Berkshire Outdoor Center Community Programs

The traineeship is intended to provide the trainee with a variety of experiences in the field of Outdoor Education such that he or she may develop skill, understanding and passion for working with children, youth and adults in the outdoor setting. The further purpose of this training is to provide the trainee with the skills and experience of running an entire outdoor education and leadership development program.

The trainee must have interest and established skill in working with children, youth and adults. The trainee must be confident, reliable, conscientious, punctual, very highly motivated and safety-oriented. Specific outdoor skills are not required but are learned through trainings during the traineeship. All trainees are background-checked and must have an appropriate history of records.

The trainee will learn all aspects of the program, from instructor skills - belaying, lifeguarding, teambuilding administration, low ropes, high ropes, boating, environmental education; through supervisory skills - the trainee begins as an instructor, advances to senior instructor after 12 months, providing leadership to other staff; through food service management skills - preparing, working and supervising food service sectors through various times of the year; and finally business management skills - understanding the budget, income and expense management and recruiting guests, groups and staff.

The trainee will also be further trained in challenge course facilitation, including teambuilding and belaying skills. The trainee will have experience in all aspects of our camps and Outdoor Center programs, including working with school groups, adult groups and family campers. This training will allow the trainee to observe then practically apply activities aimed at improving peer relationships, developing leadership skills and activity-specific skills in youth and adults alike. Furthermore, the trainee will develop skills and understanding in food service management and supervision and business management, including budgetary analysis and development. This training will ultimately allow the trainee to run similar programs in his/her home country.

J-1 Trainees are managed as if staff members. Therefore, they have specific job responsibilities. Trainees and staff are trained in all aspects of their job responsibilities prior to working. Trainees are expected to conduct their personal lives in a manner that sets a positive example for guests. Attitude is no less important than skill. All possible aspects of a program cannot be covered in this job description. A flexible, positive, and resourceful attitude is essential to the development of a safe, educational and creative program.

Lead activities in the areas of outdoor education, teambuilding, recreation; lead large group activities, evening programs; run all activities on schedule
Function as an effective part of the OC team to maintain and improve Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA programs
Be alert to new program opportunities and be responsive to evaluations
Ensure that all activities are being conducted with the highest standards of safety
Participate in routine cleaning of buildings as well as dishwashing duties
Be flexible with schedule changes and group needs
Participate in curriculum review and development; participate in all staff meetings

Trainees are expected to follow all Outdoor Center Staff Policies and complete all staff paperwork, such as agreements, background checks and other staff paperwork.

J-1 trainees participate in the J-1 Trainee Outreach Program. They are required to organize a volunteer position in the local community (usually at a school) and then participate in that outreach, in their own time. Transportation is provided, and we have some fantastic opportunities lined up in some of our regional schools. Typical examples of outreach include – managing after school programs, coaching sports teams, helping in the classroom, or providing other assistant duties. This provides the trainee with the opportunity to share their home culture with Americans, and to learn more about American life through our community.

American Red Cross CPR-First Aid Training
Outdoor Center Instructor Training
Outdoor Center Staff Policies
Outdoor Center Child Abuse Prevention Training
Belay Training I, II, III
Low Ropes Facilitation Training I, II
Boating Skills
Sensitive Issues and Bullying; Conflict Resolution
Age Dynamics
Lesson Preparation and Facilitation

Trainees are permitted to select one off-site training during the first 12 months of their traineeship. This training can be in any skill area they are interested in enhancing, that also contributes to the development of the Berkshire Outdoor Center program. The off-site training may be paid for by BCCYMCA (subject to Director approval). Travel costs to trainings within New England, New York State are covered by BCCYMCA, but travel to off-site trainings outside of this region is the responsibility of the trainee. Typical trainings include advanced ropes course trainings, lead-rope climbing trainings and rescue trainings.
Trainees may select a second off-site training (with similar limitations) during the final 6 months of their traineeship.

The Outdoor Center Director will have overall responsibility of supervising the trainee. The trainee will be directly supervised by Outdoor Center Program Coordinators. Senior Program Instructors will serve as mentors.

Regular, scheduled 1-on-1 meetings with direct supervisors.
Immediately following the trainee's rotations in other departments, the Outdoor Center Director will meet with the department supervisor to assess performance.
A final written report by the Outdoor Center Director summarizing the trainee’s gained experiences and level of performance. The trainee will sign the report and receive a copy.

Within the trainee’s first week, we will establish a set of goals and objectives in each skill area. Regular meetings - and the trainee’s final report - will be used to assess progress.

The J-1 Trainees are paid well – US$7.15 per hour (2007), plus all room and board, health insurance and visa fees. As trainees gain skills and experience in the fields of work that we offer, there is opportunity for their allocated stipend to increase. Trainees are guaranteed the opportunity for at least 30 hours per week, but will most usually work 40 hours per week. J-1 Trainees are subject to Massachusetts state and US federal taxes.

At least two full days off per week
Off-site shopping trip once per week (US$1 per person, per trip)
Off-site personal trip once per week (US$1 per person, per trip)
Meals and Accommodation.

US$100,000.00 coverage for each accident and illness.
US$7,500.00 coverage for repatriation of remains to home country (in case of death).
US$10,000.00 coverage for medical evacuation to home country.
US$100.00 deductible.