Description
Adventure Trips Leader
Summer 2026
South Shore YMCA Camp Burgess & Hayward Sandwich, MA
Spend a summer exploring beautiful Cape Cod, and make a positive difference in the lives of teenagers! Camp Burgess & Hayward’s Adventure Trips offers 12 – 17 year olds a unique summer experience starting at our Base Camp on Cape Cod, on a property surrounded by 300 forested acres and three freshwater ponds. We then lead our campers on trips around Cape Cod and the Islands, and to New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Colorado.
We offer 1-2 week trips with a variety of focuses, including: biking, surfing, SCUBA, and camping. Our trips also involve swimming, paddling, high ropes, outdoor cooking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and exploring the many beaches and summer activities that Cape Cod has to offer. Campers attend our programs from across the United States and abroad to take advantage of our unique and exhilarating programs. For more information regarding Adventure Trips, please follow this link!
We provide a fun and supportive atmosphere for our campers to try new activities and forge lasting friendships. We strive to instill a love of the outdoors in our participants, while fostering leadership skills, encouraging effective communication, and living in a communal environment. This job is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of teenagers.
TRIP LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES:
Co-lead 10-12 campers throughout the summer on 6- or 12-day co-ed excursions around Cape Cod, the Islands, and beyond
Ensure safety of participants at all times
Be a good role model for fellow staff members and campers, and embody the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility
Facilitate meal planning and preparation
Create a fun environment, foster a positive group dynamic, and facilitate debriefing of group activities to encourage learning and growth
Effectively teach outdoor and trip-specific skills to campers. All necessary skills are taught during staff training; no specific skills required prior to employment. Outside professionals facilitate some activities, including surfing, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing
Drive SUVs, minivans, 15 passenger buses, and tow bike and kayak trailers
Manage trip finances and logistics
Keep paperwork organized and up to date
Manage and care for equipment
AVAILABILITY:
June 8 – August 15, 2026
Opportunities for spring/fall employment in Outdoor Education may be available
COMPENSATION:
$1,880 to $1,940 per month. Trip Leaders receive two weeks of paid training, staff lodging in a large platform tent or yurt, all meals while working, and free access to laundry machines and internet. This position provides a great opportunity to develop leadership skills both personally and professionally and in a wide range of outdoor pursuits. You will be working as part of a supportive, experienced, and fun-loving community – all while enjoying the beauty of summer on Cape Cod!
TO APPLY:
Email a resume to sstout@ssymca.org
For more information, please visit Our Website
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Spencer Stout
Director of Adventure Trips
South Shore YMCA, Camp Burgess & Hayward
75 Stowe Road, Sandwich, MA 02563
Direct: (508) 428-2571
Campburgessandhayward.com
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS:
Passion for working with teens in the outdoors
21+ years old with a clean driving record
Current Lifeguard and First Aid/CPR Certifications or willingness to obtain prior to start date
Willingness to obtain Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification prior to start date is encouraged
Experience working with youth, especially in a leadership and mentorship role, managing group dynamics, and coordinating logistics
Safety-conscious, energetic, flexible, responsible, patient, fun and compassionate
Previous outdoor experience. Experience in some of our specific program areas is a plus: biking, paddling, surfing, camping, etc.
