Deliver safe, educational, and engaging summer camp experiences for children aged 6–13 through pre-designed programming. Provide active supervision and emergency response, including waterfront lifeguarding duties when assigned.
Requirements summary
Must be at least 18 years old with a preference for some college education in education, science, or history. Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are strongly preferred or required for aquatic roles.
The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace.
The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation.
Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future.
Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues.
We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.
Counselors are responsible for delivering high-quality, fun, educational, and safe camp experiences for campers ages 6–13.
Counselors facilitate pre-designed weekly programming, support camper wellbeing, and contribute to a positive camp culture aligned with The Henry Ford’s mission and Model i learning framework.
Counselors may also support aquatic-based activities and are expected to maintain a safe environment by applying lifeguarding, first aid, and emergency response procedures when assigned.
Lifeguard-certified staff provide an additional level of safety supervision and emergency preparedness across camp programs.
Pathway Assignment: Pathways are determined by the hiring team and included in the official job offer.
Candidates may indicate interest, but final placement depends on availability, experience, staffing levels, and operational needs.
Role Responsibilities Facilitate safe, engaging, and educational programming aligned with THF’s learning philosophy Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all campers by knowing and applying all camp policies and emergency procedures Maintain accurate records, including daily attendance and incident documentation Support maintenance of camp spaces, supplies, and daily flow Communicate effectively and professionally with campers, families, and colleagues Uphold The Henry Ford and Learning & Engagement guidelines in program delivery Provide active supervision during all camp activities, including aquatic-based programming when assigned Serve as a certified Waterfront Lifeguard when assigned, providing active surveillance of aquatic activities, enforcing water safety rules, and responding to emergencies in accordance with lifeguard training and camp safety procedures Utilize lifeguarding, first aid, CPR, and emergency response training to maintain a safe environment and respond appropriately to incidents Assist in implementing risk management and safety protocols to ensure camper wellbeing Perform other duties as assigned Counselor Flex Pathway Counselor Flex staff perform the same essential job functions as Counselors but serve in a full day, highly adaptive role that supports Extended Care and operational needs across all camp levels.
This pathway is ideal for staff who thrive in variety, problem solving, and camp wide support day solving, and camp wide support.
Key Responsibilities Lead and supervise Extended Care programming before and after camp Provide operational and programmatic support across all camp levels as needed Assist with activity facilitation, rotations, setup/reset of program spaces, and camper support Offer one-on-one or small group support for campers who need additional assistance Support arrival/dismissal, lunch coverage, and transitions Work closely with Camp Supervisors to anticipate and respond to daily staffing and camper support needs Scheduling Full day role, with flexibility to start as early as 6:30 a.m. and end as late as 6:30 p.m., depending on Extended Care enrollment and staffing needs.
Schedule varies day-to-day based on operational priorities.
Scheduling requirements: Must be available for the following dates: Staff Training: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Week B: July 6 – 10, 2026 Week C: July 13 – 17, 2026 Week D: July 20 – 24, 2026 Week E: July 27 – 31, 2026 Camp Wrap-up: August 3 – 4, 2026
Minimum Qualifications
Must be at least 18 years of age Some college preferred in the fields of education, science, history, or other related field Current Lifeguard Certification preferred; certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED operation strongly preferred Waterfront Lifeguard Certification (or ability to obtain certification prior to the start of camp) preferred for staff assigned to aquatic programming Ability to successfully complete all required camp safety and emergency response training Special Skills Collaborative team player committed to building a positive camp environment Passionate about working with and supporting youth Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and develop counselors Confident supervising large groups of children in structured and unstructured settings Self-directed professional who thrives with minimal supervision Creative problem-solver who adapts quickly to dynamic camp needs Highly organized multi-tasker able to manage competing priorities effectively Knowledge of water safety practices and emergency response procedures Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in emergency situations Current Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications preferred Strong observational and risk-assessment skills with a commitment to camper safety and wellbeing Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution. Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities. It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.
Market context
Summer camp aquatic roles in Michigan
Michigan summer camp lifeguard/counselor roles are often competitive because they combine youth supervision with aquatic safety responsibilities, and employers typically look for candidates who can manage both. For this position, age 18+ and lifeguard, CPR, First Aid, and AED credentials are key signals, with some college in education, science, or history preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, and confirm your certifications before applying.
