What Are Farming Jobs at Summer Camp?

Farming Jobs at Summer Camps

Farming jobs at summer camps are a perfect fit for working farmers, agricultural students, and homesteaders who want to share rural life with eager young learners. From farm-to-table programs at traditional sleepaway camps to specialty agricultural residential camps with full working farms, farming instructors help campers fall in love with animal care, gardening, and the rhythms of growing food. It’s a uniquely grounding way to spend the summer.

As a farming staffer at an overnight camp, you’ll lead daily chores like animal feeding, milking, mucking, and harvesting while teaching campers about soil, seeds, and seasonal cycles. You’ll often work alongside the kitchen team to bring farm-fresh produce to camper meals. Many co-ed residential camps build entire programs around their farms — chickens, goats, pigs, dairy, and vegetable gardens — giving instructors deep variety throughout the summer.

What does a farming staffer do at a summer camp?

You’ll lead daily animal chores, teach gardening and crop care, and run farm-to-table programming with campers. Most sleepaway camps with farms include daily farm activities throughout the summer camp season.

What background works best for farming jobs at sleepaway camps?

Agricultural studies, working farm experience, homesteading skills, or environmental education backgrounds are ideal. Comfort with animals, early mornings, and teaching kids matters most at residential camps with active farms.

What kinds of animals do summer camps typically keep?

Chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, ducks, and dairy cows are common at residential camps with farm programs. Some specialty agricultural camps also keep horses, alpacas, and bees. Animal mix varies widely by camp.

What does the pay look like for farming jobs at summer camps?

Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience. Overnight camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which adds meaningful value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base figure.

Is farming a good fit for first-time camp staff?

Yes — if you’re comfortable with early mornings and physical work. Farming programs at sleepaway camps tend to be tight-knit, mentorship-heavy, and very welcoming to new staff with strong work ethic and a love of agriculture.