Seasonal Farm Camp Educator

and the job listing Expires on March 5, 2026

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,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org

Hourly Rate: $17.00-$19.00/hour

Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

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

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: June 8–August 21, 2026

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.

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.

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…