Unit Counselor/Lifeguard - Overnight Camp at Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Allyn, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Mar, 26

Salary

125.0

Posted On

20 Dec, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Supervision, Lifeguarding, Boating Instruction, Youth Engagement, Safety Enforcement, Program Development, Interpersonal Skills, Diversity and Inclusion, First Aid, CPR, Swimming Skills, Team Collaboration, Communication, Problem Solving, Outdoor Skills, Emergency Response

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description About Girl Scouts of Western Washington Girl Scouts of Western Washington is consistently and unapologetically committed to providing safe spaces for all girls* to belong. We build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Founded in 1912, our organization has been committed to meeting the needs of our youth members for over a century. We uplift all Girl Scouts in a supportive environment where they can discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their very first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. They are the future leaders paving the way toward a brighter tomorrow. To learn more, visit www.girlscoutsww.org. 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. *Girl Scouts of Western Washington uses the term girl inclusively to speak to everyone who identifies with the Girl Scout experience, which includes cisgender girls, gender-expansive youth, transgender youth, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, genderqueer youth, and any girl-identifying human. 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 Essential Duties and 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 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 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 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 6-17 years old Experience with paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards 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 lakefront and/or tidal, saltwater based waterfronts Other Qualifications 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 Work Environment Summer camp is a fast-paced outdoor working environment with 24-hour a day responsibility. 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) 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 Demonstrating 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

Responsibilities

The Unit Counselor/Lifeguard is responsible for supervising campers and ensuring their safety during water activities. This includes developing program schedules, managing waterfront activities, and participating in camp operations.