Seasonal Camp Educator (Counselor) & Extended Day Coordinator (Crane Estate)

The Trustees of Reservations•Ipswich, MA

18d•$17 - $19•Onsite

About The Position

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: 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 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 Camp Educator & The Extended Day Coordinator, you divide your time between supporting camper groups as a floater 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.

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 coastal 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 9-20) and all nine weeks of camp (June 23–August 22), 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Provide flexible support to camper groups in the afternoons, joining different age groups as needed.
Assist with beach 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.

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