Fishing Specialist

Join our waterfront team this summer as the Fishing Specialist at Willow Lake Day Camp and turn our scenic lakefront into an inspiring classroom for outdoor discovery. In this role, you will lead engaging, hands-on fishing sessions for campers from our dedicated fishing dock on our private spring-fed lake. You will teach foundational skills such as baiting, patient observation, and catch-and-release practices in a safe and supportive setting. Working alongside energetic group counselors, you will empower campers of all experience levels to discover the joy of nature and celebrate every achievement. This position provides an exceptional opportunity to build real-world leadership, group management, and outdoor recreation skills while making your summer count.

- Lead dynamic, age-appropriate fishing instruction and activities for campers ages 3 through 15 from our dedicated lakeside dock.- Teach safe freshwater fishing fundamentals, including baiting and humane catch-and-release handling.- Partner with group counselors to maintain an energetic, supportive environment where every camper feels encouraged and included.- Inspect, clean, organize, and maintain all fishing rods and equipment daily to guarantee safety and readiness.- Uphold strict safety standards to ensure campers can learn the basics of fishing in a safe setting.- Recognize and celebrate individual camper milestones, helping young anglers build confidence and lasting summer memories.- Keeping campers safe.

- Fishing experience preferred but not required. - Experience working with or mentoring youth in camp, coaching, recreation, tutoring, or outdoor education settings.- Demonstrated history of a safety-first mindset.- Ability to lead small groups of children with patience, positivity, and clear communication.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with campers, peer staff, and leadership.- Safety-focused mindset and reliable judgment on and around waterfront facilities.- Adaptable coaching style suited for both first-time anglers and experienced older campers.- High energy, collaborative team spirit, and alignment with camp core values.- Availability to work on site Monday through Friday for the full 8-week summer season.

- Bachelor’s degree (completed) or equivalent professional experience as an adult educator.- Degree, coursework, or background in Elementary Education, Recreation, Child Development, Education, Environmental Science, Recreation Management, Biology, or a related field is strongly preferred.

- Ability to work outdoors on a lakefront dock across varied summer weather conditions.- Physical mobility to stand, walk, kneel, bend, and assist campers with gear throughout the camp day.- Manual dexterity to rig fishing lines, tie knots, bait hooks, and unhook fish safely.- Ability to lift and carry equipment bins, fishing rods, and gear.

- Competitive seasonal compensation with daytime weekday hours (Monday through Friday) and no night or weekend shifts.- Meaningful leadership, group facilitation, and outdoor recreation experience that stands out on any future resume.- Daily complimentary hot and cold lunches.- Opportunity for your child(ren) to attend camp at discounted tuition.- Active outdoor workday on a beautiful 35-acre campus in Lake Hopatcong.- Opportunity to join a collaborative, supportive staff family and build lifelong professional connections.

Willow Lake Day Camp is a premier family-owned day camp in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, providing transformative summer experiences for children ages 3 to 15 across 35 shaded acres. Guided by our Dream Big philosophy, we blend rich camp traditions, dynamic outdoor programming, and modern facilities with an unwavering commitment to camper safety and character development. Our dedicated leadership and staff create a warm, inclusive community where campers discover new passions, gain self-confidence, and build lifelong friendships.

Located in Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, our picturesque 35-acre campus features private spring-fed waterfront facilities, expansive athletic fields, and modern indoor and outdoor activity areas. The camp property provides an ideal environment for immersive outdoor adventure and youth development.