Seasonal Camp Educator Counselor; Crane Estate

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

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 22, 2026

Location:

The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

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 Summer Quest—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. Summer Quest 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.

As a Camp Educator, you will oversee a small group of campers with activities that you develop to educate them on The Crane Estate’s unique characteristics and employ group and behavior management strategies.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Oversee the direct supervision, group management, and safekeeping of up to 10 campers.
• Contribute collaboratively to developing camp activities and have the creative freedom to direct the experience of the campers in their group.
• Encourage positive camper behavior and employ behavior management strategies shared during training.
• Encourage campers to investigate the Crane Estate’s unique characteristics with a focus on environmental education and experiential learning, including leading campers in daily songs and games, leading hikes and investigations throughout the estate.
• Communicate often and effectively with fellow Camp Educators and leadership staff to plan and deliver camp programming.
• Complete daily chores before and after the camp day.
• Manage photo and video content for parent communications.

This is a seasonal, non‑exempt position working 35-40 hours per week, reporting directly to the Summer Quest Assistant Camp Director and The Crane Estate’s School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.

• 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,…