The Earth Stewards program is designed for campers ages 12 to 16 to experience Hawthorne Valley as “junior apprentices”. They spend their mornings in workstations across the campus, working alongside farmers, cheesemakers, chefs, and bakers, participating in the daily rhythms of our lively farm. Earth Stewards are given the opportunity to get unplugged from a high-tech culture and become tuned in to the natural world around them.

Earth Steward counselors are responsible for guiding campers through the day beginning with workstations across the Hawthorne Valley campus, enjoying meals together, swimming at the pond, and leading traditional summer camp activities like crafts, hikes, and bonfires.

The Earth Stewards’ campsite is at a wooded glen on the farm. Counselors will stay in a yurt or cabin shared with one other counselor. Campers sleep in nearby cabins. The campsite has two outhouses and a fire pit for evening bonfires. Although there is no running water or electricity at the campsite, it is a short 5-minute walk from the Main House, where counselors and campers will have access to bathrooms and showers. Earth Stewards Counselors should be comfortable in simple and rustic living quarters.

During mealtimes, campers and staff eat together family-style, fostering the community-building spirit of the camp. Our Dining Hall menu features mostly vegetarian fare prepared with Biodynamic and organic ingredients. Most produce comes directly from Hawthorne Valley Farm and the rest is sourced from other organic Hudson Valley growers.

All Hawthorne Valley Summer Camp staff must be committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for both campers and fellow staff members.

Earth Steward Overnight Camp Counselor

Position Overview:

• Counselors are responsible for the primary care and co-managing of one or two cabins, up to 6 campers each

• Counselors lead or assist activities in various workstations across the Hawthorne Valley campus, such as livestock chores and field work

• Counselors live either in a shared rustic cabin or yurt adjacent to camper cabins.

• Counselors are expected to role model the values of interdependence, environmental stewardship, and gratitude towards the land, one another, and self

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have some experience working with children in an educational or recreational setting

• Experience in outdoor education and/or wilderness guiding is preferred, though not required

• Counselors should demonstrate flexibility and adaptability

• Candidates are comfortable living in rustic accommodations and willing to model enthusiasm for simple living

• Applicants must enjoy working with teens and be willing to enthusiastically guide our older campers through a positive camp experience

• Applicants must be ages 19 or older, with one year of college experience or equivalent

• Outdoor survival skills, carpentry experience, and music (singing and/or instruments) are skills that are particularly desirable for this position

• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs

Dates:

• June 8 - August 2, 2025

Weekly Schedule:

• Earth Steward Counselors will work six days per week with one scheduled day off. Counselors will have scheduled breaks and time off during the week. Camp is in session for six weeks of programming with 2 weeks of paid staff training before camp.

Salary:

• $3,800 for the 8-week season and full room and board.

Earth Stewards Assistant Manager

Position Overview:

• The Assistant Manager will help counselors with camper and group challenges (such as homesickness, behavior issues, social dynamics, etc.) as well as counselor-coworker dynamics or personal needs

• The Assistant Manager will work closely with the Farm Explorers Camp Manager, Directors, and Crafts Counselor to assist with weekly activity scheduling

• The Assistant Manager is responsible for leading or assisting with various camp activities and farm chores, as needed

• The Assistant Manager will frequently serve as the “Head Waiter” at mealtimes. This will include making announcements for counselors and campers, ensuring smooth transitions to and from the Dining Hall, and general oversight during the meal

• The Earth Stewards Assistant Manager will live in a private yurt or cabin at Field Camp, adjacent to camper cabins

Qualifications:

• Candidates have extensive experience working with children in educational or recreational settings

• Candidates demonstrate emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving, and self-awareness

• Candidates are comfortable living in rustic accommodations and willing to model enthusiasm for simple living

• Ideal candidates are organized, highly reliable, and collaborative

• Candidates have some leadership or supervisory experience

• Applicants must be ages 21 or older

• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs

Dates:

• June 8 - August 2, 2025

Weekly Schedule:

• Assistant Managers will work six days per week with one scheduled day off. Assistant Managers will have scheduled breaks and time off during the week. Camp is in session for six weeks of programming with 2 weeks of paid staff training before camp.

Salary:

• $4,700 for the 8-week season and full room and board.