Seasonal Camp Educator (Counselor) & Transportation Assistant (Crane Estate)

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, (AM or PM shift) Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt Job Type: Onsite Duration: June 8-August 21, 2026 Location: The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

You are passionate about working with young people and dedicated to helping them develop a strong sense of place through dynamic learning experiences. You enjoy spending time outdoors and taking care deeply for the environment. You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, bringing a strong work ethic, flexibility, and the ability to think on your feet. You consistently seek new learning opportunities and approach your work with a friendly, cooperative nature and a commitment to excellence.

If this sounds like you, you'll be thrilled to lead SummerQuest—a vibrant day camp for 70 campers, ages 5-14, set on the expansive and stunning Crane Estate. Our place-based activities immerse campers in the beauty of the coast, arts, culture, and more, fostering a deep respect for the environment. SummerQuest is designed for adventurous campers who love the outdoors, exploring the woods and shoreline, and connecting with the land. It’s a place where imagination, independent learning, and resilience thrive—rain or shine.

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 floating Camp Educator & Van Driver you provide essential daily transportation for campers while also contributing to the heart of camp life by supporting groups, activities, and transitions throughout the morning or afternoon. This part-time position is responsible for either morning pickup (AM shift) or afternoon drop-off (PM shift) using a 10 passenger camp van to transport scholarship campers to/from their hometown to Ipswich. This position supports our efforts to increase access to camp by providing transportation to scholarship families. When not driving, you’ll serve as a floating Camp Educator, supporting a variety of groups and activities across camp.

Specifically, you’ll:

Transportation Responsibilities Safely operate a Trustees van along assigned routes to/from Ipswich to surrounding communities: Amesbury, Gloucester and Lawrence.

• Ensure campers enter and exit the van safely, following all required procedures.
• Maintain accurate attendance before every pickup and drop-off.
• Communicate promptly with the Assistant Camp Directors regarding delays, absences, or safety concerns.
• Maintain a clean and organized vehicle and report any mechanical or safety issues.
• Follow all Trustees driving policies, safety guidelines, and state regulations.

AM Shift: Morning pickup and arrival support before joining camper groups. PM Shift: Afternoon program support before providing end-of-day transportation. Floating Camp Educator Responsibilities

• Support camp programming and assist in supervising and facilitating nature-based activities, games, crafting, hikes, and beach transitions.
• Support group management and encourage positive camper behavior.
• Help implement engaging, hands-on learning experiences aligned with SummerQuest’s environmental education mission.

Jump in where needed to maintain camper safety, smooth transitions, and daily flow of camp.

• Communicate regularly with Camp Educators and leadership staff.
• Assist with end-of-day or start-of-day prep, cleanup, or setup tasks.

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 20-25 hours/week reporting directly to the SummerQuest Assistant Camp Director and The Crane Estate’s School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Experience working with children ages 5–14 in camp, school, childcare, or outdoor education settings:

Responsible, safety-minded driving habits and comfort operating a passenger van

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 coastal environment A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving goals High regard for teamwork and collegiality

Eligibility Criteria:

Minimum age is 21 years old by the start of camp Full availability for staff training weeks (June 8-19) and all nine weeks of camp (June 23–August 22), Mondays–Fridays, 7:30AM – 12:30PM; 12:30PM-5:00PM Valid U.S. driver’s license with a clean driving record. 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 SummerQuest 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 a member of 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.