Description

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.

Job Summary

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.

Responsibilities

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 standards, and emergency procedures consistently and professionally.
• Ensure proper use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) at all times and oversee correct sizing, fitting, and care.
• Conduct daily safety checks of canoes, paddles, PFDs, and waterfront areas before, during, and after programming.
• Maintain active supervision of campers on the water and along the shoreline, addressing minor behavioral concerns directly and calmly.
• Respond appropriately to waterfront incidents or emergencies in coordination with lifeguards and the Waterfront Director.
• Escalate ongoing, patterned, or higher-level behavioral concerns to Cabin Counselors and the Activity Counselor Division Leader as needed.

Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship

• Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines to ensure consistent structure and supervision.
• Support cabin groups daily—within canoeing areas or elsewhere as needed—to maintain supervision and appropriate coverage.
• As a member of the Activity Counselor team, co-lead two evening programs, lead one evening program, and provide coverage and supervision during additional evening programs as assigned.
• Provide additional camp-wide coverage as needed, including meal support and substituting for counselors during nights off or when additional evening supervision is required.
• Maintain the Activity Area Binder, track equipment usage, and submit a written end-of-session inventory and reflection to the Activity Counselor Division
• Leader, addressing equipment condition, camper engagement, skill progression, and notable concerns.
• Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers within the canoeing program, modeling safe waterfront practices, effective instruction, positive youth engagement, and professionalism.
• Support CIT development by gradually involving them in equipment setup, shoreline supervision, instruction support, on-water assistance, and peer mentorship.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Prior canoeing or paddling experience required; candidates must be comfortable instructing and supervising youth on the water. Additional training will be provided.
• Experience working with youth in camp, recreational, educational, or outdoor settings preferred.
• Strong ability to lead structured activities while maintaining consistent safety standards.
• Clear, calm communication skills and the ability to give concise directions in an active waterfront environment.
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, structure, and positive youth development.
• Willingness to engage fully in all aspects of camp life beyond primary activity responsibilities.
• American Canoe Association instructor certification for quiet water (or availability to get it before the start of the position)

Additional Requirements

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.
• Ability to pass a background check and meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).
• You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment
• Other duties as assigned