Beach and Boating Specialist

Make your summer count by leading vibrant waterfront adventures on our private spring-fed lake and sandy beach. As the Beach and Boating Specialist, you will guide campers ages 3 through 15 through joyful paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking, and imaginative beachside play. You will champion waterfront safety while coaching fundamental paddling techniques and inspiring campers to embrace new outdoor challenges. Working alongside supportive group counselors and certified lifeguards, you will transform every lake period into an empowering, confidence-building experience. This dynamic role is more than just a summer job; it is an exceptional opportunity to build real leadership, group management, and outdoor recreation skills that stand out on any career path.

- Supervise daily waterfront activities across our private spring-fed lake and sandy beach, maintaining vigilant situational awareness and active safety oversight.- Monitor beachside play areas to ensure campers enjoy creative sand games safely while ensuring no campers enter the lake water.- Coach campers ages 3 through 15 in fundamental paddling techniques for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, inspiring confidence and teamwork on the water.- Enforce comprehensive boating safety protocols, confirming all campers and staff wear properly secured life jackets (PFDs) prior to going on the lake and remain safely seated inside watercraft at all times.- Actively direct on-water navigation to ensure all watercraft remain in designated boating areas and steer clear of shallower parts of the lake.- Inspect and organize boats, paddles, life vests, and beach equipment daily to ensure optimal safety and readiness.- Partner closely with group counselors to manage group dynamics, encourage positive participation, and create an empowering experience for every camper.

- Practical experience participating in recreational boating, kayaking, canoeing, or general lakefront activities not required- Hands-on background working with or mentoring children ages 3–15 in a summer camp, school, youth sports, or community recreation setting.- Experience leading engaging outdoor games, coordinating small-group activities, and fostering positive group dynamics.- Demonstrated ability to inspire confidence in young campers with warmth, enthusiasm, and patience.

- Current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, or willingness to obtain certification prior to the camp season.- Strong situational awareness, proactive safety mindset, and clear communication skills around water environments.- Energetic, patient, and positive leadership style with natural enthusiasm for mentoring campers ages 3–15.- Collaborative team player ready to partner with group counselors to deliver an unforgettable summer.

- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Physical Education, Outdoor Recreation, or related field preferred.- Professional educator or certified teacher with demonstrated classroom teaching and student management experience.

- Ability to work outdoors in varied summer weather conditions across lakeside and beach terrain.- Physical stamina to launch, dock, secure, and maneuver kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats throughout the day.- Ability to lift, carry, and store waterfront equipment and PFDs.- Capability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and actively participate along the beach for extended periods.

- Build practical, resume-enhancing leadership, risk management, and group communication skills.- Competitive seasonal compensation package.- Daily hot and cold lunch provided each camp day.- Weekends and evenings free with a consistent Monday through Friday camp schedule.- Meaningful outdoor work environment within a supportive, energetic, and close-knit camp staff community.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend at discounted tuition.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp situated in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, serving campers ages 3 through 15 for over 40 years. Our dynamic program blends sports, arts, adventure, and aquatics across 35 scenic shaded acres designed to foster character, confidence, and lifelong memories. Led by an experienced year-round leadership team, our staff champions the Dream Big philosophy to help every camper become whoever they feel most comfortable being.

The position is based on our picturesque 35-acre camp campus located on the north shore of Lake Hopatcong in northwest New Jersey. The facility features expansive sports fields, heated swimming pools, dedicated arts studios, high adventure elements, and a private spring-fed lake with beachfront access.