Unit Counselor/Lifeguard

Description

Located on the Hood Canal, Camp Robbinswold’s 570 acres include a mile of saltwater beachfront, six miles of trails, and a freshwater lake. Our program primarily focuses on trip and travel opportunities including but not limited to sea kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, hiking, and watersports. Our waterfront is the hub of activity during the summer season, it is the location of our swim area, boat ramp, and Marine Biology center. We strive to offer a premier outdoor experience for all campers. 

The Unit Counselor/Lifeguard is a hybrid role that provides day-to-day group supervision of campers with an assigned program each week, as well as supporting the waterfront with assigned shifts for lifeguarding or boating instruction. This role will be assigned more water-based activity groups and may participate in off-site overnight trips to support the Trip Leader: Canoe & Kayaks with programming as needed. 

The full pay range for this position is $115 - $125 per day, with the starting rate dependent on previous employment at GSWW camps. This seasonal position will be from June 12th to August 17th, 2025.   

Girl Scouts of Western Washington values diversity, equity, and inclusion and we foster a welcoming, inclusive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, veteran status, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and gender expression of identity), marital status, or the presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability, or any other protected classification under applicable laws.  

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities  

• Care and supervision of campers in assigned program session including overnight responsibilities and support in specialized program areas 
• Plans and facilitates weekly program schedule for assigned program session meeting the theme, promoted activities, and camper outcomes 
• Supervise and guard waterfront activities per assigned schedule to prevent and manage injuries, providing rescue of participants as needed 
• Support facilitating boating and sailing programming suitable for the age, ability, and interests of youth 6-18 years old around kayaks, canoes, and sailboats 
• Ensure the education and enforcement of safety policies and procedures at the waterfront, including understanding and implementing appropriate responses to changes in water conditions or weather conditions affecting the waterfront 
• Follow and uphold Girl Scouts of Western Washington policies and procedures to ensure a physically and mentally safe camp environment 
• Support and participate in implementing all camp activities such as meals, 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 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Experience working with children ages 6 through 17 
• Ability to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner 
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers 
• Ability to lift and carry 20-25 lbs. 
• Travers uneven terrain and up and down hills 
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to waterfront activities  
• Ability to paddle or sail small craft with little to no assistance 
• Ability to pass pre-requisite swimming skills assessment for lifeguarding including: 
• Swim 550 yards using front crawl, breaststroke, or a combination of both 
• 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 graduate or equivalent 
• Experience working with youth 6-17 years old 
• Experience with canoes, kayaks and/or sailboats 
• Experience leading youth in programmatic activities 

Preferred Skills and Experience 

• Knowledge of the Girl Scout program 
• Experience boating and/or lifeguarding on similar tidal, saltwater-based waterfronts 

Other Qualifications 

• Current certification in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding or willingness to obtain 
• Current certification or qualification for instructing youth in canoes, kayaks, and 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 – have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and are willing to transport campers and staff in a 12-passenger van. 
• Satisfactory results from a background check 

Work Environment  
Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with 24-hour-a-day responsibilities. 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, salt water) 
• Residing in non-air-conditioned rustic open-air living quarters, with pit toilets as primary restroom facilities 
• Living in communal living conditions with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology 
• 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 – including overnight 
• Maintaining constant supervision and observation of program participants while assessing risk and participant safety 

Salary : $115 - $125