Canoe & Kayaking Being a canoe or kayak counsellor on Summer Camp USA combines the responsibilities of teaching on the waterfront with being a camp counsellor. It is a fun and rewarding, yet challenging way to spend a summer outdoors while teaching a sport you love and at the same time enhancing your skills.

Teaching canoeing or kayaking usually means working in idyllic surroundings, but it can be an energy-zapping job! You could be working on the water for several hours a day, often in high temperatures, so stamina, patience and motivation are very important! On the other hand, on a very hot day, where better to be than on the water?

Canoe & Kayaking at camps

Programmes vary considerably from camp to camp, so you could be the only canoe or kayak counsellor at camp, or you could possibly be one of a waterfront team working with the children on canoes or kayaks. Either way, you’ll be required to teach in line with basic programme guidelines which enhance and develop children’s skills and proficiency.

The children will probably attend in groups of a similar age or skill-level for scheduled hour-long lessons on the camp waterfront. There may also be trips across the lake, or overnight camping trips or trips down white water or still rivers. Your responsibilities may also include the maintenance and upkeep of waterfront equipment.

What are the facilities and accommodation like?

Like the programme, equipment also varies greatly from camp to camp. You might find anything from one or two to several large traditional (Indian-style) canoes, to a fleet of modern sea-style kayaks and/or canoes. When not teaching your activity, you will be involved in general camp activities and responsibilities. You will live in a bunk with kids and other counsellors for the summer and be responsible for the campers and their needs. You will be expected to be a good role model and to create a safe and fun environment for the kids.

What are camps looking for?

As a canoe or kayak instructor, you must be hard-working, safety-conscious, motivated and confident in teaching the principles of the sport. You should also have a fun and enthusiastic approach to canoeing or kayaking and working with children.

A camp counsellor’s role is to encourage and enhance the experience and involvement of campers – in both sports and on a personal level, so patience and understanding are important attributes for camp counsellors to have.

What experience or qualifications are required?

First and foremost all camp counsellors need to have experience of working with children in a leadership position. Canoe or kayak counsellors also need a passion for the sport and a desire to share their enthusiasm and knowledge. You should also have a lively personality, a flexible work ethic and preferably, experience of leading children in canoeing or kayaking. Solid personal experience in canoeing or kayaking is also important.

Awards that strengthen an application, although are not essential include BCU UKCC Awards and BCU Star Awards. Lifeguard qualifications, however, are often required. In any case, waterfront staff are generally asked to arrive earlier at camp in order to undergo lifesaving training.

What next?