Summer Sleepaway 2024 at Camp Kaufmann
Lifeguard

 

Position Description
Lifeguards are responsible for the safety of campers and staff while at the lake waterfront and pool. They assist in organizing supplies and administering activities at the pool, fishing, and boating areas. They report to the Aquatics Director and assist Unit Managers and Unit Counselors in the coordination and care of the campers during daily camp life. They will act in accordance with the New York Department of Health (NYDOH), Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), and the American Camp Association (ACA) standards while being passionate about the mission of Girl Scouting and the positive impact of camp.

 

Responsibilities

  • Daily monitoring of the pool and waterfront, including boating and fishing areas.
  • Responsible for camper and staff safety, playing an active role in risk management and enforcing water safety rules for all persons on camp property.
  • Lead activities and provide instruction to campers as directed by the Aquatics Director.
  • Assist the Aquatics Director with assessing all campers’ and staff’s swimming abilities.
  • Maintain aquatics supplies (e.g., safety equipment, pool toys, fishing rods, boats, etc.), ensuring proper and safe use of all materials.
  • Conduct “buddy system” checks and other safety drills as directed by the Aquatics Director.
  • Document daily water quality testing and contribute to accurate record keeping of pool maintenance as directed by the Aquatics Director.
  • Support implementation and facilitate content for the Junior Lifeguard camp session.
  • Assist in setting up lifeguard and CPR/First Aid demonstration areas.
  • Arrive promptly to the pool or waterfront at assigned times.
  • Keep open lines of communication with the Aquatics Director and other members of the Aquatics team.
  • Assist in teaching specialized staff training sessions as directed by the Aquatics Director.
  • Maintain all safety standards and equipment according to NYDOH and ACA standards; training provided.
  • Report all maintenance issues to the Aquatics Director.
  • Report incidents, accidents, and illnesses to the Aquatics Director and/or Assistant Camp Director immediately and ensure proper documentation.
  • Assist campers and guide staff in emergency situations; training provided.
  • Enthusiastically participate in all aspects of camp, including staff training, position-specific in-service training, team building, and debriefing.
  • Subscribe to the mission and values of the Girl Scouts by becoming a member.
  • Provide excellent customer service to other staff members, campers, caregivers, and other visitors to camp.
  • Demonstrate quick thinking and sound problem-solving techniques.
  • Deliver programs with a highly energetic and enthusiastic attitude.
  • Model and teach good health practices for all staff and campers.
  • Excellent communicator, calm under pressure, and works as a team player.
  • Set a good example for campers and staff regarding cleanliness, punctuality, respect, appropriate language, attire, etc.
  • Comply with all personnel policies communicated in staff training and staff manual.
  • Meet and communicate with the Aquatics Director daily.
  • Accept other tasks and responsibilities as deemed necessary by the Aquatics Director, Assistant Camp Director, and Camp Director.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Current certification in the American Red Cross Waterfront Module/Lifeguarding/CPR for the Professional Rescuer or willing to complete certification course during designated training days.
  • Documented waterfront/lifeguarding experience.
  • Minimum of 1-year experience working with youth and demonstrated ability to manage challenging behavioral situations with youth effectively.
  • Clearance through the Sex Offender Registry and Criminal Background Check.
  • Willingness to prioritize the needs of Girl Scouts and Camp Kaufmann.
  • Desire and ability to provide care to children and peers in an outdoor environment.
  • The acceptance and understanding that employment is at a sleepaway (overnight) camp and that work hours are irregular. Candidates must live locally or live on-site and be available to work for the entire summer season (June 23rd – August 11th).
  • Demonstrate enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, integrity, self-control, and an ability to adapt well to changing situations.
  • Possess the strength and endurance required to succeed in a Sleepaway camp environment.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior camp or outdoors experience.
  • Interest in the Girl Scout Program and Leadership Experience.

 

Physical Demands
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Ability to lift 40 pounds.
  • Good health and the stamina necessary to work in a camp setting.
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for long periods of time while leading programming.
  • Ability to perform all lifeguard certification swimming skill requirements.
  • Swim 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
  • Complete the following timed sequence of events within 1 minute, 40 seconds:
  • 1. Starting in the water, swim 20 yards. The face may be in or out of       the water (goggles are not allowed).
  • 2. Surface dive, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object.
  • 3. Return to the surface and swim 20 yards on the back to the starting point with both hands holding the object and keeping their face at or near the surface so they can get a breath.
  • 4. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps

 

Required

  • Candidates must be available to attend ALL trainings as needed (June 23rd – July 6th) in preparation for the summer program and work for the ENTIRE 5 weeks of camp and clean up (July 7th – August 11th). Additional certification classes may also be required. Those applicants who cannot attend these training dates will NOT be considered.

 

Compensation

  • $90 - $110 per diem rate range (based on experience and certifications)
  • Room and board while at camp.
  • Time off: Friday evening to Saturday evening each week.

 

No phone calls, please.
The Girl Scouts of Greater New York are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this description. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation(s) for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent or applicant when possible.