Seasonal Farm Camp Educator (Counselor) (Appleton)

The Trustees of Reservations • Ipswich, MA

18d • $17 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

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/Counselor, you will be responsible for leading daily activities that support the camp curriculum including chores in the barnyard and education garden; exploring our historic property and its many wild habitats; learning about food production, sustainability, and ecology; art and craft making; and free play. We offer two weeks of collaborative paid training to prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.

Requirements

• Holding or working toward a Bachelor’s degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred, but not required.
• Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, informal educator, and/or childcare provider with children ages 4-14.
• A willingness to learn, bringing passion and enthusiasm to working with young people each day.
• A special interest in outdoor education, especially in a farm-based setting, and a great attitude about working outdoors in all conditions.
• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required; an on-site training option will be provided.
• A desire and ability to share your passion for the natural world with children from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Must be at least 17 years old by the first day of camp.
• Full availability for camp staff training weeks and all weeks of camp, June 8–August 21; our work week is 35-40 hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00AM–4:00pm plus Wednesday staff meetings until 4:00PM
• Reliable transportation to work every day.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
• Proof of physical exam within 18 months and required immunizations, as mandated by Massachusetts Camp Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Daily supervise and keep campers safe, while having fun and promoting learning.
• With support from camp staff and farm resources, design and implement camp curriculum and activities based on farming, food, sustainability, and the natural world.
• Plan daily age-appropriate activities and farm projects with the camp team.
• Lead plant and animal farm chores with campers in the Learning Garden and Education Barnyard; support fellow staff in the use and maintenance of these spaces.
• Communicate with camper parents regarding camp questions and basic camper information.
• Perform daily camp staff chores to organize, prepare for, and close out each day.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director and Assistant Director to evaluate experience and performance.

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

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees