Seasonal Assistant Camp Director - Appleton Farms- Ipswich MA

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 Assistant Camp Director position at Appleton Farms is a seasonal role with an hourly pay rate commensurate with experience. The typical schedule for the full-time Assistant Camp Director is a 40 hour work week, Monday through Friday for the season. The camp season runs from June 13– August 26 with a week of mandatory training which will take place June 13 – June 17. The Assistant Camp Director is responsible for aiding the Camp Director in all essential administrative functions, as well as joining camper groups (ages 4-13) which require an additional team member for supervision purposes.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the Camp Director in managing the daily routines of Appleton Farm Camp. Includes: compiling rosters and camper information pages; providing support to Camp Educators; attending all weekly staff meetings; and coordinating group schedules.

• Attend the American Camp Association (ACA) New Camp Director Workshop to gain Camp Director certification before the beginning of the camp season; act as backup Camp Director in the event of the Camp Director’s absence.

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

• Attend training for and act as the Health Care Supervisor, along with the Camp Director and other select camp staff.

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

• Assist and mentor Camp Educators during their training week (June 14-18), in coordination with the Camp Director.

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

• Ensure safety of campers and staff by closely following all COVID-19 protocols.

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

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred, but not required

• Two seasons previous experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, or informal educator with children ages 4-13

• Completion of the ACA New Camp Director Workshop (provided by the Trustees if not previously earned)

• 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

• The physical and mental wherewithal to teach outdoors, sometimes under difficult circumstances

• A familiarity with Appleton Farms and The Trustees

Other Requirements:

• Reliable transportation

• Must be fully available for camp staff training week and all 9 weeks of camp; able to be onsite between the hours of 8AM and 4PM Monday-Friday.

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI and SORI)

• Community CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required by June 1st, 2021- 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.  

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