Our overnight Farm Explorers camp offers children ages 8-12 a traditional summer camp experience on a working organic farm. Camp staff work together to create an environment where campers gain skills, independence, and friendships while participating as active members of our farm community.

Farm Explorers campers and counselors live in our 200+-year-old farmhouse and spend their days in small groups rotating through various activities such as caring for the farm animals, crafting, gardening, and more. During other parts of the day, all the campers and counselors come together to share experiences like swimming, hiking, mealtimes, and evening gathering.  

The Farm Explorers program emphasizes the fundamentals of animal care, such as cleaning up animal spaces, the basics of how to milk a cow, and horseback riding. Time is also spent in the Children’s Garden planting, weeding, harvesting, and of course- tasting! Other activities such as cooking, food preservation, and nature-based crafting occur throughout the summer, depending on the session of camp.

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.

Farm Explorers Overnight Camp Counselor

Position Overview:

• Counselors are responsible for the primary care and co-managing of a dorm room with up to 8 campers

• Counselors lead or assist with various activities and farm chores

• Counselors live in shared adult quarters in the Main House, adjacent to camper dorm rooms

• Counselors and campers eat together family-style, fostering the community-building spirit of the camp

Qualifications:

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

• Applicants must enjoy working with school-aged children and be willing to enthusiastically guide our young campers through a positive camp experience

• Applicants must be ages 19 or older, with one year of college experience or equivalent. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis

• The ability to lift and carry 50 lbs

Dates:

• June 11 - August 2, 2025

Weekly Schedule:

• Farm Explorers 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 1.5 weeks of paid staff training before camp.

Salary:

• $3,300 for the 7.5-week season and full room and board.