Seasonal Camp Educator (Counselor) & Extended Day Coordinator

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate: $17.00-$19.00/hour Rates are determined based on relevant experience. Hours per week: 20-25 hours/week, Mondays–Fridays, 11:30AM–4:30PM Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt Job Type: Onsite Duration: June 8-August 21, 2026 Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

As a Camp Educator/Counselor, you are the backbone of camper experiences and hold a special place in this essential summer work. Camp is a unique environment for children to develop their sense of self, form social bonds, explore their interests, learn, and have fun. With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an educational barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farm Camp offers a uniquely immersive summer experience. Campers are introduced to Appleton’s historic working farm and expansive landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities. Our program for ninety campers ages 4–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration.

As a camp educator, you’ll have a fun, energetic, and meaningful experience that also comes with real responsibility. You’ll be trusted to keep campers safe, engaged, and supported throughout the day, a big responsibility but one that you won’t be navigating alone. With thorough training, clear expectations, and a supportive leadership team, you’ll grow as a leader while making an impact that truly matters.

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps.

The Role:

As a Camp Educator & The Extended Day Coordinator, you divide your time between supporting camper groups as a floating/substitute counselor and leading the planning and delivery of our Extended Day program. You will supervise campers ages 5–14, organize daily and weekly activity plans, with support from the admin team you help coordinate staffing needs for Extended Day, and ensure smooth communication with leadership staff and families.

Specifically, you’ll:

Afternoon Camp Educator Responsibilities:

• Provide flexible support to camper groups in the afternoons, joining different age groups as needed.
• Assist with activity transitions, hikes, games, crafting, and nature-based activities alongside fellow Camp Educators.
• Support group management and positive camper behavior using strategies shared during training.
• Communicate regularly with Camp Educators and leadership staff to support the day’s schedule and activities.
• Help complete end-of-day cleanup tasks to prepare for the following morning.

Extended Day Coordination:

• Plan, schedule, and lead the daily Extended Day program, ensuring activities are age-appropriate, safe, and engaging.
• Coordinate staffing needs with Assistant Camp Directors, including daily coverage and communication with other afternoon educators.
• Maintain accurate attendance, oversee check-in and parent pickup procedures, and support a smooth end to the camp day.
• Prepare and manage Extended Day supplies, materials, and activity spaces.
• Communicate any camper needs, incidents, or updates promptly to camp leadership.

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 20-25 hours/week reporting directly to the AFC Assistant Camp Directors and Appleton Farms’ School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree or career in education, science, humanities, conservation/stewardship, or outdoor/environmental fields. A commitment to the physical and emotional well-being of campers

Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, informal educator, and/or childcare provider with children ages 5-14; environmental education (EE) experience preferred:

A particular interest in outdoor education, especially in a farm environment A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving goals High regard for teamwork and collegiality The physical and mental wherewithal to teach outdoors, sometimes under challenging weather and other conditions

Eligibility Criteria:

Minimum age is 17 years old by the start of camp Full availability for staff training weeks (June 8-19) and all nine weeks of camp (June 22–August 21), Mondays–Fridays, 11:30AM-4:30PM Ability to lift 40 pounds CPR and Basic First Aid certifications, provided if needed Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.

A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. Commitment to Our Appleton Farm Camp Staff We pledge to create a workplace that fosters staff development and supports the mental, emotional, and social health of our camp staff. We strive to provide training that will help staff fully prepare to care for campers and keep them safe, as well as to deliver quality educational experiences throughout the season. We will consistently recognize the incredible work of our staff, and ensure that they feel seen, heard, and fully supported in this special work.

Transferable Skills Gained Working at Camp:

Skills and training in environmental education, outdoor recreation, health and safety, and childhood development; communication; collaboration; critical thinking & problem solving; leadership; empathy; resiliency; work ethic.:

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Reach out to our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org.

Your Benefits:

Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront. Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions. Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.