Management Trainee, Trips & Travel

About the Role

The Takodah YMCA Management Trainee Program is designed to provide an emerging professional with hands-on experience in the operations of a year-round YMCA camp. This specific Management Trainee position will focus on developing a new travel-based program called Leader Corps.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with hiring staff.
• Plan programs.
• Work with campers and families.
• Participate in leadership meetings.
• Assist with events.
• Learn about budgets, insurance, risk management, fundraising, facilities, and registration systems.
• Contribute to discussions about the future of the camp.
• Assist with logistical tasks, such as moving furniture.

Trips & Travel Program Development

• Help build a new travel-based program for first-year teen leadership participants.
• Research destinations, routes, campsites, experiences, service opportunities, and potential partner organizations.
• Create itineraries that balance adventure, leadership, service, community, and logistical considerations.
• Coordinate vehicle rentals, lodging, campsites, permits, reservations, meals, and equipment.
• Develop budgets, packing lists, emergency plans, policies, and trip procedures.
• Address aspects of transportation, supervision, communication, and risk management.
• Contribute to defining the future of Trips & Travel at Takodah.

Seasonal Focus Areas

• Winter: Rotate through program, administration, facilities, and development. Recruit summer staff, support camper events, work on off-season programs, participate in strategic planning, close facilities for winter, and attend professional development. Begin designing and researching the new travel program.
• Spring: Attend conferences, hire and onboard summer staff, plan staff training, order supplies, prepare activity areas, and support spring programs and rentals. Finalize travel program details including routes, itineraries, reservations, transportation, equipment, permits, and emergency plans. Inventory and organize camping and travel equipment. Develop and deliver training for trip leaders on vehicle safety, outdoor living, working with teens, risk management, emergency procedures, and group culture.
• Summer: Serve as a member of the seasonal senior leadership team overseeing camp operations with a focus on the trips and travel programs. Supervise and mentor seasonal trip staff. Coordinate vehicles, equipment, food, campsites, reservations, and schedules. Ensure trip leaders are prepared and supported. Assist in problem-solving for unexpected changes. Support day-to-day camp operations.
• Fall: Evaluate the summer operations, including the new LC travel program. Facilitate fall programs and events. Begin preparations for the next summer. Focus on professional development, including résumé building, interview skills, strengths, growth areas, and identifying necessary experiences. Receive guidance and support from camp and nonprofit professionals.

Commitment

• 18–24 months

Stipend

• $750–$800/week

Housing

• Shared housing provided

Meals

• Provided when available to programs

Requirements & Tech Stack

• No specific technical requirements were mentioned.

Qualifications

• Interest in a career in camping, recreation, youth development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Curiosity about how a YMCA camp operates.
• Enjoyment of adventure combined with attention to detail.
• Excitement to help build a new program.
• Ability to learn and adapt to seasonal changes in camp work.
• Willingness to help figure out challenges and find solutions.
• Interest in professional growth and development.