DISABILITY INCLUSION INTERNSHIPS
Clapping Hands Farm Camp
Fall and Spring Semester 2026-27
Clapping Hands Farm Camp is seeking interns who are committed to disability inclusion and are eager to work with children who have autism, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, anxiety, family trauma and more.
We are looking for energetic team members who love children, enjoy being outside, and thrive in a collaborative and supportive community. Patience, empathy, positivity, and creativity are valued strengths in this work.
To support your one-on-one work with individual children, you will be matched with an experienced Clapping Hands Farm staff person who will serve as your mentor. Each intern will also be matched with a professional in their particular field of interest for an interview or shadowing opportunity. Skills you can expect to learn and practice include: positive discipline and non-violent communication; supporting emotional regulation; how to lead games, art and nature activities; empathy and understanding for various mental health and behavioral disabilities.
About our camp: Clapping Hands is an off-the-grid arts and nature camp located ¾ of a mile down a gravel road near Pittsboro, North Carolina. With acres of woods and fields, a fairy forest, trails, a pond, hand-pumped well water, use-your-foot sinks, and solar power, we offer a unique natural setting. Shoes are optional, tree climbing is encouraged, and we spend the entire day outdoors.
Our age-specific programs for children from 2 to 18 are rich, vibrant experiences led by working artists, craftspeople, and naturalists who are passionate about what they do and want to ignite that passion in others. Founded in 2000, we have a robust history of success at including campers who benefit from extra support throughout the camp day.
Learn more at our website:
About our internships:
TIME COMMITMENT:
- Fall Semester Internships will begin in early September 2026 Spring Semester Internships will begin in early January.
- On boarding at the beginning of the semester will include: staff training, via Zoom as well as an in-person workshop, and the completion of an abuse prevention class online.
- Our Fall-Winter-Spring interns will work primarily with our Homeschool Camp which takes place on Thursdays. Each intern will be expected to commit to at least one 6 week session of our Homeschool Camp. Additional opportunities to participate in weekend programming will also be available.
- Our homeschool camps run in six-week sessions from September 10, 2026 through April 2027 (4 sessions total).
- Homeschool Camp meets every Thursday, and interns would be expected onsite from 8:30am until 4:30pm.
- CHF is willing to consider interns available for half days, 8:30- noon or 1-4:30; however, priority will be given to those applicants able to attend full days.
ORIENTATION AND TRAINING (beginning September 1, 2026))
- On boarding at the beginning of the semester will include: A new counselor training via zoom and the completion of an abuse prevention class online.
- An initial meeting with our camp director and fellow interns.
- Completion of an abuse prevention class (online)
- A 1:1 meeting with your camp mentor.
- Access to any workshops offered to camp staff.
DURING CAMP DAYS
- Interns work as part of our counselor team, but you can expect to spend at least 50% of the day paired one-on-one with campers while participating in camp activities.
- Like all Clapping Hands counselors, interns will be offered hands-on support and mentoring during the day
- Interns will also participate in a staff meeting after camp each week, where we all check in about our day, talk about each camper, and plan the following week.
DURING THE WEEKS BETWEEN CAMPS
- A 1:1 call with your camp mentor, at least every other week.
- You keep a journal of reflections on your experience responding to prompts.
- Clapping Hands will match you with at least one tailored interview or shadowing opportunity with someone in your area of interest. For example:
- One previous intern wants to be a pediatric dentist. We arranged for her to shadow two different dentists.
- One previous intern wants to train as a social worker and a lawyer and work to change policy. We arranged for her to interview a disability rights lawyer.
- One previous intern majored in social work and art. We arranged for him to meet with an expressive arts therapist.
COMPENSATION: Currently, we have four intern positions funded at a $125 stipend per intern per 6 week session. We consider the primary benefit for our interns to be the hands-on experience of working with neurodivergent campers, support from experienced camp mentors, and opportunities to meet with professionals in their area of interest. We will also gladly coordinate with students and universities to help students earn course credit and/or community service hours when available.
TO APPLY:
- Please send a resume and a cover letter to .
- Interviews will happen on a rolling basis as we receive applications.
- We are interested in:
- your interest and experience in working with neurodivergent children
- your experience and comfort working in an outdoor setting
- your experience in the arts (theater, music, visual art, literary or media arts, dance, etc.)
- your experience as a camper or a counselor in a camp setting
- how this internship opportunity would further your personal goals and aspirations.
CONTACT US: [email protected]
Pay: $125.00 per month
Work Location: In person
