Unit Counselor/Lifeguard - Overnight Camp

Girl Scouts of Western Washington • Allyn, WA

2d • $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. Compensation for this position is $115 - $125 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. Camp Season 2026 will run from June 7th through August 18th, with start and end dates determined by position. Overnight camp staff will divide their summer between Camp Robbinswold (located in Lilliwaup, WA) and Camp St. Albans (located in Allyn, WA). They will begin at St. Albans for the first week of training, then transition to Robbinswold for the second week. Staff will work three one-week camper sessions at Robbinswold, take a short break, and then complete three sessions at St. Albans.

Requirements

• 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
• 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

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
• This is a general description of the essential responsibilities of the position and is not inclusive of all job duties; other associated duties may be assigned

What This Job Offers

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