Farm Camp Manager

Arcadia Farm Camp Manager 

At Arcadia we cultivate not only crops but the heart and mind of our community. We embrace regenerative farming practices to honor the land and to promote its vital long-term health. We foster an environment that supports open communication and positive collaboration. As Arcadians we take an innovative approach to proactively solve problems in and out of the workplace. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone is respected, valued, and feels inspired to contribute their skills and perspectives.

Overview: Arcadia seeks a Manager for our Summer Farm Camp. The Manager will be primarily responsible for managing the conduction of the Farm Camp program and supervising a small team of Farm Camp Counselors during five, one-week sessions at our working farm on the grounds of Woodlawn, a National Trust Historic Site, in Alexandria, VA. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual who is passionate about working with kids and who enjoys being outdoors in a farm setting. Camp counselor or camp management experience is preferred. Farming or gardening experience is preferred, but not required. 

At Arcadia Farm Camp, we seek to connect children to where their food comes from through hands-on farming, cooking, and eating experiences. Campers will develop an understanding of the origins of food, seasonality, sustainable agriculture, land conservation, and culinary arts. Our goal is to help create the next generation of sustainable farmers, chefs, and eaters. 

Reports to: Farm Education Director. Farm Camp Manager will also work closely with Farm Camp Counselors and Interns. 

Start date is May 19th and end date is July 23rd , 2025. Full time, seasonal for 10 weeks. There are varying hours for Training, Farm Camp weeks, and Close-Out. The summer equals out to the equivalent of 45 hours per week. Dates and hours are as follows: 

● Pre-Camp Preparations: – May 19th (flexible - June

● Counselor Training: June 9th-June 13th ~25 hours  

● Farm Camp weeks: June 16th-July 18th

● Close-Out week: July 21st - July 23rd

● Some evenings and weekend hours may be required. 

Compensation: the position will be compensated at $20 an hour for roughly 40 

hours a week for 10 weeks. 

Location: Arcadia Farm Camp will take place at Arcadia Farm at: 

9000 Richmond Hwy, 

Alexandria, VA 22309 

● 35-45 minutes from DC, 30 minutes from Arlington 

● Accessible by bus from Old Town, Alexandria, 30 minutes 

● Not metro accessible 

● We highly suggest getting to Arcadia Farm by car 

Required for hire: 

▪ Basic First Aid/CPR Certification (Adult/Children/Infant) or ability to obtain certification;

 ▪ Must undergo a background check; 

▪ Must be at least 18 years old; and 

▪ Must be available May 13  - August 2, 2024

Responsibilities: 

▪ Facilitate implementation of curriculum based exploration of Arcadia Farm. 

▪ Effectively supervise, manage, and inspire a small team of Farm Camp Counselors with positivity and respect to ensure that staff is motivated and carrying out their duties. 

▪ Implement, participate in, facilitate, and monitor day-to-day management of the program to ensure that all aspects of camp run smoothly and efficiently. 

▪ Assist with design and conduction of Farm Camp Counselor Training 

▪ Organize weekly camper and schedule paperwork. 

▪ Communicate professionally, in-person and via phone, with Counselors and Farm Camp families. 

▪ Ensure Counselors are equipped with all necessary materials at the beginning of each week.

▪ Support Counselors in leading an age-specific group of campers and managing behavior. 

▪ Participate in and support conduction of program evaluation (campers, parents, staff). 

▪ Ensure that high standards of camper safety and happiness are maintained. 

▪ Ensure an efficient and open line of communication with the Farm Education Director in regards to daily camp needs, innovative ideas, staff conduct, and camper behavior etc. Farm Camp flows with the season, and so we are able to make exciting, week-of additions to the program based upon what produce are ready to harvest at the farm. 

▪ Other responsibilities as assigned. 

▪ The primary responsibility of the Camp Manager is to be present. 

Qualifications: 

▪ Experience working with children ages 6-11 is required. 

▪ Experience in a management role. 

▪ Ability to work independently, efficiently, and multitask. 

▪ Willingness to take initiative and work varying hours to ensure a successful program. 

▪ Ability to maintain and engage in an extremely high level of customer service and care with our Farm Camp families through timely and courteous communication. 

▪ Enthusiasm for and experience in sustainable agriculture, food education, and/or the environment. 

▪ Passion for inspiring discovery and fun on the farm for children. 

▪ Willingness to get dirty, have fun outdoors, work with animals, and work in the garden. 

▪ Dependable, mature, and an excellent role model to children and staff. 

▪ Ability to get to Arcadia Farm via car as public transport is not easily accessible. 

How to apply: 

Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Send a resume, cover letter, and the name, email and/or phone number of three references with the subject line “Farm Camp Manager Application: Your Name” to Farm Education Director, Shelby Hintz, at shelby@arcadiafood.org. Applications will not be seriously considered without all of the above criteria. If you are also interested in a counselor position, please indicate that in your email or cover letter. 

Arcadia is committed to diversity in the workplace. People of color, LGBTQ and multilingual people are encouraged to apply. Learn more at http://arcadiafood.org/ and http://arcadiafood.org/arcadia-farm-camp