International Trip Leader

Industry: Program

Company: BECKET-CHIMNEY CORNERS YMCA

TSP Leader (Travel & Service Program)

Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, located in Becket, MA, helps youth discover their potential through life-changing experiences and relationships. Situated on over 1300 acres of woodlands with miles of hiking trails, and two private lakes, in the beautiful Berkshires, we offer four summer programs, Camp Becket for Boys, Chimney Corners Camp for Girls, he Travel and Service Program, and Becket Day Camp.. Our programs serve more than 1500 participants over the course of the summer and employ over 300 staff members from all over the world. We have beautiful and historic facilities and offer a wide variety of activities. We hope you will consider spending your summer with us!

Program Description

Our Travel and Service Program provides extended travel opportunities abroad to participants who have completed 10th grade.

About the job…

TSP Leaders will co-lead an international travel and service program (ICEP) for our teen population focusing on leadership development, service-learning, and environmental/cultural exploration. Programs will start and end at Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, but the majority of the time will be spent traveling away from camp. 2025 program destinations: Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Spain, Sweden, & Uruguay. All trip experiences include travel, interaction with teens/youth, service projects, and cultural learning experiences. Trips may also include camping, hiking, and food preparation. Trip leaders will live and travel with program participants and support them to have positive, healthy, and growth-producing experiences. Leaders will be responsible for facilitating the program’s core components, including a leadership training program. In addition, leaders will work with the administrative team to coordinate trip details and carry out risk management policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• TSP leaders must have previous experience working with youth/teens and experience with international and domestic travel.
• Candidates who are 21 or older are strongly preferred, but some positions may have flexibility.
• Prior experience with one of our programs or with another camp program is preferred.
• Outdoor living and camping skills, as well as the ability to speak Spanish, Japanese, and/or Swedish, are a plus.
• Must be able to provide proof of a physical within the last 18 months and proof that you are up to date on all required immunizations.
• Must be qualified/able to travel abroad and have a valid passport to qualify for an international position.
• Willingness and ability to complete a Wilderness First Aid training course (provided by BCCYMCA) and a Lifeguard Training course, if applicable.

Pay & Benefits:

• Housing and meals are provided on-site at no cost to the employee as part of the experience. (Many staff find that they save a lot of money working at camp since many expenses are covered by camp.)
• All program-related travel expenses are included.
• Gain valuable leadership and management skills that will help prepare you for future career opportunities and reflect valuable work experience on your resume.
• Opportunity to engage with YMCAs internationally and gain insight on their community and programs.
• Participation in service projects designed and developed by YMCA host partners.
• Work with other young adults from all over the US and from abroad. Many staff make lifelong connections working at camp.
• Access to an extensive network of camp alums who can support you as resources for internships and career development.
• For staff seeking internship opportunities, we can help you connect with resources and/or customize aspects of your job to fit an internship structure. Inquire with your hiring manager about opportunities.

Dates of Work: TSP Leaders are expected to arrive June 7, 2025, and must be able to work through August 16, 2025, or later.

General Employment Requirements

While many of the skills described are important or required, please let us know if you have alternative experiences or skills that make you well-suited for a position. As a values-based organization, we feel you will be happiest with us if you embrace and share the ideals and values of Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. We strive to create a positive, supportive and fun work environment for our staff. It is expected that every member of our staff team treats others in a kind, fair and respectful manner.

General Working Conditions

• Ability to work in excess of a 40-hour week with irregular work hours.
• Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
• Must be able to lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
• Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
• Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.
• Must be willing to share a living space with other camp staff and camp groups.
• Ability to live and work in an environment where smoking, vaping and tobacco use are not allowed and where the possession and/or use of alcohol or recreational marijuana, even if staff is of legal age, on the camp property is prohibited.

Under Massachusetts state law, our campus is a drug- and alcohol-free zone. No one, regardless of legal age, is permitted to consume alcohol or drugs including nicotine or tobacco products (including e-cigarettes) on the Becket-Chimney Corners properties.

Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Inclusion Statement

Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where campers, participants, families, and staff can discover and be their authentic selves. Through leadership, strategic planning, recruitment, training, and program development, we strive to be inclusive in our practices and to promote equity and opportunity for all individuals. We respect, affirm and protect the dignity and worth of every member of our community.