Unit Counselor/Lifeguard - Overnight Camp

Girl Scouts of Western Washington • Allyn, WA

3d • $115 - $125 • Onsite

About The Position

The Unit Counselor/Lifeguard is a hybrid position responsible for daily supervision of campers within an assigned unit, while also supporting the waterfront through scheduled lifeguarding and boating instruction shifts. This role works primarily with water-based activity groups and may participate in off-site overnight trips that involve boating and swimming.

Requirements

• At least 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with youth 6-17 years old
• Experience with paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and/or sailboats
• Experience leading youth in programmatic activities
• Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging
• Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variable work week and hours, including overnight and weekend responsibilities
• Excellent interpersonal skills to ensure effective interactions with individuals at all levels and backgrounds, with the ability to work under pressure
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize project tasks and deadlines, work independently and collaboratively, take initiative, and maintain confidentiality
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards
• Ability to pass pre-requisite swimming skills assessment for lifeguarding including: Swim 550 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both without touching the wall or the bottom Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs Surface dive to a maximum water depth of 10 feet and retrieve a 10-pound object Swim 5 yards submerged and retrieve 3 dive rings without resurfacing

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program
• Experience boating and/or lifeguarding on lakefront and/or tidal, saltwater based waterfronts
• Current certification in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding or willingness to obtain (see above pre-requisites)
• Current certification or qualification for instructing youth in canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and/or sailboats appropriate to the waterfront or willingness to obtain
• Current certification of Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain
• If 21 years of age – valid driver’s license and clean driving record and willingness to transport campers and staff in a 12 passenger van
• Satisfactory results from a criminal background check

Responsibilities

• Supervise and care for campers in the assigned program session, including overnight duties and support in specialized areas
• Develop and implement the weekly program schedule, meeting session themes, promoted activities, and camper goals
• Supervise and guard waterfront activities per assigned schedule to prevent and manage injuries, providing rescue of participants as needed
• Follow and uphold Girl Scouts of Western Washington policies and procedures to ensure a physically and mentally safe camp environment
• Support facilitating boating programming suitable for the age, ability, and interests of youth 6-17 years old around paddleboards, rowboats, kayaks, canoes, and sailboats
• Ensure the education and enforcement of safety policies and procedures at the waterfront, including understanding and implementing appropriate response to changes in water conditions or weather conditions affecting the waterfront
• Support and participate in the implementation of all camp activities such as meals, all camp games, campfires, etc.
• Carry out established duties for general camp operations including check-in and check-out, bus supervision, camp cleaning, season opening and closing tasks, and completion of necessary paperwork

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED