Massachusetts Job Adventures

Volunteers & staff members help build meaningful lives at Gould Farm.
Volunteers & staff members help build meaningful lives at Gould Farm.
Summer Jobs, Seasonal Jobs, Internships and Volunteer Work in the U.S. & Abroad



Gould Farm: We Harvest Hope

Gould Farm

Social Work Opportunities: Residential Support, Forestry & Grounds, Gardening, Farming, Kitchen & Food Services, Harvest Barn Bakery, Roadside Café

This healing community is located on a 700-acre working farm in the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts. The transition program allows guests to move at their own pace through a continuum of services at the O’Connell House in the Berkshires or the extended community at Fellside, located just 15 minutes north of Boston.

Program in the Spotlight Helping those with mental illness build more meaningful lives, Gould Farm staff and volunteers serve as informal counselors, work team leaders and role models, engaging small groups of guests through work tasks that are required to run the farm. In order to provide the most fulfilling experience, Volunteers are asked to be flexible and work on several areas of the farm, which may include gardening, farming, forestry, dairy management, crafts, cooking, restaurant & retail management, childcare, administration, maintenance, and/or residential support. Boston area program staff live in a smaller community and provide support, guidance, and advocacy for clients who are well on their way to leading more independent lives. Benefits include a monthly stipend, housing in private rooms, wholesome meals and full medical coverage and paid vacation. On-the-job and in-service training and supervision are part of Gould Farm's pledge to provide a meaningful work experience for its employees. All positions require residency at the Farm as a condition of employment. Applications for paid volunteer positions are accepted year-round.

Gould Farm Staff Openings
More exploration!Now seeking a Kitchen Manager at the farm in Monterey AND Residential Staff at the Fellside Program just outside of Boston.

Ready to immerse yourself in a life-changing year of service? Watch the volunteer video »

Pauline Banducci
Volunteer Coordinator
Gould Farm
P.O. Box 157
100 Gould Road
Monterey, MA 01245

(413) 528-1804, ext. 37
volunteer@gouldfarm.org
GouldFarm.org
Backdoorjobs.com/GouldFarm.html

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Nature's Classroom is a residential environmental education program where students and teachers have the opportunity to experience education from another perspective, outside the walls of the classroom.

Nature's Classroom

Environmental/Outdoor Educators

Through unique, hands-on experiential education programs, Nature's Classroom immerses student groups ranging between the 4th and 8th grades in community awareness, motivational learning, and conservation of our natural resources in Charlton, Massachusetts. The Pondside location shares 600 acres of woodlands, fields, and streams with the Hilltop facility. Rich in history, this former homestead allows students the opportunity to hike along the same Bay Path trail that was once traveled by American Indians and early colonists more than three centuries ago. The modern Hilltop site uses solar panels and a 100 kilo-watt wind turbine which provides students with real-world examples of alternative energy.

Are you looking for an experience that is more than just a job? Nature's Classroom could be the life-changing opportunity you're searching for. All academic disciplines are welcome and no formal teaching experience or certification is required. The teaching community is comprised of various cultural and academic backgrounds, all dedicated to sharing their knowledge and interests with the younger generation. As an Environmental/Outdoor Educator, you'll educate diverse groups of kids, while living with terrific staff and creating memories that last forever. You will also be given the freedom to teach, grow and explore new areas for classes and programs. Hiring medical staff (Nurse, EMT) as well. Positions are available during the spring (March to mid-June) and fall (Labor Day to around Thanksgiving). Enjoy your weekends off and no overnight duties. Compensation starting at $550/week is based on education and experience, plus room and board is provided seven days a week. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed. The fabric of the Nature's Classroom community is woven by the individual uniqueness of staff who work, grow, live, and play closely together. If you have a Bachelor's degree (preferred) and a strong commitment to children and learning, connect with Lesleigh Drake or apply now.

So you want to work for Nature's Classroom? Watch this video »

Lesleigh Drake
Program Director
Nature's Classroom
19 Harrington Rd.
Charlton, MA 01507

(508) 248-2741
lesleigh@naturesclassroom.org
NaturesClassroom.org

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Camp Burgess & Hayward adventure trips provide participants the opportunity the step outside their comfort zones, gain confidence, and make lifelong friendships in a caring and supportive environment.

Camp Burgess & Hayward

Adventure Trip Leaders

With a base camp location in Cape Cod (MA), Camp Burgess & Hayward offers a variety of one- and two-week adventure programs, where 12–17 year-olds have the opportunity to be challenged with engaging activities, make new friends, gain independence, and learn valuable life skills. Whether it’s learning to surf on Cape Cod or biking around Martha’s Vineyard, adventure, confidence, and leadership are at the core of each program.

YMCA Job ListingSpend a summer exploring beautiful Cape Cod and make a positive difference in the lives of teenagers! Now seeking Adventure Trip Leaders to co-lead campers on 1-2 week excursions that focus on biking, surfing, cave exploration, and camping around Cape Cod and the Islands as well as to New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Colorado. Trips also involve swimming, paddling, high ropes, outdoor cooking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and more! Responsibilities include effectively teaching outdoor and trip-specific skills to campers, creating a fun environment, fostering a positive group dynamic, facilitating debriefing of group activities to encourage learning and growth, driving passenger vans, and managing trip finances and logistics. Positions run from June 9th to August 16th, 2024. Compensation includes a $920/bi-weekly salary, two weeks of paid staff training, lodging in a large yurt or platform tent the entire summer, all meals while working, free access to laundry machines and Internet, and recreational equipment during time-off. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, have a clean driving record, and currently hold CPR/first-aid and Lifeguard certifications (WFA preferred). If you have experience and a passion for working teens in the outdoors and are safety-conscious, energetic, flexible, responsible, patient, fun and compassionate, email a cover letter and resume to Ben Martin.

Ben Martin
Adventure Trips Director
Camp Burgess & Hayward
South Shore YMCA
75 Stowe Rd
Sandwich, MA 02563

(508) 428-2571 ext 115
bmartin@ssymca.org
CampBurgessandHayward.com/Adventure-Trips

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With a rich history of serving the South Shore region and beyond, Burgess Outdoor Education develops conscientious citizens by instilling wonder, encouraging stewardship and cultivating community through interactive outdoor experiences.

YMCA Camp Burgess and Hayward

Outdoor Educators

Just an hour's journey south of Boston in the historic town of Sandwich, YMCA Camp Burgess and Hayward sprawls across 300 acres of forests, meadows, and glistening freshwater ponds of Cape Cod.

YMCA Job ListingNow seeking Outdoor Educators to guide students through transformative outdoor learning experiences! Educators will have access to freshwater ponds, a state-of-the-art high ropes course, a low ropes team building course, climbing tower, educational farm, waterfront, and hiking trails to lead environmental education classes and team building programming for school groups and specialty weekend camps. Staff training covers class curriculum, group facilitation strategies, and technical challenge course skills required for the job. You will have the dedicated support and guidance of experienced staff as you develop your leadership style and gain confidence in facilitating others in outdoor activities. Positions run from April 12th-June 7th, 2024; Instructors are also encouraged to continue work into the summer months in leadership roles and as Outdoor Educators again during the fall. Compensation starts at $460/week ($490/week with lifeguard certification), plus comfortable staff housing, all meals while working, kitchen access, laundry facilities, WiFi, and enjoying the awesome lifestyle in Cape Cod! Applicants must be 21+ years old, with a college degree or relevant life experience, a passion for working outdoors with youth, teens, and adults, the desire to facilitate environmental, team building, and challenge course programs, and the ability to live and work as a positive team player in a collaborative residential setting. If you're ready to inspire a love for the outdoors, foster personal growth, and shape a thriving community, email a cover letter and resume to Heaven Roberts.

Heaven Roberts
Outdoor Education Director
YMCA Camp Burgess and Hayward
75 Stowe Rd.
Sandwich, MA 02563

(508) 428-2571 ext 107
hroberts@ssymca.org
CampBurgessandHayward.com
CapeCodRetreats.org

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Christodora: Nature, Learning & Leadership

Christodora's Manice Education Center

Outdoor Educators

Christodora is nestled on a 200-acre campus in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. The surrounding state forests contain an 80-foot cascading waterfall, four ponds, a unique bog ecosystem, small farm, many 2,500+ foot peaks and more than 25,000 forested acres, all within a day's walk. The region is a phenomenal setting for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers to enjoy an outdoor playground.

Christodora's Manice Education Center provides New York City middle school youth an immersive nature experience through stimulating environmental education and outdoor/wilderness excursions. Outdoor Educators work closely in a supportive atmosphere teaching small mixed-gender groups of youth in a variety of outdoor classroom settings. Responsibilities include facilitating low-ropes challenge course initiatives, discovery-based activities and cooperative games, creating meaningful, problem-based, experiential, and active environmental science lessons, providing an introduction to gardening and composting, celebrating as a camp community with skits, music and s'mores at the campfire program, leading nighttime hikes to see the stars and cultivate sensory awareness, and supervising students on a rotating schedule in canvas-walled, cabin-style tents on large wooden platforms. Positions are available during the spring (April 15th-June 7th), summer (June 10th-August 27th) and fall (September 4th-November 2nd). Compensation includes a $575/week salary, room and board, outdoor equipment discounts, hands-on training, and ongoing professional development. WFA and lifeguarding certification are provided during the summer season. If you have an adventurous spirit, a willingness to learn, passion for the outdoors, and enjoy connecting with NYC youth, email employment@christodora.org with “[Last Name]/MEC OE” in the subject of the message and attach a resume and brief cover letter. Three professional references may be requested following an initial phone interview.

Christodora believes an escape from the concrete is not just a privilege—it's a transformative experience that allows youth to better understand the natural world and shape their role within it.

Jacob Kreuzer
Vice President, Programs
Christodora's Manice Education Center
68 Savoy Rd.
Florida, MA 01247

(413) 663-8463
employment@christodora.org
Christodora.org/join-us

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Nature's Classroom immerse students in authentic, real world, hands-on activities at a spectacular locations throughout New England.

Nature's Classroom New England

Outdoor Education Instructors

With campuses in Connecticut (Ivoryton and Lakeside), Massachusetts (Great Barrington, Groton and Yarmouth Port), Maine (Ocean Park), New Hampshire (Freedom), and New York (Silver Bay), Nature's Classroom New England is the largest overnight, hands-on, nature/science/SEL-based outdoor education program in the Northeast. From hiking trails to forests and mountains to beaches, 4th-8th grade students experience a 1-5 day field trip adventure of a lifetime.

Are you interested in working with kids, being outside, exploring New England, and living with a team of Outdoor Educators? Join a team that is committed to providing unforgettable experiences to youth! With environmental education programs that focus on social and emotional learning, science and engineering skills, and adventure education, Instructors are responsible for educating a group of 10-12 students, including facilitating day and night lessons, leading large group activities, and hosting meals. Hands-on activities include wilderness survival, wood carving, aquatic biology, science fair, outdoor cooking, low ropes course, and team building initiatives. Also seeking Traveling Outdoor Education Instructors and an RN or LPN for each site. Positions are available during the spring (early March to early June) and fall (late August to mid-November), with a MO-FR schedule (no weekends!). Compensation includes $125/day, housing, meals during programming (plus onsite communal food budget on weekends), mileage reimbursement for work-related travel, and relocation assistance. Must be able to hike 3-5 miles/day and fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you have experience working with elementary and middle school students, a passion for outdoor education, and ready to make a difference in student's lives, email a cover letter (detailing why you are interested in being an outdoor educator), 3-4 references (name, email, phone number) and resume to Rachel D'Angio.

Rachel D'Angio (she/her/hers)
School Outreach Manager
Nature's Classroom New England
PO Box 4627
Portsmouth, NH 03082
(585) 797-3084
staff@naturesclassrooms.com
NaturesClassrooms.com

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