Canoeing Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

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Location: BCNY Harriman Basecamp, Harriman State Park, Southfields, NY

Employment Dates: June 22 – August 15, 2026

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided

Reports To: Waterfront Director

The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.

At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY’s Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.

The Canoeing Counselor is a skill-focused, safety‑driven role responsible for leading engaging, developmentally appropriate canoeing programming for campers ages 10–17. As the primary facilitator of the canoeing activity area, the counselor guides campers through a fluid skill progression—from foundational paddling, boat control, and steering to tandem canoeing, teamwork‑based challenges, canoe games, mini‑journeys, and regatta‑style activities—building confidence, communication, and teamwork on the water.

The Canoeing Counselor also leads the development of the Regatta Warriors, a dedicated crew of campers who commit to advanced training and coordinated practice.

Beyond the waterfront, Canoeing Counselors are fully immersed in camp life. They actively support cabin routines, meals, community moments, and camp‑wide programming. Working under the supervision of the Activity Counselor Division Leader and in close collaboration with the Waterfront Director and lifeguard team, Canoeing Counselors help ensure consistent supervision, strong safety practices, and positive youth development throughout the day.

Opportunities are available for staff to receive canoeing training or certification.

Mandatory attendance at full pre‑camp staff training (June 22 – July
3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.

Canoeing Programming & Skill Development

Plan and lead engaging, age‑appropriate canoeing instruction aligned with camp schedules, daily themes, and camper skill levels (e.g., basic paddling strokes and boat control, steering and navigation, teamwork and communication in tandem canoes, canoe games and challenges, mini‑journeys, and regatta‑style competitions).

Teach and reinforce proper canoeing techniques, including paddling strokes, steering methods, entering and exiting canoes safely, rescue techniques, and effective communication between canoe partners.

Design programming that allows campers to progress over time, building confidence, endurance, and teamwork through repeated practice and increasingly complex challenges.

Plan and lead structured Regatta team training sessions, including synchronized paddling, steering precision, communication drills, conditioning, and endurance‑building activities.

Schedule and facilitate regular Regatta team practices that reinforce consistency, accountability, and readiness for regatta‑style challenges.

Prepare Regatta team participants for friendly competition by modeling sportsmanship, resilience, focus, and pride in representing their crew and the camp community.

Support campers in reflecting on teamwork, effort, and personal growth as part of the canoeing experience.

Safety, Supervision & Waterfront Management (Primary Focus)

Enforce all waterfront rules, canoeing safety…