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Jobs · Management · Massachusetts

Seasonal Assistant Camp Director (Appleton)

The Trustees of Reservations · Ipswich, MA · 3 wk ago
On-siteManagement$20–$22/hrTemporary

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

  • Hourly Rate: $20.00-$22.00/hour
  • Rates are determined based on relevant experience.
  • Hours per week: 40, Mondays-Fridays, 8AM-4PM (Part-time hours May 11-June 5)
  • Job Classification: Nonexempt, Seasonal
  • Job Type: Onsite
  • Duration: April 1 - November 1; May 11-August 21, 2025
  • Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

Your Impact

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.

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:

  • Aid the Camp Director in managing daily camp administration, including compiling rosters and reports;
  • Attend weekly staff meetings;
  • Cookordination group schedules;
  • Communicate with camper parents/guardians regarding camp questions and camper information, in coordination with the Camp Director;
  • Aid and mentor Camp Educators during their training weeks (June 8-19) and throughout the camp season;
  • Oversee Camp Educators in developing daily and weekly schedules and plans;
  • Attend training for and act as a 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.

Requirements

  • 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 staff training weeks (June 8-19) and all weeks of camp (June 22-August 21); Mondays-Fridays, 8:00AM-4:00PM; part-time availability May 12-June 6 for planning and preparation.

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.

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