The Center’s Farm and Ranch Camp programs offer a unique opportunity to live, learn, work, play, and grow in an environment where people, animals, and the land are treated with care and respect. This guiding philosophy has shaped our camping programs for more than 80 years. In a world that often emphasizes speed, convenience, and individualism, The Center remains rooted in compassion, cooperation, and character development. Our programs nurture a deep respect for all people and the natural world, encouraging campers and staff alike to slow down, connect, and grow with intention.
Serving as a Summer Camp Counselor at The Children’s Farm is a meaningful and rewarding experience. Counselors lead campers through farm chores, horseback riding, outdoor exploration, and creative activities while supporting the development of confidence, independence, and responsibility. Living and working on-site fosters a strong, supportive community where counselors build leadership skills, gain hands-on experience in outdoor and experiential education, and form lasting connections. Many counselors leave with lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and experiences that continue to influence their personal and professional lives long after the summer ends.
Camp Counselor Opportunities at The Children’s Farm
Junior Farmers Counselor: Guides young campers in hands-on farm experiences and nature based activities. Creates a warm, patient, and encouraging learning environment on the farm. Leads two separate one-hour classes for ages 3 through 5 in the mornings and a three-hour class each afternoon for ages 6 through 8. This role may be residential or daytime only. Residential applicants will join our overnight camps each evening and will participate in evening programs, support cabin groups, and assist with overnight supervision.
Farm Explorers Counselor: Guides campers ages 7-10 through a full day of farm adventures, including animal care, barn chores, crafts, hikes, games, group activities, and more. Builds a supportive community and models respect for nature and all living things. This role may be residential or daytime only. Residential applicants will participate in evening activities, support cabin groups, and assist with overnight supervision.
Farm Camp Counselor: Works with campers in grades 4th through 8th during a five-night residential program. Leads barn chores, outdoor exploration, crafts, games, and evening programs that help campers build independence and confidence. Fosters a strong cabin community and supports cooperative living in a rustic setting. Overnight duties include supervising a cabin of same gender campers, supporting bedtime routines, and ensuring camper safety and comfort throughout the night.
Outdoor Adventure for Teens (OATs) Counselor: Leads teens in grades 8 through 10 through twelve-night adventure based programming such as hiking, outdoor skills, shelter building, farm animal connections, challenge activities, and offsite trips. Encourages teamwork, confidence, and respect for the natural world. During the daytime hours, OATS operates as its own co-ed program. After daytime programming, OATS and Ranch campers join together for shared evening activities before transitioning into gender specific bunkhouses for the night. Overnight duties include supervising a same gender bunkhouse, guiding evening routines, and ensuring camper safety and comfort.
Ranch Camp Counselor: Leads a group of teens in grades 8 through 10 during a twelve-night residential horse-centered program. Guides campers through barn chores, grooming, tacking, riding lessons, trail rides, outdoor activities, crafts, and group games. Builds a positive and inclusive bunkhouse community while helping teens grow in horsemanship, teamwork, and appreciation for nature. During the daytime hours, Ranch Camp operates as its own co-ed program. After daytime programming, Ranch and OATS campers join together for shared evening activities before transitioning into gender specific bunkhouses for the night. Overnight duties include supervising a same gender bunkhouse, guiding evening routines, and ensuring camper safety and comfort.
Equine Specialist/Wrangler: Teaches beginner riding lessons and supports horse activities for Farm Explorers and Farm Camp. Leads grooming, tacking, basic horsemanship instruction, and ensures safe riding practices. Helps with daily barn routines and works closely with counselors to encourage confidence, responsibility, and respect for horses. This role may be residential or daytime only. Residential applicants may assist with evening activities and cabin support as needed.
Program Director: Provides leadership and support across all programs. Assists counselors with daily activities, coordinates schedules and logistics, supervises Counselors in Training, leads meals in the dining room, and plans and coordinates evening activities with the support of other staff. Ensures that each program reflects our camp mission of respect for others, care for nature and animals, and cooperative community living. Supports overnight staff and assists with creating a safe, structured, and positive residential environment.