Have you ever lived on an island in the Adirondack Mountains? Summer 2027 Housing provided @ no cost

**Housing is provided at no cost**

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

Lifeguards & Counselors are the heart of Eagle Island. Each counselor lives and works in a “Grove” — a small group of campers and staff who share cabins or platform tents — and helps create the warmth, safety, and energy that make camp unforgettable. You’ll swim, sail, hike, craft, and sing every day alongside an incredible staff in one of the most beautiful places imaginable. Plus, Lifeguards are the guardians of fun and safety at Eagle Island. You’ll be on the waterfront every day, supervising swimming and boating activities, keeping campers safe, and ensuring that every splash, paddle, and dive happens in a secure and joyful environment.

What You’ll Do

Lead and Participate: Dive into waterfront life — supervising swimming, boating, and paddling activities with energy, enthusiasm, and care. You’ll rotate through lifeguard stations, teach water skills, cheer campers on, guide them safely through activities, and support their growth in confidence and skill in and around the water.

Create Community: Build a positive, inclusive, and spirited environment on the waterfront where every camper feels welcome, valued, and supported. Foster cooperation, teamwork, and camaraderie within your small group, and help campers develop lasting friendships.

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, co-counselors, and the Waterfront Director. Keep records, track water activities, and report as needed to ensure a smooth and safe waterfront experience.

Who You Are

• At least 18 years old (when camp begins) and excited for an unplugged, outdoor summer.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

Apply Now!