Waterfront Counselor - Canoe / Kayak

Waterfront Counselor (Canoe / Kayak)

Location:

Bahama, NC |

Pay:

$15-$16/hour depending on experience and lead responsibilities |

Type:

Seasonal, full-time summer

Schedule:

June 8, 2026 to August 7, 2026. Mon-Thu 8:45am-4:15pm; Fri 8:45am-4:30pm, plus training at the end of May and lifeguard training around the weekend of June 5 as needed.

ABOUT CAMP RIVERLEA

Camp Riverlea is more than a summer job. For over 56 years, Riverlea has been a place where children, teens, and staff grow, belong, and build friendships that last far beyond camp. Tucked into 90 beautiful acres in Northern Durham County, North Carolina, Riverlea is known for its rich traditions, imaginative Hobbit-inspired spirit, and strong sense of community. Many staff leave with lifelong friendships, stronger leadership skills, and the kind of growth that stays with them long after summer ends. This role is for someone who loves being on the water and also understands that waterfront fun only works when safety, teaching, and steady judgment come first.

WHY THIS IS A GEM-IN-THE-ROUGH OPPORTUNITY

Lead one of the most memorable outdoor experiences at camp. Spend your summer teaching skills, confidence, and respect for water safety. Be part of a close-knit team on a beautiful camp property.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

Teach canoeing and kayaking to children at different skill levels. Expand campers' comfort and skill on the water in creative, age-appropriate ways. Maintain records of camper skill development and end-of-session progress. Support waterfront safety and lifeguard coverage as needed. Communicate clearly with camp leadership about equipment, conditions, and camper needs.

YOU WILL LIKELY THRIVE HERE IF

You are confident on the water and calm in safety-sensitive situations. You can teach beginners patiently and clearly. You enjoy outdoor instruction and active summer work. You combine fun energy with real responsibility.

THIS ROLE IS PROBABLY NOT FOR YOU IF

You like adventure but are loose about safety. You get impatient with beginners. You prefer passive supervision over hands-on instruction. You do not want to keep records or follow procedures.

REQUIREMENTS

Instructor-level skill or documented recent canoe/kayak teaching/supervision experience (Camp Riverlea can provide the training, if needed). Lifeguard certification required for this waterfront role (Camp Riverlea can provide the training, if needed). If getting the Lifeguard certification at camp, must be able to pass the Red Cross Lifeguarding Precourse Skills Assessment" (swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes, retrieve a 10 lb object at the bottom of a 8ft pool). Lead candidates should have stronger supervisory or aquatics experience and CPR/AED/First Aid. Strong candidates may also be asked to support general lifeguard coverage as part of the aquatics team.

Pay:

$15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person