Waterfront Director – Eagle Island Camp
Location: Upper Saranac Lake, New York
 Season: Summer 2027 (including paid pre-camp training*) June 6 – August 30
 Compensation: $440/week + housing and all meals
 Reports to: Camp Director
 Age Requirement: Must be 21 by the start of camp
 *Some training may begin earlier for those receiving certifications

Members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and underserved communities are encouraged to apply.

About Eagle Island
Eagle Island is a wonderful place — a summer camp on an island in the middle of the Adirondacks — that has been inspiring girls and young women for nearly a century. Our campers learn confidence, community, and independence through classic camp adventures like sailing, canoeing, swimming, singing, and exploring the natural world. We are a nonprofit camp serving girls+ for overnight camp. We’re loud, joyful, and hands-on; a community built on belonging, friendship, and trying new things.

For nearly 100 years, generations of girls and women have grown up on this island on Upper Saranac Lake — sailing, swimming, and finding confidence in themselves and each other. When the camp was nearly lost a decade ago, alumni and volunteers came together, raised the funds, and brought it back to life. That same spirit of can-do energy, confidence, and collaboration drives everything we do today.

The Role

The Waterfront Director is at the heart of Eagle Island’s programming. You’ll lead a team of lifeguards in providing a variety of waterfront activities for campers. Inspire confidence through daily swim lessons, build courage with open boating experiences on our kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards, and Corcls (funky round plastic boats). Encourage collaboration while playing games during free swim. 

All campers come to the waterfront daily, and you will supervise a team of up to 7 lifeguards. Schedule guard rotations, develop swim lesson plans, and encourage fun and safety on the water of Upper Saranac Lake.   

What You’ll Do

Supervision of Waterfront Team: As the Waterfront Director, you will supervise a team of lifeguards. Assign guard rotations and breaks, ensure that all swim lessons are planned and prepared, give safety orientations, and be prepared to respond to emergency situations.

Planning and Facilitating Waterfront Time: Coordinate free swim, daily progressive swim lessons, waterfront games and activities. On arrival days, you and your team will assess the swim levels of each camper using the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Levels. Eagle Island has a sandy beach with 3 roped-off swim areas and a boat launch. Help care for equipment and encourage campers to try new things in fun and safe ways. Ensure compliance with Department of Health and American Camp Association regulations.

Camper Supervision & Community: Be a mentor, role model, and champion for your campers! Foster a positive, cooperative, and inclusive environment where every camper feels welcome and supported. Keep campers safe, healthy, and engaged while helping them build confidence, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors. You’ll lead activities, cheer them on, and pitch in wherever needed — from staff training to post-camp wrap-up — while staying connected with campers, co-workers, and the leadership team.

Work Hard, Play Hard: Days are full and active — from early morning swims to evening waterfront games. You’ll be constantly engaged, supervising, instructing, and jumping in when needed, all while keeping a joyful and enthusiastic spirit.
Stay Flexible: Waterfront life is dynamic. You’ll adapt to changing schedules, weather, and camper needs, ensuring that every activity runs smoothly and safely.
Model Care: Supervise campers closely, enforce safety rules, and model healthy habits and positive behavior. Be ready to respond to medical needs or emergencies using established procedures, including first aid and CPR.
Pitch In: From organizing boats and equipment to helping clean up beaches and program areas, everyone gets their hands — literally and figuratively — involved to make the waterfront safe, fun, and beautiful.
Keep It Fun: Fill downtime with laughter, songs, stories, and spontaneous fun — all of which will be taught during pre-camp training.
Communicate Clearly: Maintain excellent communication with campers, counselors, lifeguards, and the Camp Director. Keep records, track water activities, and report as needed to ensure a smooth and safe waterfront experience.

Who You Are

At least 21 years old (when camp begins) and excited for an unplugged, outdoor summer.
One season of previous experience as an Aquatics Director at a New York summer camp OR two seasons of previous experience consisting cumulatively of at least 12 weeks as a children’s camp lifeguard at a swimming pool or bathing beach which had more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time OR at least 18 weeks of experience as a lifeguard at a swimming pool or bathing beach with more than one lifeguard supervising it at a time (Department of Health Regulation)
Current Waterfront Lifeguarding Certification Required or willingness to obtain with proof of previous certification.  
Current CPR/ First Aid/AED Certifications Required or willingness to obtain. 
Current Water Safety Instructor Certification Required or willingness to obtain.
Current Lifeguard Management Certification Required or willingness to obtain. 
Energetic, patient, and genuinely enjoy working with kids.
Team-oriented and flexible—you don’t need every detail planned a week ahead; you can adapt when plans change, and you exhibit real grace under pressure.
Positive, dependable, and ready to make and lead fun everywhere.
Committed to inclusion and equity—you want every camper and staff member to feel they belong.
Comfortable living simply—cabins, platform tents, rustic buildings, and no Wi-Fi (tech only during personal downtime).
Open-minded about food—it’s plentiful and kid-friendly (think tacos, pasta, pancakes, and of course, s’mores).
Energetic and embraces living in tents or cabins in a rural, remote setting.
Prepared for limited personal space, privacy, and personal choice on living spaces in a shared camp community.
Thrives with limited technology use throughout the day; Wi-Fi is available, but camp is intentionally as tech-free as possible.
Puts the needs of the camp and team ahead of individual preferences; flexible, adaptable, and willing to pitch in wherever needed.
Thrives in an all-hands-on-deck environment, including pitching in with cleaning and upkeep to keep camp beautiful, welcoming, and ready for campers and visitors.

Physical Expectations

Ability to move across uneven, wooded terrain and participate in outdoor activities throughout the day.
Comfortable working outdoors in all types of weather.
Able to assist campers in an emergency (first aid training provided).
Stamina to stay active and alert while supervising campers.
Camp is active and physically demanding—you’ll walk extensively, spend long days on your feet, and stay on the move. Best suited for someone who thrives in an energetic environment and knows how to pace themselves and care for their well-being. 
What You’ll Gain

Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that translate to any future career.
A sense of purpose that comes from doing real, meaningful work — helping kids grow, feel safe, and have fun.
Hands-on experience making a lasting impact on campers’ lives.
Friendships, confidence, and resilience that last long after summer ends.

If you’re ready for a summer that challenges you, changes you, and fills your days with laughter, teamwork, and purpose, Eagle Island is the place.

Apply now to join our 2027 team!