Adventure Trips Leader – Summer 2026

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, hiking, 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

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 lifeguarding certifications prior to the start date (this comes with a bump in compensation and course reimbursement up to $250)
• 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.

AVAILABILITY: 

June 7 – August 14, 2026

• Opportunities for spring/fall employment in Outdoor education may be available

COMPENSATION: 

$940 biweekly · 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!