Contract Camp Director 2023

Contract Position: Heartland Farm Camp Director  

Peace Camp 2023 – June 5-9 (M-F); Teen Camps July 14-16 and July 21-23

 Heartland Farm is an oasis of peace and fleece 13 miles west of Great Bend, KS. A ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, the Farm is a place of welcome for people of all backgrounds and faiths. The 80-acre homestead includes organically-managed produce gardens, retreat spaces, guest and volunteer housing, a strawbale-constructed arts studio, three miles of nature trails, an open-air pavilion, a flock of laying hens and a herd of alpacas.

Peace Camp: June 5-9

Camp staff reports Sunday, June 4

Peace Camp is a day camp experience for area boys and girls aged 8-11 years old taking place annually at Heartland Farm. For those desiring transportation to the Farm each day, campers are transported each day from supervised pick-up sites in Great Bend and Larned. Parents may also drop kids off and pick them up daily at the Farm. The Camp day begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. A nutritious hot meal is provided for lunch.

Activities are organized around a theme each year and include group games, nature study, crafts and learning activities that are woven around the broad theme. Cooperation is stressed rather than competition and kids are encouraged to be supportive, kind and positive with one another. They spend most of the day outdoors learning from the natural environment of our 80-Acre farmstead. Participating in each day’s “chores” involves campers with our animals (chickens and alpacas), gardens and grounds.

High school-aged counselors assist the camp director with all aspects of camp activities and are responsible for monitoring games, preparing equipment, cleaning up, supervising swimming, and other activities. We invite local experts to present and lead activities, and we occasionally plan a field trip to a local venue. Each evening we have a meal together as a camp staff and discuss that day’s process and plan the details and assignments for the next day. This process begins Sunday, June 4 with an evening meal. Camp staff usually stay on site in our guest house beginning Sunday, June 4 —or are already residents at the Farm.


Teen Camp:  Girls’ Weekend July 14-16, 2023. Boys’ Weekend July 21-23.

Camp staff reports Friday, July 14 and Friday, July 21

Teen Camp is aimed at young teen campers 12-15 years old who may or may not have attended Peace Camp in earlier years. It is an extension of Peace Camp designed as a weekend (Friday p.m.-Sunday a.m.) overnight, tent-camping experience. One weekend is for girls, the other for boys. Activities will include many of the day camp routines but will also feature camp cooking, outdoor camping skills, and nighttime activities around a campfire and exploring the night sky.

The Camp Director will be the director for both Teen Camp weekends and will be aided by an 18+ year old counselor of an appropriate gender for that particular weekend’s campers.

Camp Director’s Job Summary:

 Planning: (April 15-May 8)

  • Meet with Farm staff and become familiar with the grounds, previous Camp experiences and resources and equipment that are available.
  • With input from Farm staff and using the basic schedule template, plan the activities which will be carried out each day. Research games, resources and needed personnel. Have plan approved by HF director.
  • Consult with camp cooks on menus, coordination of theme, changes of schedule, and other important tasks.
  • Develop a budget.
  • Work with HF Operations Coordinator to order or obtain any needed materials.
  • Consult with and secure any outside presenters.
  • Assist in hiring high school counselors.
  • Review registrations, permission slips and any pertinent information about campers.

Leadership: (June 4-10) 

  • Conduct all planning sessions; meet with and train high school counselors.
  • Organize camp participants into groups—with consideration given to mixing ages, genders, family members/friends and other characteristics. Have schedule and camper booklets/journals ready. Supervise preparation of equipment, supplies, and other tasks performed by counselors.
  • Provide daily leadership in maintaining schedule, introducing presenters and coordinating all camp staff.
  • Lead as many activities as desired/needed/appropriate—but utilize counselors, outside presenters, and rest of Camp staff as much as possible.
  • Communicate with parents, if needed. Relay any necessary information to staff.
  • Conduct daily and final evaluations of activities. Provide a written summary.

Qualifications:  Must be at least 21 years of age. Prefer a background in Natural Science, Education, or Recreation. Must commit for the director role for both Peace Camp and the two weekend Teen Camps.

Stipend for Camp Director for BOTH Peace Camp and Teen Camps: $1500
Stipends for Peace Camp HS Counselors: $125 x 2 = $250
Stipends for Teen Camp Adult Counselors: $125 x 2 = $250

 To Apply:

Please email résumé including the names and contact information of two references to hfarm@gbta.net. References must be from teachers, professors, or work supervisors.