New Pond Farm 2023

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Opportunities

We are a non-profit environmental education center with an exceptional farm component that has been designated as one of the State’s Dairy Farms of Distinction. We are located in West Redding, Ct on 102-acres with rolling pastures, woodlands, and wetlands. The organization’s mission is On every acre, in all we do, we plant seeds for a lifetime of active engagement with the natural world. Our five primary areas of programming are environmental studies; farming and gardening (includes beekeeping); Native American lifeways; astronomy; and the arts (including Shakespeare programs, biannual art shows, and music).

We are a vibrant, fiscally sound organization. We pride ourselves in being small and personal, sharing unique and excellent programming with our 12,000 annual students and visitors. We are a membership organization with 800 member families.


Summer Camp Staff
2024

Lead CounselorAssistant CounselorLifeguard/Counselor

Lead Counselor

We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic COLLEGE STUDENTS OR COLLEGE GRADUATES who love working with children in the outdoors.

Responsibilities
● Lead daily activities based on the provided curriculum. Activities include discovery hikes, freshwater exploration, live animal encounters, science experiments, and nature crafts
● Embrace working as a team focusing on respect, cooperation, collaboration, and curiosity
● Use all available resources to enhance lessons and increase engagement
● Gather supplies and set up activities before campers arrive. Clean up at the end of each camp day
● Ensure materials are kept clean, organized, and in good working order
● Actively engage with campers during swim time
● Create a positive and supportive environment for campers
● Supervise campers at all times
● Responsible for the health and welfare of campers including administering basic first aid
● Know and follow all safety protocols
● Report any concerns or issues to the Camp Director in a timely manner
● Assist with general tasks as needed

Qualifications
● Experience working with children
● Passion for nature and the outdoors**
● Reliable and punctual
● Positive and kind demeanor
● Patient, supportive and understanding with children
● Strong work ethic and personal integrity
● Ability to adapt to changes in the routine or plan for the day
● Ability to work as part of a team, sharing responsibility for the planning and execution of the program
● Open to new experiences and receiving feedback
● Embraces hands-on learning and is willing to get wet and/or dirty throughout the day
**background in environmental studies, outdoor education, biology, wildlife conservation, or previous work at a camp or nature center preferred

Physical Demands
● Able to engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day in all weather including heat, high humidity, and rain
● Able to walk on rough, hilly terrain keeping pace with the children

Requirements
● Complete criminal background check in accordance with State Licensing
● Provide documentation of a current health exam
● Current CPR/First Aid certification. Training will be provided if needed.

New Pond Farm Education Center is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran, marital or disability status.

Compensation
$18 – 25/hour based on education and experience
Training Schedule
June 18 – 21
Monday through Friday, 10am – 4pm
Camp Schedule
June 24 – August 2
Monday through Friday, 8:45am – 4pm
To Apply
Please send (in pdf format) cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of two references to Emily Ciffone at emily@newpondfarm.org


Assistant Counselor

We are seeking experienced and enthusiastic HIGH SCHOOL UPPERCLASSMEN AND COLLEGE STUDENTS who love working with children in the outdoors

Responsibilities
● Assist Lead Counselor with daily activities based on the provided curriculum. Activities include discovery hikes, freshwater exploration, nature crafts, and live animal encounters
● Embrace working as a team focusing on respect, cooperation, collaboration, and curiosity
● Use all available resources to enhance lessons and increase engagement
● Assist with program set up and clean up
● Ensure materials are kept clean, organized, and in good working order
● Actively engage with campers during swim time
● Create a positive and supportive environment for campers
● Supervise campers at all times. Responsible for the health and welfare of campers
● Know and follow all safety protocols
● Report any concerns or issues to the Camp Director in a timely manner
● Assist with general tasks as needed

Qualifications
● Experience working with children
● Passion for nature and the outdoors
● Reliable and punctual
● Positive and kind demeanor
● Patient, supportive and understanding with children
● Strong work ethic and personal integrity
● Ability to adapt to changes in the routine or plan for the day
● Ability to work as part of a team, sharing responsibility for the planning and execution of the program
● Open to new experiences and receiving feedback
● Embraces hands-on learning and is willing to get wet and/or dirty throughout the day

Physical Demands
● Able to engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day in all weather including heat, high humidity, and rain
● Able to walk on rough, hilly terrain keeping pace with the children

Requirements
● Complete criminal background check in accordance with State Licensing, if 18+
● Provide documentation of a current health exam
● Current CPR/First Aid certification. Training will be provided if needed

New Pond Farm Education Center is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran, marital or disability status.

Compensation
$16 – 18/hour based on education and experience
Training Schedule
June 18 – 21
Monday through Friday, 10am – 4pm
Camp Schedule
June 24 – August 2
Monday through Friday, 8:45am – 4pm
To Apply
Please send (in pdf format) cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of two references to Emily Ciffone at emily@newpondfarm.org


Lifeguard/Counselor

We are seeking experienced LIFEGUARDS, AGE 18+, who are excited to work with campers ages 6 – 14 at an outdoor pool. This position includes the option of working as a counselor in addition to lifeguard hours for a full day of work.

Responsibilities
Lifeguard:
● Supervise and guard all activities at the pool
● Administer first aid in the event of injury, rescue swimmers in distress, and administer CPR when needed
● Enforce all camp policies, guidelines, and safety procedures
● Assist Camp Staff with pool related responsibilities as needed to remain compliant with state licensing requirements
● Evaluate conditions and monitor weather reports for safety and direct swimmers out of the pool in dangerous conditions
● Inspect pool facilities, equipment, and water daily. Maintain a clean environment in and around the pool area
● Complete other duties, as assigned
Counselor:
● Work as part of a team to deliver camp programming based on the provided curriculum. Activities may include discovery hikes, freshwater exploration, nature crafts, live animal encounters, and more.
● Gather supplies and prep daily activities, clean up at the end of day
● Ensure materials are kept clean, organized, and in good working order
● Create a positive and supportive environment for campers
● Supervise campers at all times
● Responsible for the health and welfare of campers- this includes administering first aid
● Know and follow all safety protocols
● Report any concerns or issues to the Camp Director in a timely manner
● Assist with general tasks as needed

Qualifications
● Experience working as a lifeguard
● Experience working with children
● Passion for nature and the outdoors**
● Reliable and punctual
● Positive and kind demeanor. Patient, supportive, and understanding with children
● Strong work ethic and personal integrity
● Ability to adapt to changes in the routine or plan for the day
● Able to work as part of a team, sharing responsibility for the planning and execution of the program
● Open to new experiences and receiving feedback
● Embraces hands-on learning and is willing to get wet and/or dirty throughout the day
**background in environmental studies, outdoor education, biology, wildlife conservation, or previous work at a camp or nature center preferred

Physical Demands
● Able to engage in sustained physical activity throughout the day in all weather including heat, high humidity, and rain
● Able to walk on rough, hilly terrain keeping pace with the children

Requirements
● Current Lifeguard certification
● Complete criminal background check in accordance with State Licensing
● Provide documentation of a current health exam
● Current CPR/First Aid certification

New Pond Farm Education Center is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran, marital or disability status.

Compensation
$16-20/hour based on education and experience
Training Schedule
June 18 – 21
Monday through Friday, 10am – 4pm
Camp Schedule
June 24 – August 2
Monday through Friday, 8:45am – 4pm
(times may vary depending on if this is lifeguarding only, or includes counselor duties)
To Apply
Please send (in pdf format) cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of two references to Emily Ciffone at emily@newpondfarm.org



There is always plenty of work to do and we are grateful for the wonderful volunteers who help us in so many ways.

Some of the many choices include:
  • Invasive Species Removal
  • Trail clearing
  • Help with the Pancake Breakfast – Sat. March 2, 2024
  • Help with the Easter Egg Hunt – Sat. March 23, 2024 (Rain Date: March 24)
  • Help with the Garden Tour – Sat. June 15, 2024
  • Help with the Harvest Festival – Sat. October 19, 2024 (Rain Date: Sunday October 20)

If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions,
please email Ann Taylor or call the farm at 203-938-2117.


Internships

Each year we look for High School students interested in working 20-25 hours a week starting in May. For more details, please contact Emily Ciffone, emily@newpondfarm.org