Seasonal Camper Support Specialist (Appleton)

About the role

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: Hourly Rate: $34.00-$36.00/hour Rates are determined based on relevant experience. Hours per week: 12-15 hours/week Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt Job Type: Onsite Duration: June 8-August 21, 2026 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. For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps . The Role: As the Appleton Farm Camp (AFC) Camper Support Specialist (CSS), 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 8-19), 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 22-August 21), 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 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. 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 interpersona

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