The Country Experience is currently seeking an Outdoor Educator/Farm Camp Counselor to join our American Camp Association (ACA) accredited, family-owned farm camp near Galena, Illinois.

Would you love to care for and bond with campers as you feed animals, tend to gardens, prepare meals, build with wood or metal, fish in the pond, play games, or tell stories around a campfire? Experience life on the farm as a full-time resident this season and become a key member of our team as you help nurture children and build their confidence by guiding various hands-on projects and farm chores of your choice.

The Company:

Founded in 2014; The Country Experience provides week-long (Mon-Fri) summer sleepaway camps for 7-17 year olds, relaxed weekend stays for families, and overnight trips for school groups on a working, 34-acre family farm near Galena, Illinois. Our environment is prepared so campers can be “inside the fences” and participate in hands-on experiences with animals and real-world tools as they meaningfully contribute to the farm, build life skills, and develop their character.

The Position:

The Country Experience is seeking a Farm Camp Counselor/Educator who is a positive role model, a fierce worker, flexible, works well in a team, thrives on the sense of accomplishment, and appropriately engages with campers and families. No farm experience needed! Pay is $350 per week, (lodging and meals included) plus possible tips earned working Farm Stay weekends. Counselors are eligible to receive an additional $50/week bonus upon completion of contract. Position available mid-March through late Fall, depending on availability.

Must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be willing to live on the farm during camp and for the duration of summer/contract.
• Have a strong work ethic and excellent communication skills.
• Enjoy working with kids and families.
• Enjoy working outdoors and caring for animals.

Ways You’ll Make An Impact:

• Engage and help with the meaningful work on the farm: animals, gardens, kitchen, and land.
• Guide projects: baking, gardening, construction, animal cleanings, and more.
• Guide chores: feeding animals, harvest garden, landscaping, dishes, and more
• Guide activities in a way that creates an active and positive camper experience.
• Ensure physical and mental care and safety of all campers.
• Manage behavioral issues and model excellent attitude and behavior.
• Sleep overnight in cabins with campers and ensure their safety.
• Help build a positive culture with your cabin and throughout camp.
• Bond with campers: provide guidance, leadership and play with them.
• Help reset and clean cabins and camp facilities as a team to end/prepare for camp week.
• Assist with weekend farm stays.

The Benefits:

• Free lodging and meals/groceries provided.
• Flexible to accommodate availability/prior commitments.
• Zero to low living expenses for duration on farm.
• Earn tips split evenly among staff working on weekends for Farm Stays.
• Enjoy some weekend shifts off with the ability to leave camp.
• Personal use of commercial kitchen when appropriate.
• Free wifi available.

The Location:

The Country Experience is located in Elizabeth, IL just east of Galena, IL and 35 minutes from Dubuque, IA.

Why Should You Apply?

• A positive, fun, and fast-paced working environment.
• Ability to use personal skills and freedom to choose projects and chores to guide daily.
• Gain farm experience. (No previous farm experience needed.)
• Learn and utilize Montessori methods. (No previous Montessori experience needed.)

Please visit www.thecountryexperience.com/employment/ to apply.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $350.00 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Childcare: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• CPR Certification (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Grand Rapids, MI: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person