Summer Camp Lifeguard, Fresh Air Camps

Hudson Valley, NY

Seasonal

Entry Level

Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 8 – August 16, 2025

Role Overview
Fresh Air Camps is hiring Lifeguards for our six summer camps in beautiful Hudson Valley, NY. Lifeguards are key members of the waterfront staff and oversee all swim and boating activities, teach swim lessons, and ensure camper safety. When not working at the waterfront, Lifeguards serve as General Counselors, living with campers and participating in camp activities.

**Applicants do not need a prior lifeguard certification but must be a strong swimmer. Free Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is provided during orientation.**

This position requires living onsite at camp from June 8 to August 16, 2025, shared housing provided. Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer.

Key Responsibilities
Waterfront Duties:

Supervise free swim, boating activities, and special events at the camp waterfront.
Instruct swim lessons and boating classes.
Maintain waterfront, boating, and fishing facilities in compliance with safety regulations.
Participate in daily fitness activities such as swimming, boating, and rescue practice.
Follow emergency procedures and assist in managing buddy systems and checks.
Submit required evaluations and records to the Waterfront Director.

General Counselor Duties:

Provide 24/7 supervision, leadership, and mentorship for a group of 6-12 campers, fostering their growth and development.
Organize and engage in a variety of activities, including sports, swimming, arts & crafts, archery, model farming, and camp-wide events.
Take responsibility for the physical and emotional well-being of all campers, addressing challenges with empathy and skill.
Work closely with co-counselors and Program Specialists to deliver an enriching camp experience.
Lead by example, promoting teamwork, respect, and resilience.
Write daily reports and final evaluations to document each camper’s journey.
Fully embrace the unique environment of overnight camp, including communal living, shared meals, and spirited activities.

Lifeguard Course Requirements:

Swim 550 continuous yards using crawl and breaststroke.
Perform a timed swim and rescue scenario (20 yards, surface dive, brick retrieval, and back swim).
Retrieve dive rings in 4–7 feet of water.
Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only.

Qualifications

Strong swimming ability required for eligibility for American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.
At least 18 years old by the start of camp (June 27, 2025).
A high school diploma is required; some college experience is preferred.
Commitment to work and live onsite at camp for the entire summer season (June 8 to August 16, 2025).
A passion for working with children and at least one year of experience in a similar role.

Compensation & Perks

Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer.
All meals and housing provided during camp.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification during orientation.

How to Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews are held virtually by our Camp Directors.

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/

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.

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Will you be 18 years or older by June 27, 2025? Please note that all staff must be at least 18 by the time camp begins. If you are 16 or 17, please visit our website for more information about our programs for 16 & 17-year-olds.*

Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States?

(Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.)*

Do you require sponsorship to work in the United States? (now or in the future)*

Are you able to commit to living and working at camp for the full summer, June 8- August 16th?*

Do you have an active or past lifeguarding certification? (Note: Free Red Cross Lifeguard certification offered at camp)*

In 1-2 sentences, describe your experience as a swimmer or lifeguard. (ex: grew up on a lake, on the swim team, taught swim lessons, worked at a local pool, etc.)*

What excites you most about working at camp? Please share your experience working with youth (school, camp, babysitting, etc).*

Which Fresh Air Camp do you want to work at? Explore the 6 camps: https://freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/*

Have you been previously employed by The Fresh Air Fund before? If so, what was your position?

Did you participate in The Fresh Air Fund as a child (while you were under the age of 18)? If so, which programs did you participate in?

Please provide details on how you heard about The Fresh Air Fund (name of person or organization that referred you, which website, etc).

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