[2026] Waterfront Director, Fresh Air Camps

WATERFRONT DIRECTOR 
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 11 to August 15, 2026 

Discover Fresh Air Camps

Since 1877, Fresh Air Fund Camps have opened new doors for over 1.8 million children, offering transformative summer programs and year-round leadership opportunities. Our six residential camps are located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, offering a stunning natural setting for exploration and growth. Each camp provides unique programming tailored to different age groups and interests, from outdoor adventure to arts and sciences, creating an enriching environment for both campers and staff. Learn more about Fresh Air Camps: www.freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/ 

Life as a Waterfront Director: 

The Waterfront Director is part of the leadership team working under the direction of the Director and Assistant Director to ensure the general safety of campers and staff at the waterfront, supervise the lifeguard team, and oversee the camp’s aquatics program. 

This position requires living onsite at camp from June 11 to August 15, 2026, semi-private adult housing and meals provided. Compensation for this role is $3,300 to $3,800 for the summer.   

The Waterfront Director reports to either the Assistant Director or Camp Director. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Plan, organize, and direct all swimming activities for the campers and staff. 
• Provide overall supervision and management of all waterfront activities. 
• Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of campers. 
• Supervise Waterfront Staff in water safety and swimming instruction activities and provide ongoing staff development. 
• There are at least six swimming and boating sessions per day. Working hours will vary depending on the time required to maintain the waterfront and its facilities. 
• Responsible for maintaining distinctly separate waterfront, boating, and fishing facilities to comply with all pertinent safety codes. 
• Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment. 
• With waterfront staff, conduct mandatory swim tests and swim area orientation at the start of each session for all staff and campers using the waterfront. Assign color-coded swim area(s) based on observed swimming ability. Coordinate and maintain waterfront “buddy systems” as required by New York State Health Department regulations. 
• Ensure that waterfront and buddy check orientations are conducted for each waterfront user. Responsible for ensuring buddy checks occur no more than fifteen (15) minutes apart during free swim and swim lesson periods. 
• With waterfront staff, conduct boating orientation at the start of each session for staff and campers. Conduct a counselor orientation that includes using any boat type they may use with campers. Arrange for a tip test for those campers who are ready to use canoes without staff in the boat. 
• Schedule guard coverage to comply with mandatory ratios for supervision. 
• Ensure all waterfront staff maintain an adequate level of fitness and lifeguard skills throughout the summer by planning, supervising and participating in daily workouts and maintain a log of such activity. 
• Ensure that beach signs, depth markers, float lines, ladders, reach poles, rescue lines, first aid kits, backboards, guard chairs, and other required waterfront elements are present and in good repair. 
• Direct beach, dock, and water clean-up and maintenance. Must be familiar with human and animal waste clean-up and decontamination procedures as required by the NYS Department of Health. On waterfronts, maintain goose netting on beaches during all times the waterfront is closed. 
• Coordinate with staff that daily beach/pool NYS Department of Health reports are completed. 
• The Hidden Valley Waterfront Director will coordinate the daily monitoring of the pH and chlorine checks, which are then recorded in the pool report. 
• Submit all forms, requisitions, evaluations, and inventories required by Camp Directors, Health Departments, and Health & Safety. Included should be daily beach condition reports noting water temperature, water clarity, weather conditions, and any incidents, accidents, or decontamination procedures that occur during each 24-hour period. 
• Prioritize camper needs when making decisions and uphold a camper-first philosophy. 
• Participate actively in the camp community — including campfires, overnights, hikes, swimming, and village meetings. (Some lifting or physical activity may be required.) 
• Communicate, model, and uphold camp policies, traditions, and community standards. 
• Ensure the safety, supervision and well-being of all campers at all times. 
• Demonstrate professionalism and approachability, maintaining healthy boundaries, and avoiding fraternization with general staff while on/off duty. 
• Serve as a role model for campers and staff by showing enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to camp values. 
• Live and work in a communal camp environment — including shared cabins, limited privacy, and group dining. Time off during each session will be scheduled by the supervisor. 
• Care for and responsibly use camp facilities, property, and equipment. 
• Be familiar with and follow all emergency and safety procedures. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp community. 

What We’re Looking For: 

• Must be at least 21 years old by the start of camp. 
• At least three years of college or equivalent is preferred. College graduates are strongly preferred. 
• Prefer a minimum of three seasons of previous waterfront experience as well as a current ARC Lifeguard Training certificate with waterfront module, Water Safety Instructors certificate, and professional CPR certificate. 
• Previous supervisory experience is preferred. 
• A minimum of one year's experience working with children is required 
• Passionate about working with children. 
• Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the summer. 
• Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player. 
• Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside your comfort zone. 
• Able to maintain a positive attitude. 
• Available for the entire duration of the summer program. 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio and MMR. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment. 

Compensation & Perks: 

• $3,300 - $3,800 for the summer season, commensurate with experience 
• All meals and housing provided during camp. 
• The opportunity to gain valuable experiences in leadership, communication, and teamwork that will stand out on any resume. 

Ready to Join Us? 
To apply, please submit a Waterfront Director Application. We are hiring on a rolling basis and encourage interested applicants to apply as early as possible. No calls or recruiters, please. 

Diversity & Inclusion Statement 
The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and fostering a diverse staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.