Overview
$140-170 Per Diem
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 (Monday- Friday) 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 7-day 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, an 8-day rowing expedition in 6-oar rowing gigs, and ends with Voyager Canoe Trek, a five-day canoe camp in two large voyager canoes. Training in the rowing boats will be provided prior to embarking on the rowing expedition. Learn more about these trips on the Museum’s Teen Expeditions Page.
Kayak Building Camp – June 22–July 10, 2026
Champlain Discovery: Kayak Expedition – July 13–July 19, 2026
Expedition Champlain: Rowing Expedition – July 26–August 2, 2026
Voyager Canoe Trek: Canoeing Expedition – August 10–August 14, 2026
There will be several days of training prior to the expedition season, and a few days of work after the last trip. 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. Each trip will include some time not listed above to prepare for each trip.
Qualifications:
Current WFA or WFR certificate (WFR preferred)
Experience with paddling or other on-water trip leading and managing group dynamics
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
About Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum opened its first building, a historic stone schoolhouse, in 1985 with the mission to preserve and share the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Champlain region. Today, the Museum serves a broad community throughout the Champlain Valley and beyond, working to connect all people with Lake Champlain through learning experiences, exhibits and collections at its 3-acre waterfront campus, digital engagement, boat building, underwater archaeology research projects, and more.
