What are the responsibilities and job description for the Swim Instructor - Washington D.C. position at Headfirst Summer Camps?
The Position
At Headfirst, we design fun, intentional, and transformational camp experiences where every camper feels seen, known, and celebrated. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. Through thoughtfully planned activities and trained staff, we create what we call Headfirst Moments: when a camper tries something new, pushes through fear, and realizes, “I can do it.”
Headfirst Summer Camp Swim Instructors teach swim classes, write home to parents about camper’s progress, and assist in swim testing for recreational swim blocks. We provide the pool policies, instructional swim curriculum & daily camp schedules along with all equipment for a successful day at the pool but need you to bring camp to life with your enthusiasm and eye for safety.
Camper ages: 3-12 years old
Activities include: blowing bubbles, floating on front and back, swim strokes, kicking, adding breaths to strokes, jumping into the pool, recreational free swim
Role Information
Compensation: $12 - $17.95 / hour
Schedule:
- In-season (late June through mid August): Monday – Friday, arrival and departure times vary by location (7:45 - 3:30 pm is standard)
- Pre-season (early June): select weekends for training and site preparation
What You'll Do
- Bring Camp to Life
- Responsible for the utmost safety of the pool and all participants in the swim program
- Teach small groups of 4 to 6 campers in pre-written instructional swim curriculum, implementing Headfirst-specific swim level expectations and adaptations
- Complete thorough, timely, and accurate written weekly individual camper swim reports based on the week’s activities
- Implement Headfirst’s safety protocols on supervision, bathrooms, emergency policies, and pool safety procedures
- Attend in-season safety trainings and consistently strive for personal growth in learning swim instruction
- Execute morning and afternoon carpool as a key player, welcoming each family to camp by name with fantastic dance moves and coordinated carpool procedures
- Nurture Physical, Social & Emotional Safety
- Work directly with campers to support them in their emotional, physical, and social development through hands-on exploration and developmentally appropriate activities
- Get to know each camper’s individual swim needs and encourage developmentally and individually appropriate growth in swim skills
- Represent Headfirst for Families & Facility Partners
- Represent the Headfirst brand daily to families at carpool and to school facility partners throughout the summer by being enthusiastic, helpful, hands-on, and in uniform
- Actively participate in our efforts to take care of our camp facility and community
- Be an Active Member of the Camp Team
- Arrive on time, communicate schedule changes promptly, be a loyal and consistent team member who shows up for the campers and your team
- Be flexible with your assignment and open to supporting other programs on site
- Handle the Curveballs
- Practice resiliency and arrive with a “How Can I Help?” mentality that puts camper experience and team success at the forefront through problem solving and trying new things
About You
Must be at least 16 years old with at least (2) years of high school completed or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience:
- Experience in swim instruction preferred, but not required (we will teach you!)
- Must be able to:
- Swim and be in a swimming pool for extended periods of time.
- Work around small children including, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day.
- Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.
- Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
- Committed to adhering to the Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift.
Are you lifeguard certified and interested in being a lifeguard and a swim instructor this summer? Check out our Lifeguard/Swim Instructor position. We offer bonuses for certification!
Headfirst Summer Camps is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusivity across our Headfirst community, and we strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups and those who might need reasonable accommodation to apply #INDAQ
About Headfirst
Headfirst delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality summer and youth experiences built to elevate potential and exceed expectations. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families, schools, and organizations to create environments where kids feel supported, challenged, and confident trying new things.
What makes Headfirst different is intentionality. We don’t wait and hope growth happens - we design for it. Our programs are carefully structured, and our staff are trained to spot, create, and celebrate breakthrough moments. These Headfirst Moments - when a camper pushes past fear, tries something new, or surprises themselves - are built into every day.
We believe great experiences are built on relationships. Our teams prioritize genuine connection, creating welcoming environments where campers feel seen and known, staff feel supported, and families trust that every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Behind the scenes, a professional, year-round Headquarters team supports our seasonal staff with training, systems, and clear expectations so camps run smoothly and consistently.
When you join Headfirst, you’re joining a team that takes pride in doing things well. We care deeply about the experience we deliver, the people we work with, and the impact we have on kids and families. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the summers are unforgettable.
Salary : $12 - $18