Boating Assistant

About the camp

Bear Creek Aquatic Camp is a traditional overnight summer camp owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. Located south of Benton, Kentucky, this 183-acre camp has 2.3 miles of shoreline on beautiful Kentucky Lake. Bear Creek offers campers a variety of aquatic sports including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and swimming. Our program hosts Girl Scouts entering grades 4 through 12 with up to 70 campers per session. Programs are run by paid camp staff and Girl Scout volunteers.

About the role

Right now, the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana is looking for a full-time Boating Assistant who will help ensure the ultimate summer camp experience for our campers and staff. The Boating Assistant helps support the daily operation of boating related programs, facilities, and equipment. The Boating Assistant will deliver daily camp programing such as teaching sailing and paddling lessons during scheduled times. Key functions of this role include the instruction of boating-related skills; aid in the coordination of overnight excursions; day-to-day supervision of campers; and maintain safety standards. The Boating Assistant will also provide coverage for unit staff and assist in other camp programing as needed. The ideal candidate will be invested in developing skills, personal growth, and empowering campers. APPLY TODAY

Benefits

As a member of the camp staff, you will play a vital role in creating a fun and safe environment for campers while enjoying the perks of room, board, and most meals during the camp season. With many traditional camp amenities provided on-site, you'll immerse yourself in the camp experience, building lasting connections with both campers and fellow staff. This position offers a unique opportunity to foster personal growth while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.

Compensation

The salary for the Boating Assistant (Bear Creek Aquatic Camp) position is $2,633 for the entire summer seaon.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide instruction for a variety of sessions which include but are not limited to sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding or windsurfing.
• Assist in maintaining safety and cleanliness standards for the Boating areas.
• Prepare and deliver lesson plans/activities outside of boating themes to youth in a fun and engaging manner.
• Participates in general day-to-day traditional programming outside of the waterfront (i.e. archery, arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor skills, excursion trips, etc.).
• Serves as a role model to guide and empower campers throughout the camp season.
• Prevent accidents by maintaining constant observation, enforcing health and safety rules, and maintaining emergency readiness.
• Maintain first aid kit and communicate with supervisors to restock supplies.
• Other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT

Non-traditional and long work hours are expected.

The Boating Assistant typically sleeps in a space with other staff in their unit separate (but near) camper bunks with restrooms a short walk away.

Daily exposure to various weather conditions, plants, and animals.

Walk/hike several miles daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain.

Daily swimming, boating, and life guarding in lake water.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

High school graduate or equivalent

Must be certified (or prepared to become certified during staff training) in First Aid, CPR, AED, Waterfront Life guarding, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Other certifications and outdoor or boating skills/knowledge are a plus.

EXPERIENCE

1 year of working in childcare, youth program, or camp.

Highly preferred: experience captaining a motorized boat, boat rescues.

Highly preferred: experience with kayaks, canoes, sailboards, stand-up paddle boards, Aqua Finn and Flying Scot or similar sailboats.

SPECIFIC SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS

18+ years of age by June, 2026

Meet state, federal, and ACA requirements for summer camp employment

Must work well and live cohesively with other team members

Possess ability to remain calm and professional when interacting with demanding or frustrated individuals

Strong communication, written, and public speaking skills

Adaptable and flexible within a fast-paced working environment

Organized and consistent

Provide exemplary customer service

Strong swimming proficiency and comfort in all types of water conditions

POSITION COMPETENCIES

Must demonstrate competency in paddling and sailing skills prior to the start of the first camp sessions.

Identify and respond to environmental and other safety hazards that relate to the camp program.

Possess physical and mental endurance required to maintain constant supervision of children.

Access to reliable transportation.

Meet state, federal, and ACA requirements for summer camp employment.

Complete a background check and provide other forms and details.

Promote a culture of open communication and mutual respect.

COUNCIL COMPETENCIES

Ensure diversity and pluralism are embraced and incorporated into the work of the council.

Support the Girl Scout mission, vision, and values of Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana and live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Complete a background check.

ORGANIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete a Health History and physical exam prior to camp.

Must complete courses and be certified in American Red Cross Waterfront Life guarding, First Aid, CPR,AED, Youth Mental Health First Aid prior to start of the first camp session.

Effectively manage financial and physical resources.

Exhibit effective communication skills and provide exemplary customer service to both internal and external customers.

Report incidents of abuse or potential abuse involving campers to the appropriate authorities.

For full job description please visit our careers page.