Boating Special Needs Camp Counselor - Paid Summer Internship

Looking for a paid summer internship that empowers young people through outdoor adventure?

If you have a love for boating and a desire to create meaningful connections in a beautiful outdoor setting, this is the opportunity for you!

About Us:

Camp Starfish is committed to providing a transformative summer experience for children with emotional, learning, and behavioral challenges. As a Boating Program Specialist, you'll play a crucial role in introducing campers to the joys and challenges of water-based activities while helping them build confidence, teamwork, and important life skills.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate safe and engaging boating activities (e.g., kayaking, canoeing, etc.) on the lake, ensuring campers understand water safety and can confidently participate.
• Live alongside youth campers in a cabin, providing 24-hour supervision and helping them adjust to camp life and group living.
• Create a physically and emotionally safe environment where campers can explore their potential, overcome challenges, and enjoy the outdoors.
• Nurture each camper’s personal growth, self-esteem, and goals through water-based activities that foster teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
• Fully immerse yourself in camp life, learning important skills like behavior management, group facilitation, and effective communication.
• Collaborate with fellow staff to create a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where campers of all abilities can enjoy outdoor adventures.
• Engage in other camp activities (e.g., sports, hiking, high ropes, campfires) to help create a well-rounded, memorable camp experience.

Qualifications:

• Ideal candidates are college students majoring in areas such as outdoor or adventure education, psychology, social work, or a related field.
• A passion for boating and water sports, with the ability to safely guide and instruct campers in these activities.
• Previous experience with boating or water safety (i.e., lifeguard certification, boating safety training) is a plus.
• Strong mental resilience and the ability to manage challenging situations with empathy and composure. Being able to compartmentalize in tough moments.
• Ability to work the entire summer season, including staff training dates.
• Must pass all required background and reference checks to work with vulnerable youth populations.
• At least one year of college, work, or life experience beyond high school.

Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with campers and staff.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills to manage boating activities and ensure camper safety on the water.
• Physical ability to engage in outdoor activities in the heat of summer, including water activities and extended hours in a variety of weather conditions.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the ability to have restorative conversations with campers and staff when necessary.
• Ability to implement behavior management techniques and support campers in navigating emotional or crisis situations.
• Understanding of boating safety protocols and the ability to educate campers on water safety.

Development and Fellowship Opportunities:

• Course credit in outdoor education, psychology, social work, or related fields.
• Over 140 hours of hands-on training working with diverse children and leading water-based activities.
• Paid internship with eligibility for a 15-month Fellowship for further professional development.
• Weekly seminars covering core values, self-regulation, and restorative justice.

Internship Includes:

• A beautiful, immersive nature experience where you’ll lead and participate in outdoor and water activities.
• Room and board included, with laundry services provided.
• Paid time off and a travel stipend for staff traveling over 250 miles.
• Opportunities to forge lifelong friendships within a supportive, tight-knit community.

How to Apply:

Ready to make a splash this summer and help kids build confidence on the water? Apply now to be part of an unforgettable experience filled with growth, learning, and adventure.

Camp Starfish is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Join us in creating a summer of transformation and fun for campers who need it the most!