Waterfront Specialist

American Youth Foundation; Grant Township (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Meals provided

Job summary

American Youth Foundation seeks a Waterfront Specialist to supervise and safeguard campers at Miniwanca, Shelby, MI. You will lifeguard, teach swim basics, and lead water-based programs for elementary through high school campers.

The role requires 18+ years, lifeguard certification, and prior youth-related experience. Housing and meals are provided; the position runs during camp sessions with on-site housing and flexible schedules.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have one year of post-high school experience.
• Lifeguard certification required (training provided before staff training).
• Experience working with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• Strong judgment, adaptability, and commitment to safety.
• Ability to work long hours in a camp environment and interact with diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers under your care.
• Follow waterfront safety protocols and manage risk for all activities.
• Perform rescues when necessary and document incidents.
• Manage behavior challenges with respect and focus on social-emotional wellbeing.
• Coordinate with staff to meet camper needs and ensure coverage.
• Cover cabin leader duties during meals and rest hours when needed.
• Serve as lifeguard for waterfront programs and supervise open swim.
• Instruct swim lessons and reinforce water safety during activities.
• Maintain attendance rosters and organize waterfront activity blocks.
• Generate engaging, age-appropriate games and events.
• Inventory supplies and keep the Boathouse clean and organized.
• Develop backup activity plans for inclement weather.

Skills

Lifeguard certification

Youth experience

Safety-focused

Emergency response

Team player

Job description

Description

American Youth Foundation Mission

We dare people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others; inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges; and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Waterfront Coordinator, Waterfront Specialists are responsible for maintaining a safe waterfront during activity blocks, early morning exercises, evening all-camp games, camp carnivals, and more. Activities may include free swim, sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding, swim lessons, and water games. Waterfront Specialists serve as lifeguards, help plan and execute swim lessons, and lead water-based interest groups when available. This role works primarily with elementary and middle school campers, but also with high school campers.

Job Locations

• Miniwanca – Shelby, Michigan
• Miniwanca necessitates the ability to move through rugged terrain.
• The Waterfront Specialist lives onsite during staff training and the two camp sessions, including weekends and evenings, to be available 24 hours/day in case of emergency response.
• Housing and all meals are provided.
• Staff live in a communal space with other staff, or in cabins with campers, depending on position.

Job Type

Seasonal

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals on the basis of merit and/or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familial status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Position Responsibilities

Camper Supervision and Safety

• Responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of campers assigned to your care.
• Follow all waterfront safety protocols, ensuring a safe experience for all campers with attention toward risk management.
• Perform rescues when necessary and document all incidents.
• Appropriately manage behavior challenges and conflict with a sense of respect for young people and a focus on developing the social-emotional health of campers; assist with camper care and behavior management when campers are at the waterfront.
• Utilize coordinating and supervisory staff to adequately meet the needs of campers when necessary.
• Cover for cabin leader days off as needed by sitting with a cabin at meals and rest hour, making sure campers get to the appropriate activities, and engaging with them throughout the day.

Waterfront Programming and Instruction

• Serve as a lifeguard for all waterfront programming (e.g., early morning "Polar Bear" swims, interest groups, free swim, beach days).
• Teach swim lessons and instruct campers on swimming safety during open swim or waterfront events.
• Conduct the swimming skills test for all campers and staff, with a close eye on safety for beginners.
• Facilitate waterfront activity blocks and interest groups, taking daily attendance and maintaining an accurate roster.
• Facilitate highly engaging instruction that allows for skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for campers to challenge themselves and fail safely.
• Bring new, creative ideas for waterfront games, carnival activities, and special events.
• Inventory all waterfront supplies, order additional resources when needed, and store properly between uses; maintain a clean and orderly Boathouse.
• Create and deliver alternative activity plans in case of inclement weather or other urgent changes.

General

• Assist with preparation of all camp programming and partner with the Activities team for proper camper-to-staff coverage.
• Participate in all camp programming, including early morning exercises, activity blocks, meals, and evening activities.
• Provide temporary coverage or assistance to the In Camp Leader team when necessary.
• Actively participate in all camp activities with enthusiasm, creating an inclusive environment that encourages all campers to participate.
• Provide mentorship and connection to all campers in the community with whom you interact.
• Model responsibility and compassion for campers in all activities, such as cleaning cabins or the eating lodge.
• Communicate daily with supervisor, attend staff meetings, and receive guidance and instruction.
• This is not meant to be a complete list of all responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 18 years old, with at least one year of post-high school experience.
• Lifeguard certification (training/course available before staff training begins).
• Previous experience working with youth.
• Strong emotional and mental health. Must be adaptable and exhibit good judgement to determine what is in the best interest of the campers in their care.
• Support the organization’s mission and vision with integrity, dependability, and accountability.
• Interact effectively with individuals and groups respecting social and cultural diversity. Establish and maintain appropriate professional relationships and interpersonal skills that contribute to a positive community.
• Demonstrate passion for serving youth, encouraging campers to explore through play and creating a space where youth feel included and a sense of belonging.
• Fully participate in and be present at all camp community activities, including staff training activities.
• Maintain effective mental, emotional, and social interactions in our youth-centered residential summer camp program.
• Ability to handle stressful situations appropriately, maintaining mental, emotional, and social resiliency needed for the job in a fast-paced, interactive environment.
• Use effective and appropriate self-care practices for maintaining overall wellness.
• Follow all guidelines and policies as described in the AYF (American Youth Foundation) staff manual.

Preferred:

• 1–2 years working or volunteering with youth in recreational or educational settings.
• 1–3 years of student, community, sports, club, or other leadership.
• At least one year of lifeguarding experience.
• Strong teaching/facilitation skills.
• Previous experience working at a summer camp.
• A personality and character that exudes leadership, flexibility, trustworthiness, creativity, energy, inspiration, and positivity.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.