What is unique about Dream Camp?

Dream Camp provides an exciting and safe summer for Hartford youth through a 5-week camp experience. Dream Camp welcomes back nearly 88% of our campers and 75% of our staff each year. What those numbers mean is that Dream Camp creates an environment that brings out the best in all of those it touches. Being a part of the Dream Camp family enables campers to see their true potential, and staff to see the impact they can truly make in just 5 weeks.

Every day, the Lifeguard-Swim Instructor brings the ESF Dream Camp Aquatics Program alive for our campers by teaching swimming, and lifeguarding, ensuring pool safety, and supporting pool management. Curriculum and supplies are provided.

Why Dream Camp?

• Inspire Young Minds: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children while receiving comprehensive training and support.
• Unleash Your Potential: We offer internships, fieldwork, and overall professional development opportunities.
• Become a Leader: Gain valuable leadership experience as you supervise and mentor children.
• Positive Environment: Experience being part of a team guided by ESF Core Values.

Dream Camp Perks:

• Convenient Summer Schedule: Consistent schedule for 5 consecutive weeks. Enjoy nights and weekends off.
• Employee Referral Bonus Program: Increase your earnings through referrals from your network.
• Free Certifications: Reimbursements are available for qualified roles (including lifeguarding and other certifications).
• Camp Enrollment: For children of team members

Requirements:

• Swimming Background: Previous swimming background with swim team, water polo team or other structured swim program preferred.
• Experience: We are looking for experience working with children.
  • Previous experience working with children in a camp setting is preferred.
  • Previous experience working with urban youth and families preferred (1st-11th grades)
• Age Requirements: Must be at least age 16 by the start of camp.
• Certification(s): Must have certifications: Current American Red Cross Lifeguard and First Aid Certification, Current American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer Certification
• Hours: Typically, from 8:30 am to 3:40 pm, Monday to Friday, with opportunities for additional hours
• Schedule Commitment: Any schedule changes or time off must be pre-approved by the site director.
• Required Training: Complete all required ESF and state-mandated training and onboarding.
• Dress Code: Maintain the "ESF Look" (camp uniform) and embody the spirit of the camp.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Teach Swimming: Provide daily swim instruction to campers grades 1-11 at various skill levels.
  • Complete weekly progress reports for all campers and other required paperwork
• Pool Operations: Implement proper pool procedures for opening, water quality (testing, chlorine, etc.), and closing.
• Safety & Positive Group Management: Ensure the safety and well-being of campers with emphasis on positive behavior and effective group management. Promptly report any concerns to the Site Director.
• Teamwork: Work effectively with other Lifeguard/Swim Instructors and share various responsibilities
• Be the Ultimate Role Model: Supervise campers, while fostering a positive, welcoming, and safe environment.
  • Demonstrate ESF Core Values & Code daily, from “Gratitude” to “Bring It” daily.
  • Model the ESF Virtues of Character (Gratitude, Respect, Trustworthiness, Effort, Kindness, Positivity, Resilience, Community) in camp daily.
  • Adhere to all company policies.
• Communication: Maintain clear, concise, and engaging communication with campers, families, peers, and our leadership team.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports directly to and takes direction from the Camp Aquatics Director, with additional accountability to the Site Director.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Must have the physical capability to see (near and far), climb, bend, swim, float, kneel and carry individuals during rescue operations.
• Push/pull, lift, and carry a minimum of thirty-five (35) pounds across campus. Work outside, upright, and mobile for six (6) to eight (8) hours per day
• Respond to emergencies, including running (up to 1 mile in some cases) and ascending stairs without undue exertion.

This job description is subject to change at any time.