Teach Boating at Summer Camp

Spend your summer on the water.

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Minimalist illustration of a blue kayak floating on water with small waves around it.

Summer Camp Boating Jobs

Overview

Make a splash on the water this summer!
We have a beautiful 35 acre, Spring fed natural lake and there’s no better way to spend your summer days than Kayaking, Canoeing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
The boating team consists of 6-8 staff. As a boating instructor you are responsible for teaching campers the basics skills associated with Kayaking, Canoeing and Stand Up Paddle Boarding all while having an amazing time on the lake. As Campers play, your ultimate goal is to keep them safe and make sure they are having fun!
Why Teach Boating at Camp?

Kayaking and Canoeing is rooted in summer camp history. When our camp first started 80+ years ago, canoeing was one of the few things to do and in a complex digital world, it’s refreshing and reassuring to see kids come alive on the water. Kayaking, Canoeing and now Stand Up Paddle boarding helps campers stay engaged in a fun and exciting way.
Key Responsibilities

• Instruct, supervise, and mentor campers with a focus on developing confidence, and respect for the aquatic environment.
• Plan and lead daily waterfront activities while also participating in broader camp programs as needed.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere both in and around the water, adhering to all safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with campers, co-staff, and camp leadership to support a smooth and positive waterfront experience.
• Model responsibility, attentiveness, and teamwork in all waterfront and camp interactions.
Key Details

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the camp season.
• Prior experience working with children is beneficial.
• Available to live and work on-site for the full season (mid-June to mid-August)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to engage fully in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Competitive seasonal salary.
• Free housing and meals for the duration of employment.
• Leadership and team development experience.
• A strong professional reference for future opportunities.
• Pre-camp training and ongoing support.

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5 things we look for in Lifeguards

Strong Swimming Ability: A lifeguard must be an exceptional swimmer, capable of navigating various water conditions quickly and efficiently to rescue swimmers in distress.
Vigilant Observation Skills: Constant attention to the water and its surroundings is crucial. A lifeguard must be able to spot potential hazards or signs of distress quickly, even in a crowded or noisy environment.
First Aid and CPR Certification: Lifeguards should be well-trained in first aid and CPR, with the ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergencies, providing immediate care until further medical help arrives.
Communication and Leadership: Effective communication with both campers and staff is key. Lifeguards must be able to give clear instructions, enforce rules, and manage potentially stressful situations with authority and calm.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Working closely with other lifeguards, camp staff, and medical personnel is essential. A lifeguard must be able to collaborate and support their team to ensure the safety and well-being of all campers.

A young woman with reddish-brown hair sitting on a white Adirondack chair, holding a red surfboard, smiling at the camera outdoors near a swimming pool.

A young man with long hair wearing sunglasses, a cap, and a blue t-shirt, holding a large red pool floatie, standing near a body of water surrounded by green trees.

A person standing on a wooden observation deck at a water park, wearing a red swimsuit, black shorts, sunglasses, and a hat, with a blue sky and trees in the background.

John Gray

"As the Waterfront Director, I believe our lifeguards are the backbone of a safe and enjoyable experience at camp. Their vigilance, skill, and dedication ensure that every camper can enjoy the water with confidence, knowing they are in expert hands.”

Smiling man and woman wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses stand outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and lounge chairs in the background.

Children in colorful canoes paddling on a calm lake at sunset, with trees and lakeside houses in the background.

Children enjoying a boat ride on a lake with two girls paddling a canoe in the foreground and other children in the background, all wearing life jackets and smiling.

Three children in a green canoe paddling on a calm lake surrounded by green trees.

A smiling young man kayaking on a lake during the day, wearing a life jacket and holding a paddle.

Four children wearing life jackets and paddling a green canoe on a lake surrounded by green trees, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.

Children in life jackets kayaking on a lake with a sailboat and kayaks in the background.

Three girls in life jackets paddling a red kayak on a lake surrounded by trees and houses in the background

A group of young girls and a camp counselor posing outdoors, surrounded by trees and a wooden building, all wearing life jackets and smiling at the camera.

Woman kneeling on paddleboard on a lake, holding a paddle, wearing a hat, vest, and swimsuit, with trees and houses in the background under a blue sky.

A young man smiling on a dock with kayaks and sailboats, holding a paddle, in a sunny outdoor setting with trees and water.

A smiling boy in a life jacket holding a water sports paddle, with a group of children in the background near a lake on a sunny day.

Three children in a green canoe on a lake. They are smiling and paddling with black oars, surrounded by trees and a wooden boat house in the background.

FAQs

Teaching periods are around 40-50 minutes long and you’ll normally teach 5 or 6 periods a day. Camp counselors will accompany the campers to the boating area and then it’s your responsibility to engage with the campers and get them ready for the lesson. You and your team will have lesson plans (that you help build!) that will be tailored for the different levels and abilities. Those 40-50 minutes are yours to make as amazing as possible.
A typical class will have around 12-18 campers. Sometimes bunks have split activities or off-camp trips, or perhaps two bunks are scheduled for boating at once! This means you can sometimes have a handful of campers or a larger class to teach. You will have a schedule for each day to know what campers to expect before the day starts.
Due to the responsibilities that come with boating, we are looking for staff with experience. You should feel comfortable in a kayak, canoe, or on stand up paddle board. Sailing instructors require past training and experience in small boat sailing. You need to be a confident swimmer as well as we require all waterfront staff to be lifeguard certified by our team. If you do not currently have any certifications you can still apply and we will assess your experience level.
Our camp season runs from mid-June to mid-August. For this position you would need to be available for this period.
Throughout the summer you will live in a bunk with campers and other camp counselors. When you’re not teaching you’ll connect with them and be part of their group to provide extra coverage. During this time you’ll have an opportunity to take part in other activities with them and help your team out.
Yes. On a regular schedule you will have one period off each day.
You will also have one full day and night off each week. This is your chance to rest, recover and try some new things on camp and explore new places off camp with other staff.

One Camp.
One Community.

About Us:

Camp IHC is a mission-driven overnight camp in North East Pennsylvania focused on child development. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for both campers and staff.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Camp IHC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and communities to apply. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace for everyone.