Typical Commitment: Nine weeks, from the morning of June 15 until the morning of August 15, including paid staff training. (Some positions may start earlier or end later.)

• June 3: Arrival for Leadership & Admin Staff

• June 7: Arrival for Specialist Staff and Certification Trainings

• June 8: Certification Trainings begin

• June 14: Arrival for all staff

• June 15: Staff Training & Development begins

For a full schedule of our youth programs, check our camp calendar.

You’ll swim, sail, hike, craft, and sing every day alongside an incredible staff in one of the most beautiful places imaginable. 

This is so much more than a summer job. It’s demanding, deeply rewarding work. You’ll be constantly in motion — guiding campers, singing songs, leading activities, and pitching in to make camp run. But it’s also a job filled with laughter, teamwork, and genuine joy. You’ll be a leader, a role model, and part of a close-knit crew that makes the magic of Eagle Island happen.

Create community: Build a positive, inclusive, and spirited Grove (group of campers) where everyone feels welcome, valued, and supported. Eagle Island serves campers from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and we’re dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Lead and participate: Dive into camp life — swimming, boating, crafts, hiking, games, songs, and campfires — leading or assisting with energy and enthusiasm.

Work hard, play hard: The days are full, and the work is intense, but it’s joyful — you’ll laugh through early mornings, friendship bracelets, and overnight canoe trips.

Stay flexible: Camp life is never boring. You’ll roll with schedule changes, jump in where needed, and keep things running smoothly with a smile.

Model care and safety: Supervise campers closely, follow safety procedures, and model healthy habits and positive behavior.

Pitch in: From helping set up for activities to organizing campfires, and cleaning bathrooms, everyone gets their hands — literally and figuratively — dirty.

Keep it fun: Fill downtime with laughter, songs, stories, and spontaneous fun (we’ll teach you the classics during training).

Communicate clearly: Stay connected with campers, co-counselors, and the leadership team to keep everyone informed and supported.

• 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.

• 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).

  
  

A typical day may look like for a counselor at Eagle Island is a perfect mix of adventure, connection, and fun—though no two days are ever exactly alike! Mornings kick off with campers rising between 7-7:30 AM, fueling up at our lively breakfast tables before heading off to Interest Tracks (activities) like canoeing, sailing, arts & crafts, music, and nature exploration. As a staff member, you’ll guide, support, and join in on these activities, helping campers dive deep into their passions while creating lasting memories. Between activities, there’s plenty of unscheduled fun where one-on-one conversations, spontaneous games, or a lakeside adventure can spark new friendships and unforgettable moments.

Afternoons are full of waterfront fun, team games, and creative challenges, balanced with Quests—our rotating camp-wide tasks—and some well-earned “me time” for campers to rest, read, or play. Evenings are alive with theme nights, group games, or artsy hangouts, where staff are right in the middle of the action, leading, singing, laughing, and cheering campers on. By bedtime, everyone gathers to wind down, reflect on the day, and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures. 

Each day you will have 2 hours of time off and each week you will have a full day off.

Disclaimer: Your day may look different depending on your role and/or the age group you’re leading that week!

Platform Tents – A true camp classic! These sturdy canvas tents sit on wooden platforms and sleep 4–5 staff on cots. You’ll wake up to fresh mountain air, the sounds of the forest, and that perfect feeling of being right in the heart of camp life.

Cabins – Rustic and cozy, our wooden cabins offer the same group setup as our tents, with space for 4–5 staff cots. You’ll enjoy plenty of fresh air, great company, and all the simplicity that makes camp living memorable.

Historic Buildings – Full of camp charm, these vintage spaces feature bunk beds, electricity, and a warm, communal feel. You’ll be surrounded by camp history while still enjoying the same spirit of togetherness that makes every housing area feel like home.

All staff have:

• Nearby bathrooms and showers

• Laundry facilities

• A shared staff lounge with internet and storage for personal items

• Secure storage in the office for valuables

• Access to WiFi 

• Optional coordinated transportation to/from nearby towns

• You’ll be on the move! Staff spend their days walking, running, and adventuring across uneven, wooded terrain — from the waterfront to the dining hall and everywhere in between.

• Rain or shine, camp life happens outdoors — so bring your love of fresh air, sunshine, and the occasional muddy moment!

• You’ll be trained and ready to jump in and help campers if an emergency arises (first aid training provided).

• Camp days are full and lively — you’ll need the energy and focus to stay active, engaged, and ready for whatever fun comes next!

Interview: Conducted over Zoom, including:

• Position overview

• Background questions

• Situational questions

• Time for your questions

• Interested? Apply Now!

• Have Questions? Contact one of our Camp Directors at campdirector@eagleisland.org.

After the Offer:

• Complete Hiring Paperwork, Get To Know You Forms, Certification Interests, Waivers, and Travel Details 

• Join our online staff community via Slack to meet teammates and prepare for camp

• Optional certifications (like NYS Boater Safety and NYS Public Vessel Operator) with support and practice time