Aquatics Program Leader - MD

Headfirst Summer Camps•Bethesda, MD

7d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

At Headfirst, we design fun, intentional, and transformational camp experiences where every camper feels seen, known, and celebrated. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. Through thoughtfully planned activities and trained staff, we create what we call Headfirst Moments: when a camper tries something new, pushes through fear, and realizes, “I can do it.” The Aquatics Program Leader will oversee, support, and coach a team Swim Instructors and Certified Lifeguards (site dependent). We provide the pool policies, instructional swim curriculum & daily camp schedules along with all equipment for a successful day at the pool but need you to organize the program and ensure all safety standards are being met. Camper ages: 3-12 years old Activities include: blowing bubbles, floating on front and back, swim strokes, kicking, adding breaths to strokes, jumping into the pool, recreational free swim

Requirements

Must be at least 20 years old with at least (2) years at an undergraduate institution or equivalent professional experience.
Swim and be in a swimming pool for extended periods of time.
Maintain valid Lifeguard Certification for the entire work season.
Work around small children including, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day.
Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.
Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
Committed to adhering to Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift.
Lifeguard Certification and First Aid & CPR Certification, or the ability to complete these prior to May 30.

Nice To Haves

Majors in education and sport management viewed favorably.
At least (2) years of experience in swim instruction with experience managing a team of instructors viewed favorably.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the utmost safety of the pool and all participants in the swim program
Content expert on all things related to the instructional swim curriculum, including levels and adaptations
Prepare a team of 4 to 12 swim staff to implement pre-written curriculum to small groups of 4-6 campers
Group campers into swim classes by level weekly and manage the aquatic staff’s daily schedules to ensure each instructor receives appropriate break time and time to work on swim reports between each swim group
Ensure timely completion and accuracy of individual camper swim reports by all instructors
Lead in-season trainings on safety, pool policies, instructional implementation, and swim report writing
Lead by example and instruct swim classes throughout the day as a method of teaching other instructors proper technique and assisting in completing the large number of swim classes
Oversee recreational free swim blocks and associated swim ability tests for campers
Monitor and routinely inventory materials
Execute morning and afternoon carpool as a key player, welcoming each family to camp by name with fantastic dance moves and coordinated carpool procedures
Work directly with campers to support them in their emotional, physical, and social development through hands-on exploration and coach your counselor team in growing their instructional skills
Implement Headfirst’s safety protocols on supervision, bathrooms, emergency medications, and camper behavior management while in the pool area including in the water, on the deck, and in locker rooms
Anticipate curricular, facility, or schedule issues before they occur and proactively create solutions to run a smooth program
Act as the bridge from camp to parents, communicating campers’ successes, celebrations, and growth, through the Site Director or other Leadership Team members
Arrive on time, communicate schedule changes promptly, be a loyal and consistent team member who shows up for the campers and your team
Work directly alongside your counselors to create the best experience possible for all campers
Coach your team of counselors, providing specific feedback and skill development opportunities
Represent the Headfirst brand daily to families at carpool and to school facility partners throughout the summer by being enthusiastic, hands-on, helpful, and in uniform
Actively participate in our efforts to take care of our camp facility and lead your team to do the same
Practice resiliency and arrive with a “How Can I Help?” mentality that puts camper experience and team success at the forefront through problem solving and trying new things