Position: 2025 Summer Camp Lifeguard Waterfront
Hourly Wage: $19.25 per hour
Status: Contract from June 27 to August 27, 2025. 35 hours per week
(22 hours for the first week of training)
Camp Hours: Camp hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (your shift hours may vary)
Location: YWCA Cambridge Shade’s Mills Summer Camp, Shade’s Mills Conservation Area, 450 Avenue Road, Cambridge (Outdoor camp)
JOB SUMMARY: The day camp Lifeguard/counsellor works in partnership with the Day Camp Director and all other camp staff and volunteers to develop, implement and maintain a high-quality day camp program that meets the needs of individual children, small groups and the camp as a whole.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 2 years working with children – camp experience an asset
- Current National Lifeguard Society (NLS) lifeguard certificate is required
- Must be 16 years of Age (Applicants who are 15 and have their birthday within the first two weeks of July will be considered)
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR level C or HCP certificate with Infant/Child CPR
- Clear, current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
- HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification
- Experience with programming for children is an asset
IDEAL SKILLS AND INTERESTS:
- Behaviour management, teamwork and collaboration
- Interests in areas such as sports, art, music, drama and the environment
EDUCATION:
Ontario Secondary School Diploma an asset
DETAILS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Responsible for a high-quality day camp program for individuals and groups.
Duties:
- Lifeguards/Counsellors work together as a Day Camp team to develop goals for the summer;
- Develops, documents and implements a program of activities that is developmentally appropriate, stimulating, creative and fun for the children and meets the Day Camp goals;
- Maintains an orderly arrangement and appearance of the nature centre and park, ensuring the nature centre is cleaned each evening;
- Ensures all campers are included in all activities and are enjoying a meaningful experience;
- Maintains a safe, healthy environment for adults and children;
- Administers first aid when required;
- Daily duties include going over the safety rules with the counsellors and campers before water activities such as boating and swimming to ensure a safe environment;
- Performs daily equipment maintenance before swimming and boating activities; and is responsible for continuous supervision of all campers in assigned groups.
Duties:
- Takes responsibility for the supervision of campers including when moving from one activity/area to another and at the waterfront and the playground area;
- Is aware of the number and names of children in their care at all times during the day;
- Completes attendance forms each day at the beginning of the day, mid-day and at any other times deemed necessary. Children are to be marked off on the attendance form at the time they are picked up;
- Completes Incident Reports in the events of serious occurrences;
- Takes responsibility for the supervision of the swimming and boating activities to ensure that safety guidelines, procedures and policies are followed; and
- Develops positive and supportive communications and relationships with the children, parents, camp staff and volunteers, Shade’s Mills staff and the community.
Duties:
- Provides input to the Camp Director for the mid-summer and end of summer report;
- Keeps parents informed and up to date about their camper’s program;
- Works with the Behaviour and Inclusion Supervisor to provide any necessary support for children’s special needs;
- Establishes and maintains a respectful relationship with each camper and their parents/guardians;
- Fosters a commitment to the Day Camp team and promotes the YWCA Cambridge Camp program in the community;
- Documents and reports any suspected child abuse; and
- Follows appropriate behaviour management strategies to ensure the most positive camp experience possible for all.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Accountable to the Day Camp Director and the Director of Child Care Services.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to camp@ywcacambridge.ca