Seasonal Camp Educator (Counselor) & Extended Day Coordinator

The Trustees of Reservations • Ipswich, MA

19d • $17 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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. 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. 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.

Requirements

• 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
• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees