positions in January and conduct interviews starting in February until all positions are filled. The Farm Education Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer.

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