Paddle-N-More Internships & Summer Leadership
Internship Highlights – Make Waves This Summer!
Trade the classroom for sunshine, teamwork, and adventure on Cayuga Lake — and create an impact that lasts beyond the summer.
At Paddle-N-More, every day is a new adventure — where you’ll learn by doing, surrounded by sunshine, great people, and endless opportunities to grow. Gain hands-on experience in recreation, leadership, marketing, and environmental education while working outdoors on the water. Learn from experienced senior staff who are passionate about mentoring the next generation of outdoor professionals.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with inspiring local partners like Zero Waste Ithaca, the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, and Discover Cayuga Lake. It’s more than an internship — it’s a summer full of learning, connection, and unforgettable experiences on the lake.
Internship & Seasonal Leadership Opportunities
Outdoor Recreation, Environmental Education & Eco-Tourism
Help lead the next generation of paddlers and stewards of Cayuga Lake!
Join our outdoor education and eco-tourism team to:
- Lead youth paddlesport activities, teach water safety, and promote environmental awareness.
- Support stewardship projects and waterway cleanups in partnership with Zero Waste Ithaca, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and Discover Cayuga Lake.
- Gain hands-on experience in eco-tourism program development, helping to design and guide interpretive paddling experiences focused on sustainability, local ecology, and community impact.
- Work alongside the Program Manager to plan, coordinate, and deliver memorable outdoor experiences for visitors and locals alike.
This internship offers the opportunity to build skills in outdoor leadership, environmental education, and eco-tourism programming — all while making a positive difference on the water.
Marketing & Communications
Help tell the Paddle-N-More story and connect our brand with paddlers across the Finger Lakes!
As a Marketing & Communications Intern, you’ll play a key role in how we reach and engage customers — both online and in person.
- Develop and manage marketing content for social media, newsletters, and customer communications.
- Create informative and engaging posts, graphics, and videos that inspire people to get on the water.
- Capture and curate on-site photos and videos to showcase our programs, locations, and community events.
- Assist with promotional campaigns, content scheduling, and email updates to keep customers informed.
- Collaborate on community outreach and cross-promotions with local partners and organizations.
- Help maintain brand consistency across all communication platforms — from web copy to signage.
This internship is perfect for creative students who love storytelling, enjoy social media strategy, and want real-world experience building a local brand through digital and community marketing.
Leadership Roles
Assistant Camp Director (must be 21+) – FLX Adventure Camp, Myers Park (Lansing, NY)
Join our FLX Adventure Camp leadership team at Myers Park in Lansing, NY! We’re seeking an enthusiastic Assistant Camp Director to help plan and deliver a safe, engaging, and fun summer camp experience for youth. You’ll:
- Support the Camp Director in overseeing daily camp operations and camp staff.
- Lead and assist with youth kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and team-building activities.
- Mentor counselors and interns, providing guidance and support throughout the season.
- Help coordinate schedules, communicate with parents, and maintain a positive camp environment.
This is an ideal opportunity for someone with youth leadership or outdoor education experience who’s ready to grow in program management, water-sports skills, and team leadership.
Rental Shop Assistant Managers – Taughannock Falls State Park (Trumansburg, NY) & Stewart Park (Ithaca, NY)
We’re hiring two Assistant Managers to help keep our busiest rental locations running smoothly — Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg and Stewart Park in Ithaca. You’ll:
- Oversee daily rental operations, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable guest experience.
- Lead and motivate staff while supporting the Operations Manager with scheduling, equipment management, and customer service.
- Maintain safety procedures, assist with training, and ensure each site operates to Paddle-N-More standards.
- Provide hands-on help launching kayaks and paddleboards during busy hours.
This position is perfect for organized, people-focused and forward thinking leaders who thrive outdoors and enjoy helping guests make lasting memories on Cayuga Lake.
Internship Requirements & Expectations
Our internships are designed to provide a full-season learning experience — not just a summer job. Consistent participation allows interns to build meaningful skills, relationships, and impact within our programs.
Season Commitment:
Interns must be available from mid-May through September.
We’re looking for students who can commit to the entire summer season.⛔ We do not accept applicants who plan to work only part of the summer, take a full month off, and return later.
☀️ Occasional short family vacations (up to one week) are understandable, but extended absences are not compatible with this internship.Eligibility & Details
- Education: College juniors or above (approximately 60+ credits)
- GPA: 2.5 or higher
- Schedule: Must include weekends and holidays
- Compensation: Typically starts at minimum wage; academic credit may be available through your school
- Housing & Meals: Interns are responsible for their own accommodations and meals
- Transportation: Reliable transportation required; a valid driver’s license is recommended
How It Works
At Paddle-N-More, each intern is paired with a Summer Mentor who helps design a personalized learning plan with clear goals, weekly feedback, and hands-on experience. By season’s end, you’ll complete at least one tangible project for your portfolio and professional growth.
Many of our internships connect with the Discover Cayuga Lake Watershed Internship Program — giving you the opportunity to explore the lake’s ecology, sustainability, and community partnerships through real-world projects.
Before You Apply: What You’ll Need
⚠️ The application form does not save your progress, so make sure everything is ready before you start.
Documents to Upload
Please prepare and upload the following PDF files using the required naming format:
- Resume (required) —
LastName_FirstName_Resume.pdf- Cover Letter (optional, but encouraged) —
LastName_FirstName_CoverLetter.pdf- Three Professional References (combined into one file) —
LastName_FirstName_References.pdf
- Please include name, relationship, organization, phone, and email for each. References may include supervisors, professors, or coaches (no family or friends).
⚠️ Applications that don’t follow this naming format may be delayed or not reviewed. Attention to detail is an important part of the professional process.
✅ Professional Tip: Always ask for permission before listing your references — it’s an important step in building strong professional habits.
What to Expect in the Application
Here’s what you’ll be asked to provide once you begin:
- Basic contact and background information
- Preferred internship role(s) and your top choice
- Short questions about your goals, learning interests, and skills
- A space to upload your documents (résumé, cover letter, references)
- A final “anything else we should know?” question for additional details
The full application takes most students about 15–20 minutes to complete.
How to Apply
Ready to trade the classroom for sunshine, teamwork, and adventure on Cayuga Lake?
Click the link below to start your application for the 2026 Paddle-N-More Summer Internship & Leadership Program.
✅ Applicants must be junior standing or above, at least 18+ (Assistant Camp Director positions require 21+).
🕓 Applications are accepted through February 2026. We’ll begin reaching out to qualified candidates at that time to schedule interviews.