2026 Sleepaway Camp Waterfront Director

POSITION SUMMARY

The Waterfront Director is responsible for the safe operation, supervision, and delivery of all aquatics programs at camp. This includes oversight of swimming, boating, small watercraft activities, and recreational swim periods. The Waterfront Director ensures that all waterfront procedures, safety protocols, and emergency response practices meet or exceed State of Connecticut Youth Camp Regulations, ACA Standards, Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints, and GSOFCT Policies. This position provides leadership to waterfront staff and contributes to a positive, youth-centered camp environment.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

Program Leadership & Daily Operations

• Implements all daily aquatics programming, including swim instruction, free swim, boating, and special aquatic events.
• Works cooperatively with the Camp Director and Program Director to enhance all-camp programming and integrate aquatics into camp-wide activities.
• Ensures all participants receive a swim assessment and are classified appropriately.
• Oversees the scheduling of waterfront program areas for units, specialty programs, and special events.

Safety & Compliance

• Develops, follows, and enforces waterfront safety procedures and emergency action plans.
• Ensures compliance with all state, ACA, Girl Scout, and GSOFCT aquatics safety standards.
• Monitors waterfront conditions, including water quality, weather, and environmental factors, and adjusts programming accordingly.
• Maintains waterfront emergency equipment and ensures staff proficiency in emergency response.
• Conducts and documents regular waterfront emergency drills.

Staff Supervision & Training

• Participates in all pre-camp staff trainings, including skills checks and in-service training.
• Provides ongoing weekly in-service training for waterfront staff.
• Maintains professional relationships with campers and staff and supports effective communication across the aquatics team.

Equipment, Documentation & Operations Support

• Oversees care, maintenance, and safe use of all aquatics and small-craft equipment.
• Reports equipment or facility repair needs to the Camp Director.
• Maintains all required documentation including water quality logs, accident/incident reports, skills assessments, and program reports.
• Assists with opening and closing procedures of the camp season.
• Follows Camp Staff Personnel Policies and adheres to organizational expectations for conduct and professionalism.

General Responsibilities

• Maintains health and safety standards for campers, staff, and self.
• Demonstrates the ability to make immediate, life-saving decisions in emergency situations.
• Participates in regular camp activities such as meals, flag ceremonies, all-camp events, and kapers.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall camp program.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising waterfront staff on an open-waterfront facility.
• Strong competency in lifeguarding, swimming, and rescue skills.
• Ability to support and work effectively with a diverse population of campers and staff.
• Experience in aquatics instruction, camp leadership, program development, and youth supervision.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work in a variety of outdoor conditions, and walk on uneven terrain.
• Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

CERTIFICATIONS

• Required:
  • Lifeguard Certification with Waterfront Module
  • CPR for the Professional Rescuer / AED
  • First Aid
• Preferred:
  • Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
  • Small Craft Instructor Certification

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Room and board provided for the duration of camp employment.
• Must successfully pass all background checks as required by Girl Scouts of Connecticut.