Seasonal Early Childhood Camp Educator Counselor

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,
www.thetrustees.org
.

Hourly Rate: $18.00‑$20.00/hour

Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

Housing: NOTE:
For those applying from off the island, please note that we have very limited staff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by in summer, The FARM Institute (TFI) staff acts as liaisons to aid in locating and securing summer rentals. However, securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of the employee.

Hours per week:

• Camp Sprouts Instructor: 25 hours/week, Mondays‑Thursdays 8:30 AM–1:00 PM, Friday 8:30 AM–3:30 PM

• Wee Farmers Instructor: 18 hours/week, Tuesdays‑Fridays, 8:30 AM–1:00 PM

Job Classification: Non‑exempt, Seasonal

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: June 8 – August 21, 2026

Location: Edgartown, The FARM Institute, Martha’s Vineyard, MA

Are you passionate about farms, local food, the environment, and sustainable agricultural practices? Are you interested in sharing your knowledge and interests with young children and their families?

The Farm Institute’s Farm Camp (ages 4‑13) and Wee Farmers (ages 2‑4) create a safe, accessible, fun, inclusive, and enriching educational environment for all young campers and families to engage in authentic farm activities. Through daily barnyard and garden chores, projects, and games, our participants make real‑life connections that strengthen their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us.

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.

NOTE:

This description is for two similar summer camp roles:
Sprouts Instructor and Wee Farmer Instructor. Please note the differences listed in each section and specify which role you are applying for in your cover letter.

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps.

As a Camp Educator (also referred to as Farm‑Based Educators or FBEs), you are the backbone of camper experiences and hold an important place in this special work, as camp is a unique environment for children to develop their sense of self, form social bonds, explore their interests, learn, and have fun. You will work both collaboratively with your fellow staff as well as independently with your own camper group while improving your teaching, organizational, and leadership skills.

Daily routines include educational activities, games, and chores in the garden, barn, and pastures; learning about local food production, sustainability, and ecology; arts and crafts making; and free play. Development of programming complements pre‑planned lessons that give you a launching point. Two weeks of paid collaborative training prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Support the wellbeing and learning of self, campers, and fellow staff.
• Design and implement curriculum based on food, farming, and resource management with support from The FARM Institute’s staff.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director to…