Join us this summer at Camp Ramah New England and spend every day cultivating connections between campers, Jewish tradition, and our newly upgraded garden!
About Camp Ramah New England:
Located in Palmer, Massachusetts, Camp Ramah New England provides vibrant and transformative summer camp programs for campers in grades 2-10. Camp Ramah lives out the best of the values and practices of Conservative Judaism, immersing campers in joyful Jewish living.
Role and Responsibilities:
Camp Ramah New England is seeking a passionate and skilled Jewish Educator to lead efforts to deepen camp’s Garden and Nature Education Program. The position begins part-time in the spring, preparing the garden and facilitating select programs on-site, as well as developing curriculum and planning for the summer. During the summer, the Garden and Outdoor Jewish Educator will make Jewish agricultural wisdom come alive by facilitating chugim, tending the garden, and integrating the garden into key camp moments. In the fall, the Educator will continue tending the garden, facilitating select programs, and curating curriculum.
This new position comes with dedicated ongoing mentorship and support from two experienced professionals in the JOFEE (Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming, and Environmental Education) field. Support will include on-site training, weekly remote coaching calls, and curriculum development support. This position reports to the Assistant Director.
Summer Responsibilities (full time):
- Facilitate 4-6 chugim (hour long electives) each day, bringing to life Jewish agricultural wisdom through hands-on gardening activities.
- Steward and develop the garden throughout the growing season. (The educator will be provided with a set crop plan and garden design, and will build out the garden with the support of their JOFEE mentors)
- Collaborate with kitchen staff, maintenance staff, and the Assistant Director to ensure proper care of the space, materials, and produce.
- Collaborate with other Pinat Teva specialists (Animal Care, and Outdoor Cooking) to share resources and integrate learning across the program areas.
- Communicate with supervisor about both successes and challenges.
- Serve as a dugma ishit, a positive personal example and role model for campers and other staff, specifically modeling a life of integration of earth-connection and Jewish wisdom.
Spring and Fall Responsibilities (part time):
- Visit the garden on a bi-weekly basis to do watering, maintenance, and harvesting.
- Work both sessions of Family Camp (Spring Family Shabbaton - May 23-26 and August Family Camp - August 20-24).
- Staff 1-2 other day long events/programs at Palmer.
- Develop and curate summer curriculum with support from mentors
Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience working directly with youth in a teaching, coaching, camp counselor, and/or facilitative capacity.
- Track record of interacting with children of multiple ages with creativity, patience, and understanding
- Experience leading Jewish educational programing
- Experience with gardening/farming
- Experience in outdoor education is a plus
- Must 18+ by May 1st, 2025
- Must submit health history record and examination
- Must be able to pass a background check as required by the commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Must be able to work in the USA without a visa
Dates: May 1st – September 30th.
Full-time while camp in in session (June 22nd - Aug 17) and part-time during the shoulder seasons (May 1st - June 22nd and Aug 17 - Sept 30th)
Compensation and Benefits:
Room and Board is provided on site in Palmer, MA for the summer months, and during retreats and other overnight programs. This position does not require living on-site, and can be done by commuting from elsewhere in the region.
Salary between $8,000 and $10,000 for the 5 month employment period, commensurate with experience.
TO APPLY: Contact Pamela Keks (Assistant Director) at [email protected] with a resume for more information.