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 nations premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves for public use and enjoyment properties of exceptional scenic historic and ecological value in 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 50000 acres including 27000 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 100000 Member encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website .

Hourly Rate:$18.00-$20.00/hour

Rates aredeterminedbased on relevant experience.

Housing:NOTE: For those applying from off the island please note that wehavevery limitedstaff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by in summerThe FARM Institute(TFI)staff acts as liaisons to aid inlocatingand securing summer securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of the employee.

Hours per week:

• CampSprouts Instructor:25 hours/weekMondays-Thursdays8:30AM1:00PM Friday 8:30AM3:30 PM

• Wee Farmers Instructor: 18 hours/week Tuesdays-Fridays8:30AM1:00PM

Job Classification:Non-exempt Seasonal

Job Type:Onsite

Duration:June8August21 2026

Location:EdgartownThe FARM Institute Marthas Vineyard MA

WhatYoullDo:

Your Impact:

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 Institutes Farm Camp(ages 4-13)and Wee Farmers(ages 2-4)createa safe accessible funinclusiveand enriching educationalenvironmentsfor 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 educatoryoullhave a fun energetic and meaningful experience that also comes with real trusted to keep campers safe engaged and supported throughout the day a big responsibility but one that youwontbe navigating alone. With thorough training clear expectations and a supportive leadership teamyoullgrow as a leader while making an impact that truly matters.

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

For more information about our camp please visitTrustees Camps.

The Role:

As aCamp Educator (also referred to as Farm-Based EducatorsorFBEs) youare 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 willwork 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 giveyoua launching point. Two weeks of paid collaborative trainingprepareour staff for this complex challenging and rewarding work.

Specificallyyoull:

• Support the wellbeingand learningof self campers and fellow staff.
• Design and implement curriculum based on food farming and resource management with support from The FARM Institutes staff.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance.

Sprouts Instructor:

• Lead a group of 4-year-old campers daily.
• Manage Farm-Based Educators in Training (CITs aged 14-17) as part of your group.
• Plan dailydevelopmentallyappropriateactivitiesand design weekly farm projects.
• Lead plant and animal farm chores in the Friendship Garden and pastures; support fellow staff in the use and maintenance of spaces.
• Maintain reflection and planning worksheets.
• Communicate with parentsregardingcamp questions basic camper information and farm awareness.
• Perform daily facility chores and lead daily classroom cleanup.

Wee Farmer Instructor:

• Leada group of parent and child participants ages 2-4 for 90-minutefarm programstwice weekly.

This is aseasonal nonexemptpositionworking18 or 25 hours/weekandreporting directly totheIslands Education Manager/Camp Director.

What Youll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Experience working as a camp counselor classroom teacher or informal educator with children ages 2-4
• Holding or working toward aBachelors degree in environmentalor agricultural education the sciences education nutrition or other relevant course of study.
• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education food and sustainability; a willingness to learn.
• Skills in gardening cooking livestock handling environmental education or fiber arts.
• Desire and ability to share your passion for the natural world with children from diversebackgrounds.
• The ability to work outdoors in allsummerweather conditions.
• Reliable transportation to work each day.
• The ability to lift40 pounds.
• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications arerequired; providedif needed
• This positioncanfulfillinternship credits for relevant majors.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be 18 years of age by the start of camp.
• Full availability for camp staff training and all weeks of camp June8August 21; extra work hours arerequiredfor Meals in the Meadow ourannualfarm to table fundraiser onaSaturday.
• Current authorization to work in the United Statesby thefirst day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
• Proof of physical exam within18 monthsandrequiredimmunizations asmandated by Massachusetts Camp Regulations.

Commitment to Our Farm Institute Farm Camp Staff

We pledge to create a workplace that fosters staff development and supports the mental emotional and social health of our camp 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 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.

Dont 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 !

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 organizations 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 .