Teach Sailing at Summer Camp

Spend a summer with the wind in your sails.

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Outline illustration of a sailboat with a blue sail and a dark blue hull, with measurement lines on the right indicating height.

Summer Camp Sailing Jobs

Overview

Our sailing program at Camp IHC is one of the most unique offerings we have. Not many camps offer an on-site sailing program so it’s important to us that we utilize it as much as possible.
The sailing program is organized and run by our boating team. Every day there will be periods where campers will come to boating and choose to sail, kayak, canoe or paddle-board.
As a sailing instructor you will help campers learn how to sail around the lake.
Why Join our Sailing Team?

If you like being by the water and in the sunshine then this is the role for you. What could be a better way to spend 9 weeks of a summer?
You will be part of an incredible boating team, who every year are easy-going and incredible people to work alongside, you will create great friendships and bonds with them, our wider waterfront team and more.
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.

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.

Young woman smiling and sitting on a white Adirondack chair at a swimming pool, holding a red life preserver.

Young man with long hair, sunglasses, and a blue t-shirt holding a red pool noodles, standing outdoors near a river with green trees in the background.

A woman in a red swimsuit and black shorts standing on a wooden platform at a water park, smiling and holding onto the railing, with a yellow water slide visible below and trees in the background.

Children sailing on a small boat near a watercraft with an adult. The scene is outdoors on a sunny day with trees in the background.

Children sailing a red and white sailboat on a lake with green trees in the background.

People sailing on a small boat with a red, white, and blue sail on a lake with a green, forested shoreline.

Children and an adult sailing a small sailboat and riding on a kayak on a lake surrounded by trees and houses.

A group of seven young people standing hand-in-hand on a dock near a lake, smiling at the camera, with canoes in the foreground and trees in the background.

Two young girls in life jackets and helmets smiling on a boat in the water, with a wakeboard in front.

Two boys are sailing a small sailboat with a red, white, and blue sail on a lake, with a wooded shoreline and a playground with a yellow slide in the background.

Two girls wearing safety helmets and life jackets sailing a small colorful sailboat on a lake with houses and trees in the background.

Two boys wearing helmets and life jackets sit on a small sailboat on the water, with one adjusting the sail, near a wooden dock and grassy area.

FAQs

Teaching periods are around 40-50 minutes long and you’ll normally coach 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.
Yes. As part of the waterfront team you will arrive a week earlier to camp than most other roles. As it is a highly skilled area you will spend this extra time with the waterfront team going through extensive waterfront training. You will be swim tested and assessed. You will sit an American Red Cross test and gain a certification at the end of it. You will learn how our safety systems work and first aid.
Due to the responsibilities that come with sailing, we are looking for staff with specific small boat sailing experience as well as lifeguard certifications coupled with a strong level of experience in and on the water.
If you do not currently have any certifications you can still apply and we will assess your experience level.
There are many benefits of being on the boating team at Camp IHC. You will work with an incredible team, you will build strong connections with them and others. You will be paid to be outside all summer long!
You will go through two weeks of waterfront training and gain further teaching, on-site sailing experience.
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.