Senior Farm Camp Counselor/Sustainable Agriculture Intern

Internship Description: Gorman Heritage Farm is seeking five (5) paid summer interns to join our creative, experienced, and dedicated staff for 12 weeks in the summer of 2012. 

 Interns will gain valuable experience in farm-based education.

• Interns’ primary responsibility is to lead nine week-long sessions of farm camp and work one week planning theme camps, leading tours, and working in our gardens. 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 to plan and lead at least one, one-week themed camps such as a cooking, art, science, or wilderness camp. 
• Interns will gain valuable mentorship and management skills working with Junior Counselors (ages 16—18) and teen 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 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, and staff.
• 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 4^th.

 Description of Site:

Gorman Heritage Farm is an educational working farm in the Village of Evendale, just north of Cincinnati, Ohio.  This 120-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.

 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 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
• Spend one week gardening and working in the farmyard to gain a more intimate understanding of Gorman Heritage Farm and its operations outside of camp
• 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
• Flexibility and creativity
• 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: Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director

Location:  Cincinnati, OH (just north of Cincinnati city limits)
Duration: May 29th—August 18, 2012
Hours:  40 hours per week
Compensation:  $2,575 stipend (on-site housing provided)

Application Procedure: Visit http://www.GormanFarm.org/camp_jobs.shtml to apply. You will need to submit a cover letter, resume, release form (available on website), and three references with phone and email. Please email these materials to Mike Roman, Camp Director at mroman@gormanfarm.org.
Deadline:  Ongoing, until positions are filled