Join Our Team at Real Life
At Real Life Farm, our staff helps create the kind of summer kids remember for the rest of their lives. For generations, families have trusted our farm and summer day camp in Canton, Michigan, to provide a safe, fun, and meaningful environment where children can explore the outdoors, care for animals, and experience the simple joys of childhood.
Our team is made up of caring, responsible people who enjoy working with children and sharing the wonder of farm life. From leading games and crafts to helping campers interact with animals, ride horses, and explore the woods, our staff members play an important role in creating the welcoming, family-style atmosphere that defines Real Life.
Many of our team members return year after year, and we deeply value the people who help make this place special. From time to time, we invite enthusiastic counselors, activity leaders, and support staff to join us—especially during our summer day camp program.
If you enjoy working with children, love being outdoors, and want to be part of a positive team serving families in and around the Canton community, we’d love to hear from you!
Why Our Staff Love Working Here...
Working at Real Life Day Camp is more than just a summer job. It’s an opportunity to be part of a tradition that has brought joy to families in Canton, Michigan, for generations.
Our staff often say their favorite part of the job is the atmosphere. The farm is a place where teamwork matters, laughter is common, and everyone shares the goal of giving kids an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re leading a group of campers, helping care for the animals, or organizing games in the field, every day brings new moments of fun, learning, and connection.
We also value the people who work here. Many of our counselors return summer after summer because they feel supported, appreciated, and proud of the role they play in helping children grow in confidence and character.
At Real Life Farm, you’re not just joining a workplace; you’re becoming part of a community that believes in hard work, kindness, and creating meaningful childhood memories.
Staff Testimonials:
“I had never heard of Real Life Day Camp before I started working here, but from my very first day, I could see why it’s such a special place. Working with the campers and seeing their excitement over games, activities, and spending time with the animals is incredible. Matthew 7:12—treating others the way you’d want to be treated—shapes everything that happens at camp from the owners down to the staff, and to the campers and families. It’s amazing to see how Real Life helps kids grow in confidence, build friendships, and create memories that last far beyond their time here, and it’s incredibly rewarding to help make that experience possible.”
~ Stephanie
“I first came to Real Life Day Camp as a kid, and now, years later, I’ve had the privilege of working here as an adult. Experiencing it from both sides has been amazing. As a camper, I loved the games, spending time with the animals, and making friends that made every day fun and exciting. It was a place where I felt welcomed, encouraged, and like I could just simply be myself. Now, as a staff member, I have become one of the role models who I looked up to. The best parts are watching kids build the same memories I did, seeing their confidence grow, watching new friendships form, and building relationships with families that have grown beyond the farm.”
~ Nic
What Makes a Great Camp Counselor?
The people who thrive at Real Life Day Camp tend to have a few things in common. They enjoy being around kids, they bring positive energy to the day, and they care about creating experiences that children will remember long after summer ends.
Great counselors are the kind of people who jump into a game, help a shy camper feel included, celebrate small victories, and don’t mind getting a little dusty or muddy along the way. They’re dependable, encouraging, and willing to help wherever they’re needed—whether that means leading an activity, lending a hand with the animals, or simply making sure every camper feels welcome.
Most of all, they understand that the small moments matter. A kind word, a shared laugh, or helping a child try something new can make a lasting impact.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
Camp Counselor
Must be 18 or older by the start of camp.
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Full-time and part-time opportunities
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Employment starts in early June and runs through the end of August
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Opportunities to stay on through the fall as a “farm hand” or work for our school (Real Life Nursery School and Kindergarten)
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Primary responsibilities involve supervision and engagement of our campers (ages 5–14 yrs)
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Fun opportunity to work on a real farm
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Great community of young adults as co-workers
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Opportunities to engage with our campers in various activities such as arts & crafts, organized sports, BB guns, archery, animal care/play, group games, campfire cookouts, field trips, exploring nature, and much more!
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It is a great way to spend your summer, which is why many of our staff come back to work with us for every summer of their college journey
C.I.T. (Counselor-in-Training)
Ages 15 – 17, former campers only
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Volunteer only (not a paid position)
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Full-time and part-time opportunities
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For former campers ONLY who wish to help on the farm in a supervised leadership role
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Parents/Guardians must complete a questionnaire and agreement form for participation
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CITs work in partnership with our hired camp counselors
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Primary responsibilities:
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Supervise campers alongside our counselors
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Assist with various farm tasks
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Engage with campers
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