Junior Instructor Program

Teaching sailing is a rewarding, challenging, and fun endeavor! Good Instructors don’t grow on trees though - have you ever wondered how sailing Instructors come to be?

The Junior Instructor Program is a multi-week internship experience designed to bridge the gap between student and Instructor by developing leadership and sailing skills in youth ages 14-16 .

By the end of the summer, Junior Instructors will have developed a solid foundation of boating and instructional skills that will help them succeed in becoming a certified Instructor.

How it Works

The Junior Instructor Program is designed to transition sailors from student to Instructor.

Junior Instructors volunteer mornings or afternoons for a week at a time, where they are paired with a certified Instructor that they assist. Once a week, JIs attend a professional development class where they work on foundational leadership, communication, and teaching skills needed to become a certified Instructor.

Scheduling is based on when the JI is available, though generally JIs that commit to 4-5 weeks in a row will receive the greatest benefit.

Why be a Junior Instructor?

Junior Instructors get a lot out of volunteering!

  • Weekly professional development work with higher staff

  • Ability to learn, practice, and expand teaching, organizational, and time management skills

  • Gain confidence by growing sailing skills

  • Experience driving powerboats in controlled settings

  • Invite to team bonding activities like potlucks and end of season BBQ

  • Log internship or volunteer hours

  • Have fun and go sailing!

The Perks

Sailors are eligible to take their US Sailing Level One Small Boat Instructor certification course the year they turn 16. OCS requires all paid Instructors to have a current Level One. The Level One course is a compact program designed to produce high quality Instructors that evaluates a sailor’s sailing ability, powerboat driving, safety, awareness, and instructional capacity. We have found that sailors with prior experience that comes from being a Junior Instructor thrive and have a higher chance of earning their certification and being a happy Instructor.

Who Should Apply?

Sailors ages 14-16 with basic to advanced sailing skills and a passion for working with kids should apply! Applicants should be self motivated, capable of working independently as well as part of a team, and have a passion for working with children. Comfort in and around the water is a must.

“How do I know I’m ready to be a JI?” Are you…

  • Able to skipper a boat in light to moderate wind?

  • Able to tie a bowline?

  • Willing to help create and maintain an inclusive and safe environment?

  • Passionate about working with kids?

  • Able to attend a one-day staff training?

  • Able to obtain a valid CPR/First Aid card before starting?

  • Able to take an online concussion training course before starting?

If the answer is yes, then Junior Instructing is right for you!