1.) Is Farm & Wilderness a single camp or multiple camps?
Farm & Wilderness is a community of 5 camps serving campers ages 4-17. The camps are all a little bit different in their focus. More on each camp below. Sometimes the camps do trips together, sometimes they do other events, and three times a summer all the camps come together for a large bonfire. Each camp generally has its own kitchen and infirmary. 4 of the camps are located on the Woodward Reservoir about a half mile from each other and the 5th is on Lake Ninevah, about 30 minutes away.
2.) What makes Farm & Wilderness camps different from other summer camps?
We do many of the things you expect: kids eat hot dogs and s’mores, sing silly songs, build campfires, swim in a lake, and go hiking. A few specific things set us apart from other summer experiences you may be considering:
- Simple Living – All staff and campers live in simple, three-sided structures with no running water or electricity. No air conditioning in our cabins!
- Camper Chores & Collaboration - We emphasize collaboration rather than competition – no color wars at Farm & Wilderness! All our staff and campers complete chores to take care of their camp such as setting the table for meals, doing the dishes, or cleaning the showers.
- Working Farm – At most of our camps campers have the opportunity to learn about our food systems by caring for animals, weeding, and harvesting crops.
- Conservation & Sustainability - We use composting toilets and much of our electricity comes from our solar panels. Plus, we have nearly 5,000 acres of Vermont woods, much of it conserved.
3.) What roles are available?
We are generally hiring for the following categories:
You can find more about each opportunity by clicking above. Each camp has slightly different models, so you’ll need to check in with that camp specifically about what openings are available.
4.) Am I good fit for the Day Camp?
1 camp, the Barn Day Camp (BDC), is a day camp that serves campers ages 4-10. Staff who work at the BDC typically live off-site or at one of our other camps nearby. Staff pack their lunch at their home camp and then walk or take a shuttle to work each day. Day camp staff have Saturdays off and Sunday work at their home camp.
The BDC serves younger camper, so enjoying working with that age group is a must! Campers do many similar activities as the overnight camps, including an overnight. It’s not necessarily easier, but you do work different hours, including chores for your home camp.
5.) Am I good fit for Overnight Camps?
4 F&W camps are overnight campers serving campers 9-17. Counselors at Timberlake, Firefly Song, and Saltash Mountain live in cabins with 8-10 campers and 2-3 other staff. Counselors at Tamarack Farm live in cabins near camper cabins. Counselors both work as cabin counselors and work in an activity area. The days are longer than the day camp, but does include several breaks. Overnight staff have one 24-hour day off roughly every 6 days.
Overnight staff work with a specific age range of older campers (9-17) in either a gender-specific or mixed-gender setting. Most counselors will go on a 2-4 day overnight with campers. Camps have staff-only spaces for storage, making calls, and taking a break from campers.
6.) Do you hire international staff?
Yes, but we do not sponsor visas. We work with two agencies in particular: WIldpacks and IENA. Please email Human Resources Manager julie@farmandwilderness.org if you are applying as an international staff member.
7.) Am I paid for training?
Yes! There are also some pre-camp paid opportunities for additional training, including reimbursement for lifeguarding.
8.) How does getting paid work?
You will be paid biweekly, either as a check or direct deposit. Applicable state and federal taxes will be withheld from your pay.
If you are an international staff person or don’t have a checking account, we will work with you to figure out the best way for you to get paid.
9.) How does the lifeguard reimbursement work?
We encourage staff to get lifeguard trained prior to arriving to camp. This allows you to gain skills in other areas when you arrive rather than in the lifeguard class.
Must be a red cross class. You can search here. Upon successful completion of the class submit a receipt to be reimbursed. You’ll also increase your pay by $150 if you arrive with the certification. If you get certified by us, you won’t see the lifeguard bonus until year 2.
10.) Do I need a car?
Nope, but it does help! The closest town is about a 15 minute drive. Camp staff are great about offering rides to each other, and on some days off F&W will provide shuttles to local towns.
11.) Does Farm & Wilderness pay for use of personal vehicle to or from camp
Nope, F&W does not generally pay or reimburse for travel to or from camp.
12.) What is the camp alcohol and drug policy?
F&W is a drug and alcohol free campus, including marijuana, cigarettes, and vapes. Staff cannot perform work under the influence, consume any substances, or possess substances while on campus. A violation of this policy will result in immediate dismissal.
12.) What if I don't have a lot of “outdoor” experience?
While outdoor experience isn’t required, it is highly recommended! However, if you have experience in 2 of the three categories, you’re still a great candidate to apply to work for us!
- Childcare Experience – Any experience working with children, especially in a group setting such as an afterschool program, summer camp, or other educational setting. Babysitting is helpful experience!
- Wilderness & Camping Experience – Familiarity with and comfortable living in the woods and a rustic setting. This includes spending most of your day outside, living in an open-air cabin, and using composting toilets. Experience hiking is super helpful but not required!
- Specific Activity Skills – Experience in any of our activity areas: arts, animal care, gardening, construction, woodworking, boating, swimming, hiking, climbing, etc. If you do it as a hobby, great! Bonus if you’ve taught skills to kids.
13.) Do you offer benefits to seasonal staff?
F&W provides coverage for all seasonal staff under Vermont Unemployment insurance and Workers’ Compensation. F&W also contributes by law to Social Security and Medicare on behalf of every employee. F&W offers some reimbursements for necessary certifications. Room and Board provided to seasonal staff during their term of employment.
F&W does not provide health insurance for seasonal staff.
Some seasonal staff are eligible for a Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR). This non-taxable benefit offers an additional discount after an employee applies for Affordable for All.
For all benefits questions contact Julie Sanderson, HR Manager: julie@farmandwilderness.org
14.) Are there gender expansive campers and staff at Farm & Wilderness?
Farm & Wilderness gender inclusive summer camps and communities are not divided by an individual’s sex assigned at birth. Rather, we support each community member to be in housing that most aligns with their gender identity. F&W includes non-binary and transgender staff and youth, and to model inclusivity, we model and norm asking for and sharing pronouns. F&W is a place where campers and staff (housed in tents/cabins, etc.) use the full spectrum of gender pronouns (she, he, they, ze) and identify within the full spectrum of gender.
You can find more information here.
15.) What is Seasonal Staff housing like?
Summer staff live in open-air cabins with no water or electricity in the cabin. Spigots are near by and electricity is available in our offices, staff spaces, kitchens, etc. Depending on the role, most seasonal staff live with campers. Individual housing is rare. You can see a few YouTube walkthroughts below:
16.) How do I get to camp?
You are responsible for transportation to camp. You can drive to camp and either keep your car or be dropped off. We also pick up at three towns close to camp:
17.) What do I need to bring?
You can find our 2024 staff packing list here (We don’t expect any major changes for 2025). You should bring all linens/bedding, clothes and shoes for a variety of weather, and any personal electronic devices you need.
Note: Bedding will be provided to international staff.
