Seasonal Camp Educator Counselor

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:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $18/hour 

Housing: NOTE: For those applying from off the island, please note that we do not have staff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by in summer, TFI staff acts as liaisons to aid in locating and securing summer rentals. However, securing housing is ultimately the responsibility of the employee.  

Hours per week: 35-40 hours/week, Mondays–Fridays, 8:30AM–3:30PM 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, seasonal 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: June 9–August 22, 2025 

Location: The FARM Institute, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, MA 

What You’ll Do:

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 youth aged 4 to 14? 

The Farm Institute’s Farm Camp creates a safe, accessible, fun, inclusive and enriching educational environment for all sixty campers ages 4-13 to engage in authentic farm activities. Through daily barnyard and garden chores, projects, and games, our campers make real-life connections that strengthen their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustains us.  

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps. 

The Role:

As a Camp Educator (also referred to as Farm-Based Educators or FBEs), you are 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 fun. You will work 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; and free play. Two weeks of paid collaborative training prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Support the wellbeing and learning of self, campers, and fellow staff. 

• Design and implement curriculum based on food, farming, and resource management with support from The FARM Institute staff. 

• Lead an age specific group of campers for week-long programs: Ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-13. 

• Manage Farm-Based Educators in Training (CITs, aged 14-17) as part of your group. 

• Plan daily developmentally appropriate activities and design weekly farm projects.    

• Lead plant and animal farm chores with campers in the Friendship Garden and pastures; support fellow staff in the use and maintenance of spaces. 

• Maintain reflection and planning worksheets. 

• Communicate with parents regarding camp questions, basic camper information, and farm awareness. 

• Lead group presentations during our weekly Farm Fridays.   

• Perform daily facility chores and lead daily classroom cleanup. 

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

This is a seasonal position working 35-40 hours/week and reporting directly to the Education Manager/Camp Director at TFI.  

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Holding or working toward a Bachelor's degree in environmental or agricul