Summer Camp - Lifeguard (Waterfront)
About The Position
Girl Scouts River Valleys seeks a Summer Camp Lifeguard (Waterfront) to help campers build confidence, develop positive values and healthy relationships, take on challenges, and enjoy camp. Specialists plan and lead safe, fun, age- and ability-appropriate lessons and activities in their specialty area, support counselors, and work directly with campers. The waterfront role includes teaching boating, fishing, and water safety; supervising open-swim sessions alongside other lifeguards; and responding calmly and efficiently in emergencies. Boating activities vary by camp and may include canoes, kayaks, rowboats, pontoons, paddleboards, Corcls, and sailboats. The role is seasonal. Staff may live on-site or commute. On-site staff receive housing and meals; commuters are paid hourly. The organization prefers candidates willing to live in assigned housing and participate in a rustic, communal camp setting, though commuters may also be considered. Staff must commit to a schedule and work the entire summer. Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certifications are required or must be obtained; Girl Scouts River Valleys can assist with certification during the hiring or training process. The position requires creating an inclusive and affirming experience for campers, following safety and security procedures, and modeling the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, Law, and Program Goals. The physical work includes extended periods of standing and walking and frequent bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or moving objects.
Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old, or have graduated from high school by the start of the camp season, to live on-site; commuters must be at least 16 years old.
- Lifeguarding certification is required; the organization can assist with obtaining it.
- Must be First Aid/CPR certified or able to obtain certification; the organization can assist with obtaining it.
- Ability to interact well with all age levels and understand youth development needs.
- Training and/or experience teaching children.
- Ability to conduct activities with a high degree of cultural competency.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Physical ability to frequently stop, climb, bend, kneel, crouch, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull, and lift and move objects up to 50 pounds at shoulder height; occasionally lift more than 50 pounds.
- Sufficient eye-to-hand coordination to operate tools and equipment and respond appropriately when campers need assistance or first aid.
- Ability to see and read printed materials, distinguish colors, and read and understand rules, policies, labels, and instructions, with or without visual aids.
- Verbal communication ability, including speaking and hearing at normal room levels.
- Applicants must provide three non-family references, including at least one camp director or administrator reference if they have prior camp-staff experience; this reference process is not required for people who previously worked at a GSRV camp.
- Must be able to commit to a schedule and work the entire summer.
Nice To Haves
- Willingness to live on-site in assigned Girl Scouts River Valleys housing and comply with the housing agreement.
- Experience and certifications obtained before hire may qualify candidates for a higher starting compensation rate.
Responsibilities
- Plan and lead safe, fun, age- and ability-appropriate lessons and activities in the waterfront specialty area.
- Support counselors with campers in small groups, in living units, and throughout the day; substitute for counselors during their time off as needed.
- Supervise and guard waterfront activities, including open-swim sessions, alongside other lifeguards.
- Instruct staff and participants in program areas such as swimming and boating, and educate campers in boating, fishing, and water safety.
- Respond calmly and efficiently in emergencies and participate in practice drills and scenarios throughout the summer.
- Assist with the management and care of program facilities and equipment.
- Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff in attitude and behavior.
- Create an inclusive environment where campers feel supported and affirmed.
- Follow safety and security rules and procedures, and model camp practices related to sanitation, schedules, and sportsmanship.
- Model the values of the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, Law, and Program Goals.
Benefits
- Housing and all meals provided for staff living on-site.
- Laundry facilities on-site for staff living on-site.
- Planned staff activities and social events for staff living on-site.
- Free CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard Certifications available during staff training.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
