Description
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
About Eagle Island
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.
The Role
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!
What You’ll Do
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: Fill downtime with laughter, songs, stories, and spontaneous fun — all of which will be taught during pre-camp training.
Communicate Clearly: Maintain excellent communication with campers, co-counselors, and the Sailing Director. Keep records, track water activities, and report as needed to ensure a smooth and safe sailing experience.
Who You Are
At least 18 years old (when camp begins) and excited for an unplugged, outdoor summer.
Current Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification or willingness to obtain required.
Current CPR/ First Aid/AED Certifications or willingness to obtain required
NY State Boater Safety or willingness to obtain preferred
NY State Public Vessel License or willingness to obtain preferred
Energetic, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with kids.
Team-oriented and flexible—you don’t need every detail planned a week ahead, you can adapt when plans change, and you exhibit real grace under pressure.
Positive, dependable, and ready to make and lead fun everywhere.
Committed to inclusion and equity—you want every camper and staff member to feel they belong.
Comfortable living simply—cabins, platform tents, rustic buildings, and no Wi-Fi (tech only during personal downtime).
Open-minded about food—it’s plentiful and kid-friendly (think tacos, pasta, pancakes, and of course, s’mores).
Energetic and embraces living in tents or cabins in a rural, remote setting.
Prepared for limited personal space, privacy, and personal choice on living spaces in a shared camp community.
Thrives with limited technology use throughout the day; Wi-Fi is available, but camp is intentionally as tech-free as possible.
Puts the needs of the camp and team ahead of individual preferences; flexible, adaptable, and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
Thrives in an all-hands-on-deck environment, including pitching in with cleaning and upkeep to keep camp beautiful, welcoming, and ready for campers and visitors.
Physical Expectations
Ability to move across uneven, wooded terrain and participate in outdoor activities throughout the day.
Comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather.
Able to assist campers in an emergency (first aid training provided).
Stamina to stay active and alert while supervising campers.
Camp is active and physically demanding—you’ll walk extensively, spend long days on your feet, and stay on the move. Best suited for someone who thrives in an energetic environment and knows how to pace themselves and care for their well-being.
What You’ll Gain
Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that translate to any future career.
A sense of purpose that comes from doing real, meaningful work — helping kids grow, feel safe, and have fun.
Hands-on experience making a lasting impact on campers’ lives.
Friendships, confidence, and resilience that last long after summer ends.
If you’re ready for a summer that challenges you, changes you, and fills your days with laughter, teamwork, and purpose, Eagle Island is the place.
Apply now to join our 2027 team!
Requirements
Who You Are
At least 18 years old (when camp begins) and excited for an unplugged, outdoor summer.
Current Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification or willingness to obtain required.
Current CPR/ First Aid/AED Certifications or willingness to obtain required
NY State Boater Safety or willingness to obtain preferred
NY State Public Vessel License or willingness to obtain preferred
Energetic, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with kids.
Team-oriented and flexible—you don’t need every detail planned a week ahead, you can adapt when plans change, and you exhibit real grace under pressure.
Positive, dependable, and ready to make and lead fun everywhere.
Committed to inclusion and equity—you want every camper and staff member to feel they belong.
Comfortable living simply—cabins, platform tents, rustic buildings, and no Wi-Fi (tech only during personal downtime).
Open-minded about food—it’s plentiful and kid-friendly (think tacos, pasta, pancakes, and of course, s’mores).
Energetic and embraces living in tents or cabins in a rural, remote setting.
Prepared for limited personal space, privacy, and personal choice on living spaces in a shared camp community.
Thrives with limited technology use throughout the day; Wi-Fi is available, but camp is intentionally as tech-free as possible.
Puts the needs of the camp and team ahead of individual preferences; flexible, adaptable, and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
Thrives in an all-hands-on-deck environment, including pitching in with cleaning and upkeep to keep camp beautiful, welcoming, and ready for campers and visitors.
Physical Expectations
Ability to move across uneven, wooded terrain and participate in outdoor activities throughout the day.
Comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather.
Able to assist campers in an emergency (first aid training provided).
Stamina to stay active and alert while supervising campers.
Camp is active and physically demanding—you’ll walk extensively, spend long days on your feet, and stay on the move. Best suited for someone who thrives in an energetic environment and knows how to pace themselves and care for their well-being.
