Junior Counselor Program
Junior Counselor Program
Fox Field Farm Junior Counselors Program: Embrace the Farming Lifestyle!
Dive into the heart of agriculture and homesteading life with our Junior Counselors (JC) Program at Fox Field Farm. This unique week-long training experience is designed for young enthusiasts ages 10 and up who have a passion for farm life and a curiosity about managing a small-acre homestead. This co-ed program blends hands-on learning, teamwork, and plenty of farm fun while helping participants build confidence, responsibility, and leadership skills in a supportive farm environment.
The Junior Counselor Training Week is a required prerequisite for anyone wishing to return and participate as a Junior Counselor during Fox Field Farm camp weeks. During this training, participants learn farm safety, basic animal care, camper interaction, and how to appropriately support counselors and younger campers. This foundation ensures Junior Counselors are prepared, confident, and ready to take on meaningful responsibility.
After successfully completing the training week, Junior Counselors are invited to return for scheduled camp weeks to assist alongside our camp counselors. In this role, JCs help guide, support, and teach younger campers through daily activities, crafts, games, and animal interactions, while also helping maintain routines, teamwork, and a positive camp experience.
A $100 deposit secures your spot. The remaining balance of $300 is due at Monday morning drop-off of your child’s session and is payable by cash or check. Spaces are limited.
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Camp Information
Participant Guide
To ensure a memorable and enriching experience at Fox Field Farm, participants are kindly requested to:
- Wear appropriate riding attire daily, including pants or leggings and boots or sneakers.
- Pack a water bottle, lunch, and snacks for each day, Monday through Friday.
- Bring labeled sunscreen (including a face stick), bug spray, a refillable water bottle, a towel, and cooler clothing options like shorts, t-shirts, or sundresses. A bathing suit is also required. Footwear such as Crocs or Keens is recommended for both activity and water play.
- Provide medical insurance details during registration.
- Download and fill out the release form available online and bring it on the first day, or fill out the form provided upon arrival.
Remember to label all personal items with your first and last name, and don't forget to bring your lunch, snacks, and a refillable water bottle every day!
Ensure all forms are printed and brought along on the first day of your session.
Key Highlights
- CPR Certification: Participants will receive CPR and first aid certification from the American Red Cross, facilitated by the local Fire Department, as part of their learning journey. The cost of the week includes first aid and CPR certification, empowering participants with essential life-saving skills.
- Commitment: A one-week commitment is required, running Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. We offer early drop-off at no additional cost to accommodate your schedule.
- No Previous Horse Experience Required: We welcome all levels of participants, from beginners to those with more experience. This inclusivity ensures everyone has the opportunity to engage fully in the program.
- Hands-On Horse Ownership Experience: Each participant will be paired with a horse that matches their experience, temperament, and personality. They'll "own" this horse for the week, diving deep into the responsibilities and rewards of horse care.
- Guest Educators: Our program is enriched by guest educators from various professions within the equestrian communities of Connecticut and Massachusetts, offering diverse perspectives and expertise.
Participation in the Junior Counselors Program offers meaningful, hands-on experience that may count toward community service hours and other educational or extracurricular requirements, depending on individual
school or program guidelines. This experience also serves as a resume-building and early career opportunity, helping participants develop employable skills that support future jobs, volunteer work, scholarship programs, and youth leadership opportunities.
All Junior Counselors are required to complete CPR and First Aid certification as part of the program. This two-year certification is provided during the first week of our summer program, ensuring every Junior Counselor is equipped with essential life-saving skills and prepared to respond appropriately in emergency situations. This training reinforces our commitment to safety for campers, animals, and staff.
Our Junior Counselor Program is about more than learning—it’s about experiencing the true essence of farm life, from the hard work to the immense rewards. Participants engage in meaningful, hands-on activities that teach teamwork, responsibility, and the satisfaction that comes from caring for animals and the land. Designed to balance fun with real responsibility, the program allows Junior Counselors to become part of the farm community while developing essential life skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and accountability. Many participants find that this experience builds confidence, independence, a strong sense of pride, and lasting friendships, all while fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture and equine care.