Seasonal Assistant Camp Director (Appleton)

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.

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $20 - $22/hour

Hours per week: 40, Mondays–Fridays, 8AM-4PM (Part-time hours May 12–June 9) 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Seasonal 

Job Type:Onsite 

Duration: May 12–August 22, 2025

Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA 

Please upload a resume summarizing your education and work history and a cover letter telling us about your interest in working with children in nature in this position.

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you passionate about working with young people and committed to helping them cultivate a sense of place through dynamic learning experiences? Do you thrive in a team-based workplace, have a strong work ethic, exhibit flexibility, think on your feet, and consistently seek out new learning opportunities? 

With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an educational barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farm Camp offers a uniquely immersive summer experience. Campers are introduced to Appleton’s historic working farm and expansive landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities. Our program for ninety campers ages 4–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration. 

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

The Role:

As the Assistant Camp Director, you provide leadership in all matters pertaining to camp and serve as the acting Director as needed. Prior to camp, you will work with year-round staff to prepare materials and spaces for staff training and the camp season, and assist leading training activities for staff. You will be proficient in environmental and farm-based educational activities, well versed in creating a camp culture, and be knowledgeable about child development and behavior management.  

Daily routines for all staff include educational activities and chores in the barnyard and education garden; exploring this historic property and its many wild habitats; learning about food production, sustainability, and ecology; art and craft making; and free play. We offer two weeks of collaborative paid training to prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.    

Specifically, you’ll:

• Assist the Camp Director in managing daily camp administration, including compiling rosters and reports; attending weekly staff meetings; and coordinating group schedules.  

• Communicate with camper parents/guardians regarding camp questions and camper information, in coordination with the Camp Director.  

• Assist and mentor Camp Educators during their training weeks (June 9-20) and throughout the camp season 

• Oversee Camp Educators in developing daily and weekly schedules and plans.  

• Attend training for and act as the Health Care Supervisor, along with the Camp Director by coordinating and overseeing first aid and camper medications as necessary.   

• Provide leadership in the development of camp culture and safeguard the well-being of all staff members.  

• In coordination with the Camp Director and Camp Behavior Specialist, act as a primary contact for camper health and safety issues, and all camp-related activities that require direction and/or assistance.   

• Organize daily camp staff chores to organize, prepare for, and close down each day.   

• Attend training and act as backup Camp Director in the event of the Camp Director’s absence.  

• Supervise Counselors in Training (CITs) aged 15-17 

• Meet periodically with the Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance.   

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a seasonal, nonexempt position working 35-40 hours/week and reporting directly to the Appleton Farms School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study. 

• Minimum two seasons’ experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, informal educator, and/or childcare provider with children ages 4-14. 

• Demonstrated skills, knowledge, or interest in environmental or farm-based education, food ways, and sustainability.  

• A special interest in outdoor education and a great attitude about working outdoors in all conditions.  

• Demonstrated leadership qualities appropriate to supervising early-career adult staff. 

• A willingness to learn, bringing passion and enthusiasm to working with young people from diverse backgrounds each day. 

• Reliable transportation to work every day. 

• Ability to lift 40 pounds. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be at least 21 years of age by the start of camp. 

• Full availability for camp prep and staff training weeks (June 2-20) and all weeks of camp (June 23–August 15); Mondays-Fridays, 8:00AM-4:00PM 

• Certifications, provided if needed:    

• ACA Camp Director certification course 

• CPR and Basic First Aid  

• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check  

• Proof of physical exam within 18 months and required immunizations, as mandated by Massachusetts Camp Regulations. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Time

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

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 and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.

Commitment to Our Appleton Farm Camp Staff:

We pledge to create a workplace that fosters staff development and supports the mental, emotional, and social health of our camp staff. We strive to provide training that will help staff fully prepare to care for campers and keep them safe, as well as to deliver quality educational experiences throughout the season. We will consistently recognize the incredible work of our staff, and ensure that they feel seen, heard, and fully supported in this special work. 

Transferable Skills Gained Working at Camp: 

Skills and training in environmental education, outdoor recreation, health and safety, and childhood development; communication; collaboration; critical thinking & problem solving; leadership; empathy; resiliency; work ethic.