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Position: Fishing Counselor

Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975

Employment Dates: June 22 August 15, 2026

Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,500

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided

Reports To: Waterfront Director

About Us

The Boys Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.

At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNYs Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.

Job Summary

The Fishing Counselor is a high-impact, outdoor-focused counselor role at Harriman Basecamp, leading engaging and developmentally appropriate fishing programming across multiple approved fishing locations. As the primary facilitator of the fishing activity area, this role blends hands-on instruction, environmental awareness, and youth mentorship to create experiences that build confidence, patience, and a strong connection to the outdoors.

Fishing programming is offered through scheduled cabin rotations and daily camper sign-ups, allowing campers to return to the activity, refine skills, and experience meaningful growth over time. Counselors guide campers through casting, knot tying, lure building, fish identification, and ethical catch-and-release practices, while modeling responsibility, focus, and respect for nature.

Beyond the waters edge, Fishing Counselors are fully immersed in camp life. They support cabin routines, share meals, participate in community moments, and contribute to camp-wide programming. Working as part of the Activity Counselor team and reporting directly to the Waterfront Director, Fishing Counselors collaborate closely with Cabin Counselors, Division Leaders, and camp leadership to ensure safe supervision, positive youth development, and a high-quality Basecamp experience.

Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.

Responsibilities

Fishing Programming & Skill Development

• Plan and lead structured fishing sessions aligned with camp schedules, cabin rotations, and daily camper sign-ups.

• Provide instruction in core fishing skills and concepts, including (knot tying, casting techniques, lure selection and construction, basic tackle setup, fish identification, and ethical catch-and-release practices).

• Support campers in completing take-home and reflective materials such as a lure-building project, fishing logbook, and knots guide.

• Incorporate environmental education and conservation principles into daily programming.

• Support gradual skill progression through repeated practice, feedback, and encouragement rather than formalized skill levels.

• Create a calm, focused learning environment that values patience, responsibility, and respect for equipment and wildlife.

Safety, Supervision & Area Management

• Enforce all fishing area safety rules, boundaries, and procedures at all times.

• Provide clear instruction on safe casting techniques, hook handling, fish handling, and appropriate spacing between campers.

• Conduct daily safety checks of rods, reels, lines, hooks, and program materials prior to use.

• Actively supervise campers during all fishing activities and address minor behavioral concerns directly.

• Escalate ongoing, patterned, or higher-level behavioral concerns to Cabin Counselors, the Waterfront Director, or camp leadership as appropriate.

• Ensure all fishing activities align with camp safety policies and environmental guidelines, including catch-and-release practices.

Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship

• Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines to ensure consistent structure and supervision.

• Support cabin groups dailywithin canoeing areas or elsewhere as neededto maintain supervision and appropriate coverage.

• As a member of the Activity Counselor team, co-lead two evening programs, lead one evening program, and provide coverage and supervision during additional evening programs as assigned.

• Provide additional camp-wide coverage as needed, including meal support and substituting for counselors during nights off or when additional evening supervision is required.

• Maintain the Activity Area Binder, track equipment usage, and submit a written end-of-session inventory and reflection to the Activity Counselor Division Leader, addressing equipment condition, camper engagement, skill progression, and notable concerns.

• Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers within the canoeing program, modeling safe waterfront practices, effective instruction, positive youth engagement, and professionalism.

• Support CIT development by gradually involving them in equipment setup, shoreline supervision, instruction support, on-water assistance, and peer mentorship.

Qualifications

• Prior fishing experience required, with demonstrated basic competency in equipment handling, knot tying, and casting.

• Experience working with youth in camp, outdoor education, recreational, or instructional settings preferred.

• Ability to plan and facilitate structured outdoor activities with clear expectations and routines.

• Strong communication skills and ability to give calm, clear, and consistent instruction.

• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and positive youth development.

• Willingness to engage fully in all aspects of camp life beyond primary activity responsibilities.

Additional Requirements

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.

• Meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).

• You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.

• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment

• Other duties as assigned

The Boys Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer

and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.