Sailing: Junior Instructor Program

Spend your summer on Lake Champlain!

Junior Instructors (JI) play an important role at the CSC. After attending a week-long training camp, Junior Instructors are paired with CSC instructors to assist with youth sailing camps throughout the summer. They work directly with youth camp participants and help teach sailing on the water, deliver classroom instruction, facilitate games and activities, general supervision, as well as care and maintenance of the CSC sailing fleet and equipment.

The Junior Instructor Program can be flexible with their weeks to allow them to participate in other advanced camps. Junior Instructors are required to commit at least two weeks throughout the summer in addition to training week but can attend as many camp weeks as they would like.

Requirements

To be considered for a Junior Instructor position applicants must:

  • Be at least 15 years old prior to training week.
  • Attend the Junior Instructor Training Camp in June.
  • Commit at least two weeks over the summer in addition to the Training Camp, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
  • Have a positive attitude, willingness to work, and enthusiasm in a fast-paced, active environment.
  • Have an interest in being a role model and coach for younger sailors and peers.
  • Show commitment to the goals and mission of the CSC.
  • Have excellent sailing skills and knowledge.
  • Be punctual, reliable, and work well as a member of a team and independently.
  • Perform an interview with the Program Director and Program Manager.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All Junior Instructors must have taken Level III, plus an Advanced Laser, Advanced 420 or Summer Race camp in order to be eligible to be a Junior Instructor. Level III must be in a prior season, but the advanced camp can be in the current season.

Junior Instructors

Benefits for all Junior Instructors:

  • Dinghy & paddle season pass
  • 2-week commitment: 25% off Junior Instructor Camp
  • 4-week commitment: 30% off Junior Instructor Camp
  • A 50% discount on other CSC programs
  • Foster desirable skills for future employment opportunities
  • Strengthen customer service skills
  • Learn how to facilitate programs
  • Strengthen public speaking skills
  • Develop professional references

Additional Benefits for Returning Junior Instructors:

  • Full scholarship for Junior Instructor Camp
  • 2-week commitment: 50% off Advanced camp
  • 4-week commitment: 60% off Advanced camp
  • Advanced skills preparation toward certifications

All Junior Instructors must complete the minimum 2-week requirement to receive discounts.

For questions or additional information, please contact Program Director, John Nagle, at john@communitysailingcenter.org or (802) 864-2499.

Apply to become a junior instructor

Please note it is NOT necessary to have the following certifications to participate in the program.

Sailing and Powerboating History

Please tell us about your sailing experience (lessons you may have taken, where you took them, types of boat you are familiar with, any relevant on-water experience, be specific). Please provide an estimate of your on-water comfort and ability.

Sailing Experience: List the boats you have sailed and know well, including position on the boat. Be specific. Include the following information: Craft Type, Crewed, Skippered, Raced, Instructed.

  • EXAMPLE 1: 18' Buccaneer, skippered 2 times, crewed 15 regattas, never taught
  • EXAMPLE 2: Sunfish, skippered 30 times over two summers, in the process I taught my nephew.
  • EXAMPLE 3: Optimist, skippered 100 times over three seasons, raced for 2 seasons.
  • EXAMPLE 4: Laser, skippered 200 times over five seasons, instructed at yacht club for two seasons.

Powerboat Experience: (Please list the types of motorboats you are familiar driving)

Being a Junior Instructor is rewarding but challenging work. JIs may face boating challenges on the water and interpersonal challenges in class with campers. Even when things get difficult, JIs must keep a professional attitude and remain positive role models.

Class notes

Take a look at the youth programs Junior Instructors help lead.

Lend a hand

If the Junior Instructor program doesn’t fit your schedule, consider volunteering instead.