Boating Instructor

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, (GSCNWI) is an organization that focuses on helping girls build courage, confidence, and character. We pride ourselves on collaboration, communication, and teamwork. If you are looking for an organization with a mission that impacts the hearts and minds of girls in a meaningful way, then look no further. We’re committed to being an equitable, trauma-informed, community-based organization serving the needs and interests of girls and their families in the 245 communities we cover. We are the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

Position Overview:

Our Camp Juniper Knoll overnight camp is a place where energetic and passionate staff come together to provide a safe and positive learning environment for girls ages 5-17.

The Boating Instructor leads safe, progressive boating instruction at Camp Juniper Knoll and supports overall waterfront operations. This role teaches canoeing, kayaking, and row boating, provides lifeguard coverage as assigned, and assists the Waterfront Director with equipment and facility care.

For more information about the seasonal camp schedule and what to expect when working at camp, please visit Summer Camp Employment.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay: $120 a day, pay increases to $125 a day after successful completion of lifeguarding certification

• Included room and board for staff 18 if living on-site

• Lifeguarding with First Aid and CPR certifications

• Aquatic Small Craft training

• Access to GSGCNWI Employee Assistance Program

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and teach progressive canoeing, kayaking, and row-boating activities for campers.

• Teach boating fundamentals to staff during pre-camp training and assist with sailing instruction as needed.

• Provide surveillance, rescue response, First Aid, and CPR during assigned aquatics activities.

• Evaluate participant abilities and respond appropriately to changing water or weather conditions.

• Ensure campers and staff follow waterfront safety procedures and proper equipment use.

• Assist with waterfront scheduling, equipment care, inventory, cleaning, and safe storage.

• Support other camp programming when waterfront duties are complete or facilities are closed.

• Assist with seasonal setup and closing of waterfront areas.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Current First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding certification from the American Red Cross or equivalent organization.

• Must successfully complete required pre-training skills testing/training.

• Ability to communicate effectively with campers and staff in and around the waterfront.

• Ability to work outdoors, respond to aquatic emergencies, navigate uneven terrain, and lift/carry program equipment.

Preferred

• Waterfront Lifeguard certification.

• Canoeing and/or kayaking certification.

• Prior lifeguarding, water-safety, or boating experience.

Work Environment:
Candidates should be willing to work in an indoor and outdoor camp setting, which includes working irregular hours with limited or simple equipment, rustic facilities, wildlife and insects; limited technology while at camp, and exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.