Seasonal Camp Educator; Counselor & Extended Day Coordinator; Crane Estate

About the Organization

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 preserve properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts for public use and enjoyment, protecting more than 50,000 acres in over 120 reservations that are open to the public.

• Hourly Rate: $17.00-$19.00/hour (based on experience)
• Hours per week: 20‑25 hours, Monday‑Friday, 11:30 AM‑4:30 PM
• Job Classification:
  Seasonal, Non‑Exempt
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration:
  June 8 – August 21, 2026
• Location:
  
  The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

You will lead Summer Quest, a vibrant day camp for 70 campers aged 5‑14, creating a fun, energetic, and meaningful experience while ensuring campers’ safety and engagement. You will be trusted to keep campers safe, engaged, and supported throughout the day, working with a supportive leadership team.

• Afternoon Camp Educator Responsibilities
  • Provide flexible support to camper groups in the afternoons, joining different age groups as needed.
  • Assist with beach transitions, hikes, games, crafting, and nature‑based activities alongside fellow Camp Educators.
  • Support group management and positive camper behavior using strategies shared during training.
  • Communicate regularly with Camp Educators and leadership staff to support the day’s schedule and activities.
  • Help complete end‑of‑day cleanup tasks to prepare for the following morning.
• Extended Day Coordination
  • Plan, schedule, and lead the daily Extended Day program, ensuring activities are age‑appropriate, safe, and engaging.
  • Coordinate staffing needs with Assistant Camp Directors, including daily coverage and communication with other afternoon educators.
  • Maintain accurate attendance, oversee check‑in and parent pickup procedures, and support a smooth end to the camp day.
  • Prepare and manage Extended Day supplies, materials, and activity spaces.
  • Communicate any camper needs, incidents, or updates promptly to camp leadership.

• Skills and Experience
  • Ideal candidate is pursuing a degree or career in education, science, humanities, conservation or stewardship, or outdoor/environmental fields.
  • Commitment to the physical and emotional well‑being of campers.
  • Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, informal educator, or childcare provider with children ages 5‑14; environmental education experience preferred.
  • Particular interest in outdoor education, especially in a coastal environment.
  • Positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and commitment to achieving goals.
  • High regard for teamwork and collegiality.
  • Physical and mental ability to teach outdoors under challenging weather and conditions.
• Eligibility Criteria
  • Minimum age 17 by the start of camp.
  • Full availability for staff training weeks (June 9‑20) and all nine weeks of camp (June 23‑August 22) Monday‑Friday, 11:30 AM‑4:30 PM.
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds.
  • CPR and Basic First Aid certifications, provided if needed.
  • Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
  • Satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity:
  Employees have free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts:
  Free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at stores and on stays at our inns.

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. The Trustees strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people.