Seasonal Camp Educator Counselor; Crane Estate

Seasonal Camp Educator Counselor (Crane Estate)

Join to apply for the Seasonal Camp Educator Counselor (Crane Estate) role at The Trustees of Reservations.

About The Trustees of Reservations

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations is the nation's premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value throughout Massachusetts. They have protected more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on over 120 reservations. As a non‑profit, The Trustees are funded entirely by visitors, supporters, volunteers, and 100,000 member households.

• Hourly Rate: $17.00–$19.00/hour (based on relevant experience)
• Hours per week: 35–40 (Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM)
• Job Classification:
  Seasonal, Non‑Exempt
• Job Type: On‑site
• 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 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. The camp immerses campers in the beauty of the coast, arts, culture, and more, fostering a deep respect for the environment. As a camp educator, you’ll have the opportunity to keep campers safe, engaged, and supported throughout the day while enjoying a fun, energetic, and meaningful experience.

• 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, and 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.

• Ideally 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 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 17 years by the start of camp.
• Full availability for staff training weeks (June 8‑18) and all nine weeks of camp (June 22‑August 21), Mon‑Fri, 8 AM‑4 PM.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications; will be provided if needed.
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

We pledge to create a workplace that fosters staff development and supports the mental, emotional, and social health of our camp staff. We…