Camp Airy is a resident summer camp in Thurmont, MD for boys aged 7-17. Each summer, hundreds of campers and staff come to live in our community for up to 7 weeks. Campers grow tremendously during the summer, stepping out of their comfort zone, and becoming more confident and independent. The Swim Department Head (SDH) will play a vital role in ensuring these outcomes, and is responsible for supervising all aspects of our pool, including:
Managing lifeguard team, including evaluation and supervision
Assigning schedules to team, including free swim guard rotations, swim instruction and special programs
Overseeing camper swim lesson facilitation, including training guards in swim instruction and screening campers for levels
Coordinating regular pool maintenance (Cleaning, PH Balancing, etc.) with department staff and year-round facilities team.
Desired Certifications:
Water Safety Instructor
First Aid and CPR
Pool Operators License
American Red Cross Life Guard Instructor (Not Required)
Essential Job Functions:
Assist in pre-camp preparation.
Work with Director team to identify programmatic initiatives
Manage pre-camp inventory purchases and budget.
Attend pre-camp retreats and meetings as requested by the Director.
2. Lead and assist in lifeguard/pool training course for department staff during pre-camp orientation.
Verify pool staff meet appropriate standards
Establish a clear set of department policies with your staff
3. Ensure camper and staff safety at the pool
Ensure lifeguards stay on task and remain vigilant while on duty
Enforce appropriate pool-wide rules to maintain a safe swimming environment
Monitor pool environment and address any safety risks to prevent accidents from occurring
4. Assist in coordinating Counselor-in-Training (CIT) lifeguard course during the summer (with Red Cross instructor)
Provide evaluations of CITs as requested
Plan and supervise CIT programs to help department CITs learn the pool and the job
5. Observe and evaluate swim department, and department staff members on an ongoing basis. Give regular feedback to your staff.
Address counselors who are performing under the expected standard
Oversee conflict mediation between staff members and/or campers, as needed
Work with and mentor Assistant Department Head
Submit an End-of-Summer report at the conclusion of the camp season, containing a personal and department assessment, final staff evaluations, activity evaluations, and recommendations for next year
6. Communicate regularly with staff members and Administrative team
Communicate major incidents to director team
Regularly update director team on status of the pool and swim department
Be available to and willing to collaborate with other staff members around camp