Job Description

Sailing Instructor - Camp Juniper Knoll

Looking for a summer job that makes a difference? Join the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana 2026 camp staff today! 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.  

As a camp Sailing Instructor and Lifeguard, you will be critical to the success of the summer with the responsibility of supervising campers and staff in camp’s lakefront aquatic activities with an emphasis in sailing. In this role you will supervise and guide campers through on-site sailing instruction, progressive learning experiences, and water-based program activities. 

Work Commitment: 

Dates: May 26-August 2

• Includes Lifeguarding training beginning May 26

• Camp is closed June 19 and July 4-6; these days are unpaid 

Weekly Schedule: 11:00 a.m. Sunday-9:00 p.m. Friday 

• Daily 2-hour break Monday-Thursday; one 30-minute break for every 5 hours worked if commuting

• Staff who choose to commute rather than live on-site typically work 40 hours a week, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.; actual daily shifts vary and will be determined in conversation with the Camp Director. 
• Staff are required to work Saturday, August 1 and may be asked to work Saturday, July 18

Camp Staff Benefits: 

• Pay: $125 per day ($115 per day if commuting) 

• Included room and board if living on-site

• Lifeguarding with First Aid and CPR certifications 

• Aquatic Small Craft training 

• Access to GSGCNWI Employee Assistance Program 

Qualifications: 

• Loves to interact with children and has prior experience working with children of various ages 

• Enjoys spending time outdoors and has prior experience working in an outdoor setting 

• Must be 18+ years old as of June 9, 2026 and possess a high school diploma or GED  

• Must possess current certification in First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguarding. Waterfront Lifeguard certification is strongly preferred. Lifeguard certifications must be from American Red Cross or an equivalent organization. Training is available through GSGCNWI, however, candidates must pass the training including the pre-training skills test in order to work for the council in this role.  

• Candidates with certifications in small craft safety and/or sailing are strongly preferred. Experience with Sunfish sailboats is preferred.  

• Proof of health physical clearing the candidate for work in a camp setting 

• Willingness to live and 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 daily exposure to sun, rain, and other weather conditions 

Responsibilities:  

• Provide fun, positive, and active leadership to campers 

• Help build a supportive environment where campers can grow, make new friends, and try new things 

• Role model problem-solving, collaboration, and initiative to campers and other staff 

• Supervise and guard all aquatics activities, utilizing certifications, and emergency management as needed 

• Provide quality water-based programming and lessons 

• Act as instructor for sailing programs and other boating programs as needed 

• Provide sailing demonstrations as a tool to instruct sailing lessons 

• Maintain proper care of sailboats and equipment and instruction of such care 

• Oversee campers during group activities, meals, and transitions to and from scheduled events 

• Maintain responsibility for aquatics facilities, shower house, and equipment in regard to condition, readiness, and cleanliness 

• Assist with other camp programs when aquatics areas are closed 

• Other duties as assigned 

Apply today to join our summer camp team!  

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