Unit Counselor/Lifeguard - Day Camp

Requirements: Essential

Duties and Responsibilities

Supervise and care for campers in the assigned program session, including day camp 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 tailored to participants' ages, abilities, and interests, including paddleboards, rowboats, kayaks, and canoes 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 camp games, campfires, etc. Evaluate swimming abilities of all participants prior to first activity session 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 Assist with managing and maintaining physical waterfront facilities and equipment by conducting daily safety, cleanliness, and condition checks, ensuring all areas are well maintained and free of hazards or debris 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of and commitment to fostering environments that prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, racial justice, and belonging Comfortable working in a camp setting with a variety of activities 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 Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory responsibilities of camp staff members Education and Experience Required At least 18 years of age High School Diploma or equivalent Experience working with youth 5-17 years old Experience with rowboats, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks Experience leading youth in programmatic activities Preferred Skills and Experience Knowledge of the Girl Scout program Experience boating and/or lifeguarding a lakefront or other natural body of water Other Qualifications Current certification in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding or willingness to obtain (see above pre-requisites) Current certification of Youth Mental Health First Aid or willingness to obtain Satisfactory results from a criminal background check Work Environment Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment. Employees are frequently exposed to loud noises, sensory stimulating situations, and physically demanding activities. Employees should feel comfortable with: Working outside in all weather conditions including heat, inclement weather, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water) Demonstrate emotional resiliency and regulation to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately Walking over unpaved, uneven, hilly terrain multiple times a day Lifting and carrying supplies and equipment up to 35lbs Swimming in natural bodies of water Responding to emergencies including utilizing skills to administer First Aid/CPR when necessary Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety