Chimney Corners Camp Program Staff

Come live, work and play with us this summer in the culturally rich Berskhires of Western MA!
Camp Description
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, Becket Day Camp, and the Travel and Service Program. 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!
Job Description

Program Staff are the lead instructors for a variety of program activities that we offer at camp. Program positions vary between camp programs but may include instructor positions in Archery, Creative Arts, Landsports, Nature/Outdoor Skills, Cooking and Baking, Performing Arts, Riding/Farm, Camping and Backpacking, Trip Leader, Waterfront, Yearbook/Media.  

Program Staff are responsible for:

  • Implementing progressive program plans that allow individual participants and participant groups to set goals, complete projects, and/or acquire skills in the area(s) in which they instruct;
  • Managing the inventory, care, maintenance, and purchasing requests of their area's equipment and supplies;
  • Training/orienting and coaching of counseling staff and LITs assigned to assist in their area;
  • Assisting Counseling Staff with cabin/group coverage and assume counseling staff responsibilities as needed, and;
  • Working together to plan large group and all-camp special events for campers/participants throughout the summer.

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 a lot of expenses are covered by camp.)
  • Gain valuable leadership and management skills that will help prepare you for future career opportunities and will reflect valuable work experience on your resume.
  • Becket-Chimney Corners is located in the heart of the Berkshires, which is internationally acclaimed for the arts and cultural venues.
  • Planned staff outings are available for staff time off. Camp provides transportation to local towns and cultural experiences for staff who do not have their own vehicle.  
  • Work with other young adults from all over the US and from abroad. Many staff make lifelong connections working at camp.
  • Opportunity to make connections and lifelong friends. Many of our staff travel together after camp season and connect for years to come.
  • Access to a large network of camp alumni 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.
Qualifications

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. Program Staff must have experience working with children and be 18 years of age or older or completed grade 12/equivalent by the end of June 2024. Some Program positions may require a higher minimum age.

Dates of Work

Program Staff are expected to arrive between June 8-9 2024 and must be able to work through August 18, 2024 at the earliest. 

General Working Conditions

1. Ability to work in excess of a 40- hour week with irregular work hours.

2. Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.

3. Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate in English.

4. Must be able to lift and/or assist children in certain program activities.

5. Must be able to frequently lift and carry supplies weighing up to 20 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds.

6. Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.

7. Position will require frequent bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.

8. Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

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

We are 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.