Sailing Counselor

Sailing Counselor - Eagle Island Camp

Location:

Upper Saranac Lake, New York
Season:
Summer 2027 (including paid pre-camp training*) June 16 - August 30
Compensation: $435/week + housing and all meals, and one day off each week

Reports to:

Sailing Director
Age Requirement:
Must be 18 by the start of camp

* Some training may begin earlier for those receiving certifications

Eagle Island is a wonderful place - a summer camp on an island in the middle of the Adirondacks - that has been inspiring girls and young women for nearly a century. Our campers learn confidence, community, and independence through classic camp adventures like sailing, canoeing, swimming, singing, and exploring the natural world. We are a nonprofit camp serving girls+ for overnight camp.

We’re loud, joyful, and hands‑on; a community built on belonging, friendship, and trying new things.

We’re loud, joyful, and hands‑on; a community built on belonging, friendship, and trying new things.

For nearly 100 years, generations of girls and women have grown up on this island on Upper Saranac Lake - sailing, swimming, and finding confidence in themselves and each other. When the camp was nearly lost a decade ago, alumni and volunteers came together, raised the funds, and brought it back to life. That same spirit of can‑do energy, confidence, and collaboration drives everything we do today.

As a Sailing Counselor, you’ll work side by side with the Sailing Director to bring the joy of sailing to life! You’ll help lead fun, hands‑on activities on and off the water, guiding campers as they learn new sailing skills, build confidence, and fall in love with life on the lake. Each counselor lives and works in a "Grove" - a small group of campers and staff who share cabins or platform tents - and helps create the warmth, safety, and energy that make camp unforgettable.

Safety, teamwork, and laughter are always part of the day - because at Eagle Island, every breeze brings adventure!

Lead and Participate:
Dive into sailing life - helm our Cape Cod Mercury 15's with 4-6 campers on board, support campers learning to helm our Club 420, SOL-R's and Sunfish's, run activities on and off the water to support campers while they work towards the next sailing level, supervise campers with energy, enthusiasm, and care. You’ll teach sailing skills, cheer campers on, guide them safely through activities, and support their growth in confidence and skill on and around the water.
Create Community:
Build a positive, inclusive, and spirited environment at sailing and in your grove where every camper feels welcome, valued, and supported. Foster cooperation, teamwork, and camaraderie within your small group, and help campers develop lasting friendships. Eagle Island serves campers from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we’re dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all.
Work Hard, Play Hard:
The days are full, and the work is intense, but it’s joyful - you'll laugh through early mornings, friendship bracelets, and overnight sailing trips. You’ll be constantly engaged, supervising, instructing, and jumping in when needed, all while keeping a joyful and enthusiastic spirit.
Stay Flexible:
Camp life is never boring. You’ll roll with schedule changes, jump in where needed, and keep things running smoothly with a smile.
Model Care:
Supervise campers closely, enforce safety rules, and model healthy habits and positive behavior. Be ready to respond to medical needs or emergencies using established procedures, including first aid and CPR.
Pitch In:
From organizing boats and equipment to helping clean up program areas, everyone gets their hands - literally and figuratively - dirty.
Keep It Fun:
F…