Sailing jobs at summer camps are a dream gig for working sailors, racing coaches, and US Sailing instructors who love sharing the wind with eager young sailors. From traditional sleepaway camps with quiet lake-based programs to specialty waterfront residential camps running serious junior sailing on bays and harbors, sailing instructors lead one of the most timeless and rewarding waterfront programs of every summer.
As a sailing instructor at an overnight camp, you’ll teach rigging, points of sail, tacking, jibing, capsize recovery, race tactics, and seamanship while running daily lessons and regattas. You’ll manage fleet operations, dock safety, and progression-based curriculum across age groups. Many co-ed residential camps run full sailing programs that combine instruction, racing, and cruising — giving instructors a packed and varied summer at camp.
What does a sailing instructor at summer camp do?
You’ll teach rigging, points of sail, tacking, jibing, capsize recovery, and racing while running daily lessons and regattas. Most sleepaway camps with sailing programs run daily on-water instruction throughout the summer camp season.
What certifications do sailing instructors need at sleepaway camps?
US Sailing Level 1, 2, or Race Coach certifications are highly valued. Lifeguard and CPR/First Aid are commonly required at residential camps. Many camps support certification renewals during staff training.
What kinds of boats do summer camps typically use?
Sunfish, Lasers, Optis, 420s, JY15s, Flying Scots, and FJs are widely used at residential camps. Larger sleepaway camps may also offer keelboats and cruising sailboats for older campers.
What does the pay look like for sailing jobs at summer camps?
Pay is competitive and commensurate with experience and certifications. Sleepaway camps include room, board, and laundry alongside salary, which adds meaningful value to the overall summer camp package beyond the base figure.
Can international sailors apply for sailing roles at camp?
Yes — many residential camps hire international sailing instructors through J-1 programs like Camp America, CCUSA, and Camp Leaders. Sailors with credentials from international federations are well placed at sleepaway camps each summer.
Do you have a passion for sailing and working with kids? Are you interested in spending your summer in beautiful Vermont, working with our campers and sharing that passion? Camp Lochearn for Girls is a residential summer camp located in Post Mills, Vermont (20 minutes from Dartmouth College) and we are currently hiring activity instructors & cabin counselors for the summer of 2026.
Camp Lochearn is looking for an experienced Sailing Instructor to join us in assisting the planning and delivery of our sailing program in ways that are safe, fun, and appropriate to the campers’ ages and abilities. In this position, you will be living in a cabin of girls providing support and guidance, and teaching one or more activities in which you have an interest. Help us foster and grow passions for athletics and personal fitness in our amazing campers and help build a respect for the sports through imparting your knowledge on eager campers.
Competitive salary based on experience and background. *Candidates should be 18 years or older and available to work at Camp between 6/14 and 8/18.
Our sailing program includes over 15 beautiful Sunfish, Hobie Cat’s, and more!
Being a staff member at Laurel South is far more than a summer job… it’s an unforgettable experience in beautiful surroundings… and a rare opportunity to reach your full potential as you help others reach theirs. Laurel South is a down-to-earth place where you will meet and make friends of all ages – from all over the world – and form bonds that will last a lifetime. Most of all, it’s a place where a family feeling is encouraged and both campers and staff are urged to be themselves.
We are seeking college students and teachers to lead and instruct a wide variety of activities. Our staff are caring and fun individuals who have a desire to make a difference in a child’s life.
Laurel South is among the most well-respected camps in the country. We offer quality instruction designed to allow children to participate in activities they love, while also allowing them to explore new and exciting opportunities.
We are looking for a two-month commitment June 7th – August 11th. We offer room and board for the time you are working at camp. Interested applicants, please send a cover letter detailing your interest in working with children and resume. We look forward to hearing from you!
Camp Danbee is currently hiring passionate and skilled instructors to spend their summer instructing our campers in Sailing. You will specialize in this activity, so you must have deep knowledge of the sport. You will arrive early to camp to get additional training on our boats, waterfront procedures, and lifeguarding. We’re looking for passionate, skilled individuals to be great roles models for our campers!
The Role:
You will serve a dual role as a counselor at Camp Danbee. Those roles include being cabin counselor and program instructor. As a cabin counselor, you and one to three other co-counselors will live in a cabin with 10-12 campers, whom you will supervise for the summer. As a program instructor, you will help prepare and lead instructional lessons in your dedicated program area.
Male instructors do not live in cabins with campers, and will have additional duties outside of program instructional time – you’re a valuable part of the camp family!
Working at camp is an opportunity to develop skills that can be used in a career outside of camp. You will enhance your leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills. Camp Danbee has a large leadership team to learn from, from multiple college Head Coaches to experienced professionals across the education, outdoor recreation, and sports industries.
We will work with your college/university to earn paid internship credits.
The Perks:
Salary starts at $2300 for a Freshman in college and increases from there
Travel allowance in addition to salary
Room, board, and staff t-shirts
Internship credit*
Experience The Berkshires, meet people from all over the US and the world, and have the summer of a lifetime!
*Some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position
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