The Berkshire Soccer Academy on Plunkett Lake is located in Hinsdale in Western Massachusetts. 140 miles north of New York and 140 miles West of Boston.

Our athletes have a passion for soccer and a desire to develop as well-rounded players, on and off the field. Approximately 100 athletes attend each session. Ages vary by session, but all athletes are at least nine and no older than seventeen. percent come from the northeastern United States. The rest travel from across the US and the world, including Canada, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.

We can’t wait to see your application. You can apply here.

We can’t wait to talk. You can click here to schedule a time to talk with one of our directors.

The Academy employs elective, media and other staff in roles unrelated to soccer. If you have a passion to work with children and want to have a positive impact on a summer community, we probably have a role for you.

Yes. We hire many international staff members. We help them obtain J-1 visas through one of our international staffing agencies.  To apply, complete an online application.

Camp is structured and demanding. We like to say it is “the toughest job you will ever love.” Staff members have several breaks a day and one full day off a week.

We offer six full days of pre-camp staff training that covers relevant aspects of youth development and group cohesion. The training, which is developed with the assistance of child development and camp industry experts, prepares our staff to instill in our girls mutual respect, individual responsibility, sportsmanship, and kindness. Pre-camp training also addresses safety issues, emergency procedures, and program preparation.

Check out this Video Link to see what previous staff have said about their time at Berky.

The Academy requires staff to be present for four weeks, from July 5 through July 31, 2025. This is  far less than the seven to nine weeks required at most overnight camps. 

What if I want to work more than 4 weeks?

Staff who want to work longer can do so. Positions are available before July 5 to help prepare and after July 31 to assist with groups that rent the facility after our three Berky sessions.

The Academy’s staff come from across the US and the world, including Canada, Europe, Africa and Central and South America.

While every day at the Academy is unique and full of surprises, the days do follow a common structure. View a Sample Day at the Academy.

You will have two scheduled daily breaks. During breaks, you may use available facilities to recreate, or you may read or nap. In addition, you receive 1 day off (a continuous 24-hour period) per 6 working days. Days off occur during the Thursday – Saturday break between sessions and between orientation and the beginning of the first session.

Staff can send out laundry after staff orientation and after the first and second sessions.  They can also visit a local coin-operated laundromat in Pittsfield on days off.

Yes, we recommend that you bring your phone and a tablet or laptop to camp so that you can connect to the internet and stay connected to friends, family, and the outside world. We are intent on providing campers with a technology-free experience and require staff to keep technology away from them. Staff can use technology during break times but only inside the Staff lounge. Cell phones cannot be used in the presence of campers.

Staff can get paid in the method of their choice, on an every other week basis;

• Direct Deposit (Domestic Staff only)
• Live Check at camp or mailed.
• Pre-paid Card (Provided for all International staff)

Staff are provided a travel stipend to be used toward transportation to and from camp. Our Directors will help you plan your travel.  The Academy will retrieve staff at on of these three locations:

• Bradley International Airport (Windsor Locks, CT)
• Springfield (MA) Bus Station
• Springfield (MA) Train Station

Staff may also drive their own vehicles to camp and may park at camp.

Of course, you can!  During your free time, you will have access to the lake (when a lifeguard is on duty), the fitness center, and the fields.

Cabin Counselors live with children in air-conditioned cabins with bathrooms and showers. Camper cabins house 8-12 campers and at least 2 staff members.

Leadership and support staff live in comfortable, air-conditioned, private, and semi-private accommodations.

The food is very good. Many options are offered to support those who are vegetarian, gluten-free or dairy-free. These include extensive fruit and bread bars at every meal and a full salad bar at lunch and dinner.

The fully equipped Health Center is staffed 24 hours a day by a Registered Nurse or nurse practitioner. We also have a full-time athletic trainer and an on-call medical practice. The nurse is aware of all staff medical needs via the Health History Form and distributes medication to staff at mealtimes or bedtime. The Health Center can accommodate overnight stays, and a hospital is within a 10-minute drive. Our licensed athletic trainer is on the field during every soccer session and provides pre- and post-training treatments.