Seasonal Farm Camp Educator Counselor

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:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17/hour 

Housing: limited, available some years 

Hours per week: 35-40 hours/week, Mondays-Fridays, 8:00AM–4:00PM

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: June 9–August 22, 2025 

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. 

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. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• 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. 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 35-40 hours/week reporting directly to the Appleton Farms School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.  

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. In 2025, we are refining training to help staff fully prepare to care for campers and keep them safe, as well as for the delivery of 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. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• 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. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• 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 9–August 22; 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. 

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? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Leave
• 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.