Expedition Trip Leader

Lake Champlain Maritime Museum is in search of qualified on-water trip leaders for Teen Expeditionary Programs.  The summer is broken into four programs: one day camp and three expeditions. First, Kayak Building Camp, is a three-week day program where teens build their own 17′ sea kayaks. Trip leaders are responsible for student management during this program and will work with experienced boatbuilders. We then go right into Champlain Discovery, a two-week kayak expedition on Lake Champlain in which participants can either use the kayaks they built in Kayak Building Camp or use one of the Museum’s kayaks (Participants in Champlain Discovery do not have to participate in Kayak Building Camp, both programs are open to all). The summer continues with Expedition Champlain, a one-week rowing expedition in 6-oar rowing gigs, and ends with Sail Champlain, a one-week sailing camp that combines skill training with a short expedition. Training in the rowing boats will be provided prior to embarking on the rowing expedition. Sailing skills a plus but not needed. Learn more about these trips on the Museum’s Teen Expeditions Page.

Basic Qualifications

• Current WFA or WFR certificate (WFR preferred)
• Experience with kayaking or other on-water trip leading and managing group dynamics
• Sailing experience is preferred but not necessary to apply
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, positive energy, and a desire to work with teenagers is essential
• An understanding of how to create a physically and emotionally safe group environment
• It is not necessary to be a boat-builder or woodworker, just a willingness to learn and engage participants

Program Dates

• Kayak Building Camp – June 16–July 3, 2025
• Champlain Discovery: Kayak Expedition – July 7–July 20, 2025
• Expedition Champlain: Rowing Expedition – July 27–August 3, 2025
• Sail Champlain: Sailing Skills Expedition – August 10–August 16, 2025
• There will be several days of training prior to the expedition season. More information to come in the spring.
• Trip leaders will have evenings and weekends off during the Kayak Building Camp, as well as several days off in between expeditions. The dates listed above are program dates only and do not include preparation and post days.

Compensation

Expedition days are paid per diem (daily) between $140 and $170. This also includes all meals and camping fees while on the expedition. During preparation days, trip leaders will be paid hourly between $18 and $20 per hour. Pay rates will be decided based on experience. The Museum offers camping and running water to trip leaders on off days between expeditions. Camping is also available to staff during the Kayak Building Camp.