Waterfront Specialist

Description

POSITION: Waterfront Specialist

RESPONSIBLE TO: Waterfront Director

CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal Staff Member

CAMP LOCATION: Camp Cloud Rim

Job Purpose

This position plays a key role in upholding the mission of Girl Scouts of Utah by modeling respect, integrity, and service, prioritizing camper well-being, and contributing to a collaborative, camp-wide culture. When not assisting at the waterfront, the Waterfront Specialist supports general camp operations, demonstrating flexibility, teamwork, and a readiness to assist wherever needed to provide a memorable and meaningful camp experience for all.

Job Accountabilities

• Work with fellow counselors under the direction of the Waterfront Director to plan and provide a quality waterfront program for all campers. Assist in teaching staff their waterfront responsibilities during staff training.
  • Evaluate swimming ability of staff and campers; keep records on staff and campers.
  • Teach and enforce all waterfront safety rules.
  • Teach and facilitate swimming, boating (canoeing, kayaking, sailing, boating, wind surfing), and water safety skills.
  • Assist in writing program outlines and lesson plans that allow for progression of activities and accomplish specific program goals.
  • Teach and monitor the proper use of equipment; report broken or missing equipment in a timely manner.
  • Assist with setting up the waterfront area during staff training and breaking it down at the end of the season.
  • Participate in weekly in-service training.
• When not at the waterfront, work with fellow counselors under the direction of the Unit Leaders to plan and provide quality Girl Scout program to a unit of campers. Know the campers in the unit and help them learn to respect the rights of others and to understand the differences and similarities of other campers.
  • Teach workshops, activities, games, songs, and projects to campers.
  • Guide activities and experiences through girl planning, group decision-making, and girl leadership in the camp unit.
• Be responsible for camper care and supervision twenty-four hours a day (including nighttime).
  • Help resolve camper problems and conflicts, including missing home.
  • Ensure campers have sufficient activities and supervision at all times.
  • Assist campers in keeping units and other camp areas clean.
  • Eat meals with the campers and supervise clean up after meals.
  • Monitor and assist campers with their basic health and hygiene including: drinking water, eating, putting on sunscreen and lip balm, wearing appropriate clothing for the weather, brushing their own hair and teeth, showering, toileting, and changing clothing. Address issues with campers or Health Supervisor as needed.
• Provide supports with basic camp operation procedures. Assist with unit and camp housekeeping, sanitation, and care of supplies and equipment.
  • Assist with weekly camper check in/out.
  • Assist with camp-wide programs including workshops, all camps, campfire programs, camper’s choice activities, and flag ceremonies.
  • Assist in keeping records and making reports as needed.
  • Attend and participate in staff training and the closing of camp.
• Assist with kitchen duties as needed including meal preparation and clean-up for up to one week in duration.
• Understand and implement safety guidelines and standards as outlined by Girl Scouts of the USA, the American Camp Association, and any state and local codes.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Job duties may be subject to change pursuant to the activities of the camp, camp needs, and the organization as a whole.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Hold or be willing to obtain Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding & First Aid, CPR for the Professional Rescuer, and Small Craft Safety certifications or the equivalent.
• Have the knowledge and ability to teach skills in swimming, water safety, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, paddle boating, and wind surfing.
• Spanish-English bilingual communication skills are valued but not required.
• Prior Girl Scout experience is preferred but not rquired.

Qualifications for all Positions at GSU Summer Camp

• Hold or be willing to obtain a Utah Food Handler’s Permit.
• Ability to follow direction from Team Leaders, adhere to policies, and follow camp procedures.
• Capable of following directions from Team Leaders, adhering to policies, and following camp procedures.
• Ability to engage in effective, interactive, two-way communication with campers ages 6–17, including providing clear verbal instructions, actively listening, and responding appropriately to their needs and questions.
• Effectively communicate and engage in interactive, two-way communication with groups of adults, including providing clear verbal instructions, actively listening, and responding appropriately to questions and feedback.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ability to respond appropriately in a crisis situation.
• Complete the council required health forms and documentation to ensure the well-being of living and working in an outdoor camp setting that includes meeting the following physical requirements.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to bend down and move, lift, stock, and carry boxes, program materials, and supplies (up to 50 pounds).
• Ability to walk, stand, and work on feet up to 14 hours a day upwards of 10,000 steps a day on uneven, unpaved, very steep terrain.
• Capable of living and working in a high elevation and outdoor setting (up to 9200’), in varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Have visual/auditory ability to respond to environmental and other hazards related to summer camp activities.
• Ability to swim 550 yards and carry out water rescues and the other duties of a lifeguard.

Core Competencies

• Business First Mindset
• Leadership and Stewardship
• Strong Communicator
• Relational Intelligence
• Social Justice and Inclusion (DEI)
• Customer Focused
• Alignment with Girl Scouts of Utah’s Mission

Camp Staff Role in Mission Efforts

• Represent Girl Scouts of Utah positively and professionally in all interactions with campers, families, volunteers, community members, and potential donors.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, families, and community partners to support shared goals and positive outcomes.
• Model the values and principles of the Girl Scout Movement, regardless of personal beliefs, by demonstrating respect, integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to a safe and supportive environment.
• Prioritize the needs of girls, families, and volunteers, ensuring every camper has a meaningful, positive, and mission-centered experience.