Seasonal Camp Behavior Specialist

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: $35/hour 

Hours per week: 12-15 hours/week 

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: June 9 – August 22, 2025 

Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you interested in supporting the social-emotional health and wellness of campers at our outdoor camp this summer? Would you like to work with camp staff to help make every amazing camp week a success for all campers? At Appleton Farms in Ipswich, MA, each day brings new outdoor adventures where campers explore both familiar and new environments and activities, and bond with new and old friends. 

With rolling grasslands, grazing livestock, vegetable gardens, an active barnyard, and miles of trails, Appleton Farm Camp offers a uniquely immersive summer experience. Campers are introduced to Appleton’s working farm and adventurous landscape through exciting, authentic educational activities. Our program for ages 4–14 is inspired by this exceptional property and builds on The Trustees’ expertise in nature conservation, historic landscapes, regenerative agriculture, and culinary exploration. 

Note: A similar position is also open for SummerQuest at The Crane Estate also in Ipswich. There is potential for these two roles to be combined for 24-30 hours/week, if the right candidate is eager to undertake the role at both camps.  

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

The Role:

As the Appleton Farm Camp (AFC) Camp Behavior Specialist (CBS), you will have a deep understanding of behavioral modification and child development and will value experiential, place-based education. You will be excited to share your knowledge to help prepare staff, camp spaces, caregivers, and campers for a successful camp experience.  

During camp training (June 9-20), you will work closely with the Camp Director to review camper profiles, finalize camp materials, facilitate staff workshops, and attend staff trainings to learn about camp logistics, culture, and daily expectations. 

Throughout the nine-week camp season (June 23–August 22), you will be on-site to provide support to staff and campers and assist with daily activities as needed. You will review camper records, develop strategies for identified campers, and assist with parent communications. The role is centered on cultivating a positive, safe camp experience while offering ongoing support to staff, campers, and families. 

A schedule will be arranged in collaboration with the camp team to meet the needs of the camp.  

Specifically, you’ll:

• Lead a staff training as it relates to understanding and supporting campers with a range of needs   

• Review camper records and documents, including IEPs, Behavior Plans, etc., prior to attendance 

• Communicate with caregivers as necessary before or during camp to set up campers for success 

• Take lead in coordinating and implementing strategy plans for campers who would benefit from accommodations and modifications  

• Support Camp Educators/Counselors and Counselors-in-Training (ages 15-17) with camper strategies and modifications  

• Assist in setting up indoor and outdoor activities and quiet spaces that allows all campers to flourish at camp 

• Ensure completion and documentation of administrative duties as they relate to camper accommodations, modifications, and interactions

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position working 12-15 hours/week reporting directly to the School & Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director at Appleton Farms.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• A master's degree or equivalent experience in social work, education, child development, special education, or other relevant course of study. 

• Proven expertise in the areas of trauma-informed practices, neurodiversity, behavior modification, and special education.  

• Creative, passionate, open-minded, and knowledgeable in a broad range of behavioral, social, and developmental needs of campers and their caregivers.  

• Effective documenter of camper behavior and ability to share observations and ideas to caregivers and camp staff. 

• Adept at reading IEPs and other camper documents and providing insight and direction to best support campers. 

• Experience working with children with diverse needs, abilities, and interests. 

• Effective communicator and collaborator with strong interpersonal skills: helpful, calm, friendly demeanor. 

• Able and willing to work across an expansive campus both indoors and outside in all types of summer weather    

• Able to lift 40 pounds 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be at least 21 years old 

• Availability for camp staff training (June 9–20) and all weeks of camp (June 23-August 22)  

• Must have or be willing to obtain Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification (provided, if necessary)   

• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check  

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.  

Don’t 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 people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: Mass Sick Leave Accrual  

• Trustees Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores, cafes, and on stays at our inns.  

• Museum Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

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.