Position: Canoeing Counselor
Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975
Employment Dates: June 22 – August 15, 2026
Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,500
Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt
Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided
Reports To: Waterfront Director
About Us
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.
Prepare Regatta team participants for friendly competition by modeling sportsmanship, resilience, focus, and pride in representing their crew and the camp community.
Safety, Supervision & Waterfront Management (Primary Focus)
Conduct daily safety checks of canoes, paddles, PFDs, and waterfront areas before, during, and after programming.
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.
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.
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.
Qualifications
Additional Requirements
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
The Boys’ Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer
and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. ?If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.?
