If  “yes”, consider leaving a legacy by joining the Global Youth Village staff team for the summer.

Working at the Global Youth Village is a unique opportunity for professional, non-professionals, graduate and undergraduate students to gain experience and share knowledge in new ways. The low staff/youth ratio lends itself to personalized instruction and mentor relationships in a caring atmosphere.  Many summer staff are professionals or graduate students, with two to ten (or more!) years of experience in their fields, and typically range in age from 21-45. Together with our highly qualified year round staff, we create a dynamic, cooperative learning community representing various abilities, experiences and viewpoints.

Now accepting applications!!!!

“I am impressed by the mission and scope of Legacy’s work. There is such a tremendous outlook and impact on the people worked with. Most importantly, is the impact on the youth. The knowledge the participants gain and the transformation they go through in such a short time is intense and impressive. They are so impressionable, and education is key to creating a more peaceful society. I loved being a part of that.” ~  Jaimee Braun, Washington DC; educator, conflict resolution trainer, ESOL instructor

• Staff Training:  June 13, 14 or 15 – 23, 2012  (All staff new to the GYV experience are required to attend staff training.)
• Session 1, Indonesia-US Exchange:  June 24 – July 3, 2012
• Intersession; Preparing for Session 2:  July 3 – 6, 2012
• Session 2, Peace Building Program:  July 7  – 16, 2012
• Intersession, Preparation for Session 3:  July 16 – 18, 2012
• Session 3, Peace Building Program:  July 19 – 29, 2012
• Staff Wrap-up:  July 29 – August 1, 2012
• Community Involvement Project:  just a small number of staff are hired to work in this service/travel program (local & Washington, DC based); July 30 – August 4, 2012

General, All-Staff Duties & Responsibilities

In addition to your primary job role, all staff participate in the following:

Meal‑cleanup: Each staff member is assigned to do meal clean-up once a day, with some exceptions for select staff who have schedule conflicts.

Program Support Functions: During staff training and throughout the session, administrative,  program, and counseling staff (and some support staff) may be assigned to fulfill various duties:

• Helping design and deliver select evening all-Village events
• Setting-up or striking set for evening programs
• Moving equipment and supplies, setting up for picnics, campfires, special festivals, etc.
• Trips off campus to public transportation terminals or church services
• Helping create back drops of posters for special events
• Assisting kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance staff
• Being part of staff team that goes to Washington, D.C. for international arrivals and departures.

In-between sessions or at the close of the season:

• Evaluating programs and procedures
• Cleaning cabins and work areas, preparing equipment and supplies for storage
• Completing inventory reports, summaries, etc.

As staff, we guide participants through their initial adjustment, group building, individual goal setting, skill building, and reflection.

Our personal touch, as well as all the activities we design and deliver builds among the young people (and staff) a deep sense of community.  Individuals leave with new perspectives, inspiration, and confidence. 

For staff there is a constant cycle of planning and delivering.  Your days are full  and you will discover different levels of service and multitasking.  View the Youth Schedule for an idea of the flow. (More details will be provided if you are selected for an interview.)

The Legacy Honor Code was written jointly by past participants and staff, and provides the guidelines by which we can create a model cooperative community and broaden the experience of every member of our “global village.” Each participant and staff is expected to:

• Be open to new ideas and willing to listen
• Respect other people’s point of view, cultural difference and music
• Participate fully in all activities
• Resolve conflict through communication
• Engage in non-exclusive, open relationships which avoid cliques and pairs
• Accept a diet free of meat and sugar for a period of time
• Abstain from tobacco, alcohol & illegal drugs

Please do not apply if you feel you cannot abide by this code. More details about staff policies will be provided to those selected for interviews.

Accommodations for counseling staff are in cabins with youth. Other staff are housed in similar cabins, but with adult staff only.  (Housing for couples or families is very limited.  Please inquire as to availability prior to applying, if this is a need for you. ) Centralized bathhouses serve each cluster of cabins.   Select program areas are air-conditioned.   Sleeping areas are not.

The Global Youth Village serves a delicious vegetarian (ovo-lacto) diet with dishes representing various international cuisines.   Special dietary needs can usually be met.   Poultry or fish entrees are served on rare occasions.

We attract a diverse group of highly enthusiastic, idealistic, practical and committed adults who want to make a difference in the world.  We look at the combination of skills and how the team is constructed in order to offer a wide array of activities ranging from skill building workshops, to fun and challenging recreational activities, to cabin life and engaging all campus programs. It really does take a village.

Before applying:

1. Review all aspects of the GYV web site.  Familiarize yourself with the  program goals and activities offered to the young people.
2. Review the employment section in full, including the work environment and positions.
3. Complete an application and send it in.  Most of our applications are received between January and March. We like to make final selections by the end of April when possible.

If you have questions along the way email Leila Baz

For all staff (except volunteers), a modest stipend is negotiated, ranging between $225 – $325 / week (pre-taxes).  Salary is discussed during the interview process, and varies depending on the position and level of experience. (Staff are responsible for transportation costs to and from the Bedford region. Legacy provides transport to camp from local airports, bus and train stations.)

The training and skill development provided also attracts many volunteers. Professional educators may find this training as a means to fulfill continuing education requirements. Many university students have been able to earn academic credit for their work at the Village.

Staff training addresses the following areas:

• Human Relations: communication and counseling skills, monitoring and addressing group dynamics, facilitation, problem solving, and conflict management skills;
• Intercultural Relations: principles of intercultural relations, daily life in a multicultural “village,” discussions addressing global issues; promoting appreciation of cultural values and traditions.
• Professional Skill Development: global education, experiential education; leadership development
• Other Components: facility set-up, curriculum planning, risk management, health care, and orientation specific to individual responsibilities.

Meet our team

Each staff member has scheduled time off (24 -36 hours) between the sessions,  at which time he or she may choose to explore the surrounding area.

Staff also have approximately 2 hours of “discretionary time” daily.   During this discretionary time, staff remain on-campus as many positions entail 24-hour responsibilities.   Some staff choose to do planning work or nap.   Others may meet a friend in the staff lounge, exercise, or work on an art project.

Daily Rejuvenation

When not on duty, we encourage staff to rest, read, check email or relax in  the staff lounge.   Special staff events are organized approximately three times during the summer (evening pool party, movie nights, etc.).

What is there to do in the Bedford area during my time off?

The surrounding areas of Bedford, Roanoke and Campbell Counties offer a variety of activities. The Global Youth Village is within easy driving distance of the Blue Ridge Mountains (hiking, Appalachian culture), Smith Mountain Lake (swimming, boating), New River Valley (rock-climbing, tubing, rafting), and the cities of Roanoke & Lynchburg (shopping, theaters, museums, restaurants).   For history buffs, historical sites are abundant, including Monticello, Poplar Forest (Jefferson’s retreat), Booker T. Washington’s home, Appomattox Court House, and more.