Appleton Farm Camp is a children’s day camp located at Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA. The 1,000 acre farm is the oldest continuously operating farm in the country. The working dairy, vibrant learning garden, barnyard animals, beautiful trails, engaging education programs, and deep history make this a special place to visit and work. At camp, we have an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to learning, in the fields and forests, the Learning Garden, the barnyard, and the kitchen. Our unique camp connects children to the land, and the natural systems that support us all, while spending time outdoors, exploring, making friends, and having fun.

For more information about our program, please visit: Appleton Farm Camp.

The Camp Educator position at Appleton Farms is a seasonal role. The typical schedule for the full-time Camp Educator is a 35-40 hour work week, Monday through Friday for the season. The camp season runs from June 12– August 25 with a partial week of training which will take place June 12 – June 14 and a full week of training June 19 - 23. The Farm Educator is primarily responsible for the planning and daily execution of camp programs and activities and direct supervision of campers, 4-13 years old, depending on the assigned age group.

Educators will work with their co-leaders and the Lead Environmental Educator to create quality farm- and nature-based curriculum for their assigned camp group.

Essential Functions:

• Daily supervision and safe keeping of campers

• Design and implement camp curriculum and activities based on farming, food, sustainability, and the natural world with support from staff and farm resources

• Plan daily age appropriate activities and farm projects with teaching team

• Lead daily plant and animal farm chores with designated age group (4-13)

• Communicate with camper parents regarding camp questions and basic camper information

• Perform daily camp staff chores to organize and prepare for each day

• Meet periodically with Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation

• Interest in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or child development

• Experience working in some capacity with children ages 4-13

• Must be outgoing, have a willingness to learn, and bring unbridled joy and enthusiasm to work every day

• Must have experience with and enjoy working with children in an outdoor setting

• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability

• A desire to share your passion for the natural world with children

• A familiarity with Appleton Farms and The Trustees of Reservations helpful

Other Requirements:

• Minimum age: 16 years as of June 26, 2023

• Reliable transportation

• Must be fully available for camp staff training week and all 9 weeks of camp

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI and SORI)

• Community CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required by June 1st, 2021 - Community CPR and Basic First Aid certification; an on-site option for this training will be provided.

• Able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions

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. In 2023, we are expanding training to help staff fully prepare to care for campers and keep them safe, as well as for the delivery of 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.

About The Trustees

The Trustees places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. Every season brings an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, 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.

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