Farm Camp Counselor

Join Our Creative & Enthusiastic Team at Hawthorne Valley’s Farm & Arts Summer Camps!

Hawthorne Valley is looking for passionate, energetic, and mindful individuals to become part of our summer camp family! We offer both day and overnight camps for kids ages 8-16, where counselors have the opportunity to guide campers through nature-based activities, all while living and working on our stunning 900-acre organic Biodynamic® farm.

A typical day could include feeding farm animals, gardening, crafting, hiking, making music, swimming in our pond, and so much more. If you love working with kids and connecting with nature, this could be your dream summer job!

Our camps provide a safe and welcoming environment where campers can deepen their connection to nature, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships. Our staff is dedicated to offering a tech-free, engaging, and enriching experience that helps campers discover their full potential. We're looking for counselors who are not only enthusiastic and hardworking but also love being outdoors and working with children.

Why Work at Hawthorne Valley Summer Camps?

Being a counselor at Hawthorne Valley is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. As a role model and community builder, you'll play a key role in the lives of children and teens, making a difference every single day. Our camp leadership team will provide you with all the tools, training, and support you need to thrive in your role.

Expect to grow both personally and professionally. Whether you're learning about youth development, sustainable farming, or making lifelong friends, your summer at Hawthorne Valley will be full of learning, laughter, and growth.

Room & Board at Camp:

As a residential camp counselor, we provide comfortable housing and delicious, organic meals! Our accommodations vary from farmhouse rooms to rustic cabins and yurts—check our website for more details. You’ll enjoy meals prepared fresh daily, using mostly vegetarian fare sourced from our own Biodynamic farm and other local organic producers. All meals are prepared from scratch, and staff and campers enjoy communal family-style dining, promoting the spirit of camp camaraderie.

Our Dining Hall team can also accommodate most dietary preferences!

The Ideal Candidate:

• You’re passionate about working with kids: First and foremost, we need counselors who genuinely enjoy being around children and teens. Our leadership team is here to support you, but we want you to bring empathy, patience, and strong judgment to the table.

• You love the outdoors: At camp, we’re outside nearly all day, every day! You’ll be spending your time farming, gardening, hiking, and exploring nature, so being okay with dirt and disconnecting from technology is essential. Be sure to check job descriptions for the physical demands of specific roles.

• You’re positive and adaptable: Camp life is dynamic and fun, and your energy sets the tone! We seek counselors who show up each day with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. Even on tough days, a can-do attitude is key to keeping the fun and energy alive.

• You’re hardworking and ready for a challenge: Being a counselor is no small feat, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. The days are long and full, and camp life can be different from your usual rhythm. We’re looking for counselors who are willing to give their all and grow throughout the summer.

• You’re interested in sustainability and nature: We don’t require prior farming or environmental experience, but a willingness to work with farm animals, garden, and support our sustainability efforts like composting and water conservation is essential. After all, this is a farm camp!

All staff are committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for campers and fellow counselors alike.

About the Area:

Our camp is located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, offering plenty of opportunities to explore on your days off. Whether it’s discovering charming nearby towns, hiking in the Catskills, or enjoying local art and music, there’s always something to do.

• Hudson, NY (20-minute drive): A lively upstate town with eclectic restaurants, cafes, shops, and art events

• Great Barrington, MA (25-minute drive): A vibrant town filled with dining and shopping

• Catskill Mountains (~1-hour drive): Perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures

• Nearby Trails: Hiking and biking trails all around the Hawthorne Valley campus!

Camp Dates & Salary:

Our summer season runs from June 9 - August 2, 2025, including 2 weeks of required staff training.

• Salary Range: $3,300 - $4,700, depending on qualifications

• Housing & Meals: Provided

About Hawthorne Valley:

Located in the scenic Hudson Valley, Hawthorne Valley is a unique, integrated learning community that has been dedicated to holistic education, regenerative agriculture, and arts since 1971. Our initiatives include a Biodynamic® farm, a Waldorf school, educational programs, a creamery, a bakery, and much more.

At Hawthorne Valley, our mission is to nurture soil, society, and self by integrating agriculture, education, and the arts, while our vision is to reconnect people, place, and purpose. Whether through sustainable farming, artistic expression, or innovative educational practices, we are committed to fostering collaboration and environmental stewardship.

Learn More & Apply:

Ready to make a difference at Hawthorne Valley Summer Camps? Visit our website to learn more about the 2025 season and apply.

Hawthorne Valley celebrates diversity and strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all staff and campers. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply.