Summer Camp Activities Counselor - Boat Driver

True Friends; Maple Lake (MN); On-site; USD 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing

Meals provided

Job summary

True Friends is seeking a Boat Operator for our summer camp program in Minnesota. This residential, on-site role supports campers through boating, waterfront, and a range of recreational activities, helping them gain confidence and teamwork.

You’ll operate boats, maintain equipment, and assist with planning waterfront activities while ensuring a safe, engaging camp environment and fulfilling daily living needs as required.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must pass organizational background check.
• Willing to obtain Minnesota Boat Operator’s Permit.
• Experience facilitating water activities.

Responsibilities

• Operate boats for water-based activities such as tubing and fishing.
• Follow safety procedures to maintain a safe camper environment.
• Maintain waterfront equipment and areas including boats, life jackets, and docks.
• Lead and facilitate a variety of camp activities as needed.
• Support campers with daily living needs as required.

Skills

Water safety

Boat operation

Mentoring campers

Teamwork

Education

Minnesota Boat Operator’s Permit

Job description

As a Boat Operator, you’ll help create safe, exciting, and meaningful experiences for campers through boating, waterfront, and other recreational activities. You’ll use your boating and waterfront skills while helping campers build confidence, independence, teamwork, and new skills.
This is an activity-focused role, with primary responsibility for operating boats and supporting waterfront activities while also contributing to the broader camp experience.
Where You Could Work

• Camp Friendship - Annandale, MN
• Camp Courage - Maple Lake, MN

You don't have to live near a True Friends site to apply! Our camp positions are residential and include on-site housing and meals during employment, making this a great opportunity for individuals who live outside the immediate area, including those from other states!
What You’ll Do
Your responsibilities may include:

• Operate boats for water-based activities such as tubing and fishing
• Follow established boating, waterfront, and safety procedures to maintain a safe environment for campers and staff
• Maintain and properly care for waterfront equipment, including boats, life jackets, tubes, ropes, and related equipment
• Maintain waterfront areas used for activities, including beaches, docks, and storage areas
• Assist with planning, preparing, setting up, and facilitating waterfront activities
• Lead and facilitate a variety of other recreational and camp activities based on program needs

Activities may include:

• • Boating & Waterfront Activities
  • Aquatics & Swimming
  • Fishing
  • High Ropes & Challenge Activities
  • Team-Building Games
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Music
  • Sports & Games
  • Other Specialized or Adaptive Activities

You may also:

• Ensure campers use equipment safely and follow established procedures, including assisting campers with life jackets and getting on and off tubes
• Adapt activities to meet the individual needs, abilities, and interests of campers
• Create opportunities for campers to develop confidence, independence, teamwork, and social skills
• Coach and encourage campers through new or challenging experiences
• Support campers with daily living needs, including eating, walking, transferring, toileting, and other personal care needs as required by the assignment
• Work collaboratively with other camp staff to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging camper experience
• Participate in required staff training and camp activities
• Share personal skills, hobbies, and interests as appropriate to support specialized activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Training may be provided based on the activity and assignment.

Why You'll Love It

• Share what you love: Use your boating, waterfront, and outdoor recreation skills to create memorable experiences for campers
• Make a difference: Help campers build confidence, independence, and new skills
• Challenge yourself: Grow your leadership and facilitation skills in an active camp environment
• Try something new: Get opportunities to lead a variety of activities and develop new skills
• Build relationships: Connect with campers and fellow staff while being part of an energetic camp community

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience: Build practical experience in recreation, adaptive programming, waterfront activities, and working with individuals with disabilities
• Leadership skills: Strengthen your ability to lead groups, facilitate activities, and coach others through new experiences
• Adaptability: Learn how to modify activities and approaches to meet a wide range of abilities, needs, and interests
• Professional growth: Develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and safety skills that transfer to future jobs and careers
• A meaningful portfolio: Gain experiences you can speak to in future education, employment, or leadership opportunities
• A summer that matters: Know that the experiences you help create can build confidence, independence, and lasting memories for campers

Schedule

• All hired staff complete a minimum of one week of orientation before working with campers
• Most camp sessions run Sunday through Friday, approximately 5.5 days per week
• Staff receive scheduled time off between sessions and, when applicable, during sessions
• Specific schedules and time commitments vary by assignment and location

Compensation
Summer Camp Counselors are paid a daily stipend rate based on their role and experience.

• First year counselors: $59/day
• Returning counselors: Eligible for an increased daily rate based on previous True Friends experiences, plus an early signing bonus when applicable
• Summer Commitment Bonus: Eligible exempt (stipend-paid) residential staff who complete their full agreement and remain in good standing may earn an additional bonus based on the number of weeks worked. Bonus eligibility begins at 6 weeks: 6–7 weeks worked | additional $60 per week worked
  • 8–9 weeks worked | additional $70 per week worked
  • 10–11 weeks worked | additional $80 per week worked
  • 12–14 weeks worked | additional $90 per week worked

Meals and lodging included

What You’ll Bring to the Table

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to pass the required organizational background study
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a Minnesota Boat Operator’s Permit
• Prior experience facilitating water or waterfront activities
• Ability to coach and encourage individuals and groups
• Comfortable stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things
• Passion for making a difference in the lives of others
• Comfortable supporting individuals with daily living needs; training is provided
• Ability to live and work in a communal residential camp environment
• Strong initiative and work ethic
• Flexibility and adaptability in an ever-changing environment

Highly valued, but not required: CPR/First Aid certification, Lifeguard certification, previous camping experience, experience working with individuals with disabilities, or additional specialized recreation skills.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The work environment is active and includes both indoor and outdoor settings. Staff should be prepared to:

• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
• See, hear, and communicate verbally with campers and team members
• Spend extended periods standing, walking, sitting, and participating in activities
• Bend, reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and move throughout the workday
• Lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds
• Feel objects and use fingers to operate tools and controls
• Support campers who may have a range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and communication needs
• Work with individuals who may display physical aggression or challenging behaviors
• Live and work in a communal residential camp environment

Specific physical demands and environmental conditions may vary based on the assignment.