Seasonal Camp Educator Counselor (Crane Estate)

The Trustees of Reservations; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A national conservation organization is seeking a passionate Camp Educator for its SummerQuest program at the Crane Estate. This seasonal role involves supervising a group of up to 10 campers aged 5-14 and conducting educational outdoor activities. Ideal candidates are pursuing a degree in education or environmental fields, possess experience working with children, and demonstrate teamwork and flexibility. The position runs from June 8 to August 22, offering $17.00-$19.00 per hour, and requires full availability for the duration of the camp.

Benefits

40 hours of paid sick time

Free entry to Trustees properties

Discounts at events and merchandise

Qualifications

• Candidate must pursue a degree or career in education or environmental fields.
• Experience working with children in camp or educational settings is required.
• Commitment to child safety and well-being is essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage up to 10 campers during activities.
• Develop and implement educational activities based on the Crane Estate.
• Communicate effectively with the camp team to deliver programming.

Skills

Experience with children aged 5-14

Experience in environmental education

Teamwork

Positive attitude

Flexibility

Education

Pursuing a degree in education or environmental science

Job description

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: $17.00-$19.00/hour

Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

Hours per week: 35-40 hours/week, Mondays–Fridays, 8:00AM–4:00PM

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non‑Exempt

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: June 8 – August 22, 2026

Location: The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

You are passionate about working with young people and dedicated to helping them develop a strong sense of place through dynamic learning experiences. You enjoy spending time outdoors and care deeply for the environment. You thrive in a team‑oriented workplace, bringing a strong work ethic, flexibility, and the ability to think on your feet. You consistently seek new learning opportunities and approach your work with a friendly, cooperative nature and a commitment to excellence.

If this sounds like you, you’ll be thrilled to lead SummerQuest—a vibrant day camp for 70 campers, ages 5–14, set on the expansive and stunning Crane Estate. Our place‑based activities immerse campers in the beauty of the coast, arts, culture, and more, fostering a deep respect for the environment. SummerQuest is designed for adventurous campers who love the outdoors, exploring the woods and shoreline, and connecting with the land. It’s a place where imagination, independent learning, and resilience thrive—rain or shine.

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.

The Role:

As a Camp Educator, you will oversee a small group of campers with activities that you develop to educate them on The Crane Estate’s unique characteristics and employ group and behavior management strategies.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Oversee the direct supervision, group management, and safekeeping of up to 10 campers.
• Contribute collaboratively to developing camp activities and have the creative freedom to direct the experience of the campers in their group.
• Encourage positive camper behavior and employ behavior management strategies shared during training.
• Encourage campers to investigate the Crane Estate’s unique characteristics with a focus on environmental education and experiential learning, including leading campers in daily songs and games, leading hikes and investigations throughout the estate.
• Communicate often and effectively with fellow Camp Educators and leadership staff to plan and deliver camp programming.
• Complete daily chores before and after the camp day.
• Manage photo and video content for parent communications.

This is a seasonal, non‑exempt position working 35-40 hours per week, reporting directly to the SummerQuest Assistant Camp Director and The Crane Estate’s School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree or career in education, science, humanities, conservation/stewardship, or outdoor/environmental fields.
• A commitment to the physical and emotional well‑being of campers.
• Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, informal educator, and/or childcare provider with children ages 5-14; environmental education (EE) experience preferred.
• A particular interest in outdoor education, especially in a coastal environment.
• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving goals.
• High regard for teamwork and collegiality.
• The physical and mental wherewithal to teach outdoors, sometimes under challenging weather and other conditions.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum age is 17 years old by the start of camp.
• Full availability for staff training weeks (June 8‑18) and all nine weeks of camp (June 22–August 21), Mondays–Fridays, 8AM-4PM.
• 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.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Commitment to Our SummerQuest 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.

Contact:

Have questions? Reach out to a member of our People Team by emailing [e-mail].

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• 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 [e-mail].