Becket, MA
February 05, 2012
Home > Summer Programs > Travel & Service Programs > Teen Leadership & Service (TLS)
The TLS Program of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA incorporates the physical challenges of a cycling adventure with the opportunity to develop and utilize leadership skills. The services our teens will provide may involve working with the local day camps, assisting in retirement communities, working with state and national parks on trail and maintenance projects, and volunteering at community sponsored events. TLS Programs offered will take place in the breathtaking, scenic Lake Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains in Vermont and New York. Each participant plays an important role in the success of the TLS Program. Good physical condition and a positive attitude are essential. Participants will be responsible for transporting their own gear and assisting with the group equipment, such as, tents, stoves and program supplies. Group members will sleep in tents or under the starry summer skies. Each TLS participant will share in the responsibilities of food preparation, site set-up and pick-up, providing day camp activities, and performing community service projects.
On a typical day, one participant may be chosen as the leader-of-the-day. S/he will be responsible for organizing the group to run the day camp activities, do the grocery shopping, assign daily tasks, etc. S/he will communicate with their program peers and discuss day camp programs, delivery methods, menus, and other details. The leader-of-the-day will make decisions, be open to feedback, and conduct a cabin chat in the evening that allows the group to reflect on the lessons of each day. The TLS program requires a high degree of commitment, as each participant will be challenged mentally, physically and socially. Keep in mind that this program is very different from the in-camp experience at Chimney Corners Camp and Camp Becket. By the very nature of the experience campers must be able to exercise a higher degree of decision-making and accept greater responsibility for their own personal actions. Only the most mature, responsible teen should apply.
The Lake Champlain/Adirondack Mountains TLS Program begins with an orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Following orientation, participants will be transported to Mt. Philo State Park and will travel north to Burlington on Lake Champlain. The participants will then be transported by ferry and continue their journey to Keene Valley, Saranac Lake, and Blue Mountain Lake in New York State. They will conclude their journey with a service project in Lake George. The participant's daily mileage averages 25 miles and can range from 16 miles to 45 miles depending on the day.
All TLS Program participants will take part in three days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA prior to departing on their journey, and a two-day debriefing at camp upon their return. During orientation, TLS participants will develop camping and group-building skills, as well as cover bicycle safety, maintenance, and repair. They will become acquainted with fellow group members and discuss program goals and regulations, thus setting the standards for the success of their adventure. Participants will also review how to pack their bikes, use "leave no trace" camping skills, and participate as an effective group member. As a team, they will review the cycling route and plan activities for work in the day camps.
The TLS groups will be in isolated areas at times. Our leaders carry cell phones and/or other electronic communication devices for emergencies. However, it is important to remember that this does not guarantee immediate communication from the group to our office. Radio and cell phone transmission can be unpredictable and dependent on terrain, atmospheric conditions and other variables. There may be occasions when we have no phone access to our group for over 24 hours. However, we require all TLS leaders to call the Travel and Service Program Director at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA office a minimum of once a week.
The TLS Program takes place rain or shine, so participants should be prepared to ride and/or perform service projects regardless of the weather. In the case of severe weather, the leaders will make alternative plans, but this will only happen when riding conditions become questionable or unsafe. Participants will learn how to ride safely, read a road map, and keep dry and happy.
The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA will provide the following group equipment: tents, stoves, cooking utensils, maps, first-aid kits, and tool kits. We encourage borrowing or renting equipment (with the exception of a helmet) when possible. Most items are available at cycling shops or by mail order. BIKES MUST BE WELL MAINTAINED BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL AT CAMP. Call your local bike shop for "tune-up" options they may provide. Participants will receive a complete equipment list upon acceptance into the program.
TLS participants will strengthen their biking, camping, and traveling skills. They will also have the opportunity to learn and practice techniques of positive leadership in group situations, while clarifying personal and societal values through discussions and activities. Independence, cooperation, responsibility, achievement, fun . . . these qualities, and more, are the essence of the TLS Program.
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748 Hamilton Road, Becket, MA 01223
Tel: (413) 623-8991 | Fax: (413) 623-5890