Seasonal Art and Nature Camp Instructor

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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: $/hour
• Hours per week: 40 hours/week, Monday‑Friday, 9:00AM-4:00PM (Wednesday until 5:00, Friday until 5:30)
• Job Classification:
  Nonexempt, Seasonal/Limited
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration:
  Mid‑June to August 14, 2026
• Location:
  
  de Cordova Sculpture Park, Lincoln, MA

Are you ready to imagine, play and enthusiastically foster an inclusive collective of makers? Are you an artist, educator, tinkerer, or maker who thrives thinking outside the box and relishes the freedom to explore materials and ideas?

The summer camps at de Cordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA are process/maker focused and inspired by the 30‑acre Sculpture Park, nature on campus, and each participant’s unique interests and imagination.

The Hive (July 6‑August
7): designed for 56 campers ages 5‑12 who are curious about the world around them and interested in exploring nature and contemporary artistic ideas through energizing and emergent collaborations culminating each week in large‑scale installations in the Sculpture Park.

Summer Studio for Teens (June 29‑July 3 and August 10‑14): offers opportunities for a small cohort of 13‑16‑year‑olds to refine and expand artistic techniques, create meaningful connections, and develop confidence in their unique artistic voice.

As a Camp Instructor, 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.

The Role: As a Seasonal Art and Nature Camp Instructor, you could be part of The Hive, Summer Studio for Teens, or both. Both camps channel inspiration from art on view and the natural landscape, while authentically connecting with colleagues, campers, and families.

Pre‑camp training sessions provide opportunities for readings & reflection, a Park and Studio tour, guidance and support on best practices to successfully meet the behavioral, intellectual, and safety needs of campers. Instructors are further responsible for working both individually and in collaboration with each other leading up to camp to develop curriculum and the initial concept design based on each week’s theme.

This includes artist, exhibition, theme, and material research, lesson and project planning, remote and/or in‑person team meetings, and studio set up. Hourly compensation covers all time spent during trainings, meetings, preparation, instruction, set up, and cleanup.

Instructors are responsible for a group of 10‑14 campers. Hive Instructors mentor a high school age Junior Instructor, their group’s assistant.

• Research and develop curriculum in connection with exhibited artworks and the Hive weekly themes to prepare for an emergent curriculum approach to eliciting campers’ interests.
• Implement lessons and extended projects designed to encourage campers to investigate, discover, express themselves, and work together while immersed in art and nature to generate collaborative large‑scale park installations.
• Be comfortable and facile in working with and modeling both traditional and…