Of the 300+ staff that work at YMCA of the Pines, about 25% are international staff members. International staff play a key role in helping our community understand the world we live in and enrich the camp experience for everyone. This experience is an opportunity of a lifetime to gain insight into the American culture, build everlasting friendships, and learn skills directly related to future professional careers.

Staff have been part of our team from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Poland, Hungary, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain.

Visa Options:

J1 Visa – provides opportunities for culture and educational exchange programs through the US Department of State.

Eligible Criteria:

Must be at least 18 years old
Speak and understand English
Be a post-secondary student, youth worker, teacher, or individual with specialized skills
Be able to commit to work from mid-June to late-August

Through this cultural exchange visa, you will immerse yourself in American culture. American summer camps offer a range of programming such as sports, outdoor activities, science, drama and theatre, arts and crafts, equestrian and so much more! You will gain valuable work experience that you can bring home but you’ll also be able to showcase your own skills through the camp’s programs.

Training is provided before the start of the camp season. While learning the duties and responsibilities of your job you will participate in a variety of hands-on activities and scenarios. You’ll even learn summer camp songs and games to teach campers! Our training also provides teamwork activities, communication best practices, and techniques to work with children. You’ll also take part in our mandatory training which includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: YMCA of the Pines’ emergency procedures, YMCA of the Pines’ code of conduct, sexual harassment prevention, and cross-cultural agility.

During this program, our organization will provide transportation to the following tourist attractions

Philadelphia Convention Center (Philadelphia, PA)
Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ)
Ocean City Beaches (Ocean City, NJ)
King of Prussia Mall (King of Prussia, PA)

Engage in the American culture as you venture into these exciting tourist attractions. Each trip will allow you to experience a variety of foods, shopping, historical education, and local events.

YMCA of the Pines partners with the following visa sponsoring agencies: AmeriCamp, Camp America, Camp Leaders, IENA, and Wildpacks.

Positions include camp counselor, lifeguard, or activity specialist as well as support areas such as food service, housekeeping, and maintenance. Staff in all positions will work with the campers and fully be part of the camp community.

Interested in applying? Contact one of the directors below:

Charlotte Brown – Executive Director of Overnight Camps (charlotte@ycamp.org)
Lynn Passarella – Senior Director of Day Camp (lynn@ycamp.org)
Kelly McHugh – Executive Chef (kelly@ycamp.org) – Food Service Support Staff
Andy Smith – VP of Buildings & Grounds (andy@ycamp.org) – Maintenance & Housekeeping Support Staff

 

Q1 Visa – provides opportunities for cultural and employment exchange programs through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Through this cultural exchange visa, you will bring the best of your home culture to the United States. You’ll expose our organization and the surrounding community to games, food, activities, habits, customs, and traditions from your home country. You will gain exposure to American culture along with valuable work experience, while the organization and community will be exposed to your home country’s culture and traditions.

Training is provided before the start of the program. While learning the duties and responsibilities of your job, you will participate in mandatory training which includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: YMCA of the Pines’ emergency procedures, YMCA of the Pines’ code of conduct, sexual harassment prevention, and cross-cultural agility. You’ll meet with our full-time staff team to present your home country’s principles, traditions, and beliefs. Our training also provides teamwork activities, communication best practices, and techniques to work with adults and children.

Eligible Criteria:

Be at least 21 years old
Speak and understand English
Be knowledgeable and skilled to be able to communicate the cultural aspects of your home country
Be able to commit to work 12-15 months

Positions include program and events coordinator, diversity and inclusion manager, and international partnership manager. Staff in all positions will work within our camp community and surrounding communities.

Interested in applying? Contact one of the directors below:

Charlotte Brown – Executive Director of Overnight Camps (charlotte@ycamp.org)
Lynn Passarella – Senior Director of Day Camp (lynn@ycamp.org)
Grace Tierney – Outdoor Center Director (grace@ycamp.org)