Lifeguard

Job Title: Specialist—Lifeguard  

Location: San Bernardino National Forest, Angelus Oaks, California  

Position Type: Seasonal 

Supervised by:  Head Lifeguard  

Supervises: Campers at the Pool and at Jenks Lake.  
 

About Camp Mountain Chai 

Camp Mountain Chai is a premier Jewish summer camp nestled in the scenic beauty of the San Bernardino National Forest in Angelus Oaks, California. Our mission is to provide a vibrant, safe, and inclusive community where campers can grow, learn, and create lasting memories while embracing Jewish values and traditions. We are committed to upholding the highest standards in camp management and operations set forth by the American Camp Association (ACA).  

Position Summary 

Camp Mountain Chai is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team as a Seasonal Specialist— Lifeguard for the Summer season. As a Lifeguard, you will play a pivotal role in creating a positive, inclusive, and fun camp environment for our campers and staff while ensuring their safety and well-being. This position is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about working with children, promoting personal growth, and fostering a strong sense of community. You will supervise and manage the campers and staff when they are at the pool or Jenks Lake. 

Qualifications/Certifications: 

• Minimum age requirement: 18+.  Entering their senior year of college or equivalent. 

• Have an active American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or NPLQ Certification.  

• Has up-to-date CPR and First Aid Certification  

• Prior experience in lifeguarding and/or swimming, preferably in a teaching or leadership role.  

• Strong background and experience in camping and/or related fields. 

• Desire and ability to work with children and young adults in a camp setting. 

• Ability to creatively collaborate and plan pool activities that promote skill development.   

• Ability to communicate with, relate to, and serve as an example to all campers and staff. 

• Willingness and ability to take full responsibility for the safety and security of campers. 

• Ability to accept guidance, constructive feedback, and support. 

Job Responsibilities 

1. Camper Supervision and Safety: 

• Always maintain a high level of safety for all campers throughout the day, at the pool/lake, and during related programming.  

• Is aware of the location of the AED and has it nearby when at the pool or lake with campers.  

• Build a strong and positive relationship with all campers. 

• Responsible for the health, safety, and happiness of campers always (when at the pool, at the lake, or with your campers). 

• Attend and actively participate in camp-wide safety and emergency response training sessions and protocols.  

• Shmira (camper supervision) at night as assigned. 

2. Mentoring and Role Modeling for Campers: 

• Serve as a positive role model for campers, promoting CMC’s mission and values. 

• Act as a role model for the entire CMC community.  

• Help every camper make friends, become acclimated to camp life, and grow toward their potential. 

• Facilitate age-appropriate activities at the pool/lake that encourage personal growth, self-esteem, and character development.  

• Ability to accept guidance, constructive feedback, and support.  

• Ability to ask for help when needed.  

3. Program Activity Leadership: 

• Ensure that the pool/like is conducted safely and in accordance with ACA guidelines. 

• Ensure that all Lifeguards have their safety equipment (whistles, flotation devices, etc.) when in their area, to promote safety and adhere to the ACA guidelines.  

• Assist with the day-to-day supervision of the pool and lake-related programs.  

• Assist with the set-up and cleaning of the pool and when at the lake after each cabin activity period.  

• Assist with properly storing all pool-related equipment at the end of the day in the pool shed. The entire Lifeguard team is responsible for ensuring that the pool is properly clean and organized. All equipment used must be checked, safe, and not expired.  

• Responsible for planning sessions, preparation, and implementation of all cabin activity periods and Chugim (elective) programs relating to the activity area. 

• Follow the Head Lifeguard’s instructions on which activities you will lead and when your hour off will take place.  

• Support programs planned by fellow Lifeguards and ensured quality and age-appropriateness. 

• Support CMC’s all-camp programs (CMC Games and Maccabiah) with Pool/lake-specific programs.  

• Participate regularly and enthusiastically in all Judaic programming, including Shabbat services, Choose Your Own Tefillah, and Havdalah.  

5. Group Dynamics: 

• Foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity among campers at the pool/Jenks Lake. 

• Build a strong and positive relationship with every camper who comes to the pool/Jenks Lake. 

• Help every camper make friends, become acclimated to camp life, grow towards his/her/their potential, and become part of the community. 

• Assist with resolving conflicts and create a supportive, respectful, and positive atmosphere within the group.  

• Create a safe space for campers who are afraid of swimming or are unable to accomplish their desired task.  

• Participate in and help plan unit, divisional, and all-camp programs as needed. 

6. Health and Wellness: 

• Provide basic first aid when necessary, following camp health and safety policies.  

• Participate in ongoing Lifeguard training through each session and the entire summer (i.e., emergency rescues, spinal removals, CPR, and endurance training).  

• Effectively communicate to all campers and staff the rules when at the pool or lake. 

• Ensure that all campers and staff each session participate in swim testing. Those who do not pass must be able to be identified by the Head Lifeguard and all Lifeguards.  

• Responsible for the cleanliness of the pool specialty area, including pre- and post-camp inventory.  

• Notify the Head Lifeguard immediately of any incidents or issues so they can fill out an accident/injury report.  

• Document and report any incidents or issues ASAP by filling out accident/injury reports. 

• Promote good hygiene practices and encourage campers to stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, shower, change their clothes regularly, etc. 

• Promote good cabin hygiene (making sure that cabins stay clean, campers and staff belongings are organized, and that there is empty floor space to promote cabin bonding activities).   

7. Communication: 

• Maintain open and effective communication with the CMC full-time team, Head Lifeguard, summer Leadership team, and fellow staff members.  

• Able and willing to work with a variety of campers and staff members in a calm, always collected manner. 

• Attend walkie-talkie training so that if you need to use one, you know how.  

• Attend one-on-one evaluations with the Head Lifeguard mid-session and at the end of the session.  

8. Environmental Stewardship: 

• Instill in campers and staff respect for nature and the environment. Lead by example in eco-friendly practices (picking up trash around camp, keeping CMC clean, recycling paper and/or soda cans, putting lost items in the lost and found bin).  

• Ensuring that campers and staff do not leave their mark by adding graffiti to camp property. This includes the inside and outside of cabins and all buildings.  

9. Responsibilities as Staff at Camp Mountain Chai: 

• Adhere to the goals, mission, and camp rules set by Camp Mountain Chai. 

• Act as a role model in camp for the entire camp community. 

• Participate in the mandatory pre-summer Specialist orientation, Lifeguard training CPR/First Aid certification course, and staff week.  

• Participate regularly and enthusiastically in all camp day-to-day programs and special events. 

• Attend regular supervisory meetings (one-on-ones) with Head Lifeguard. 

• Attend unit staff meetings and weekly all-staff meetings as assigned.  

• Directly responsible for the cleanliness and care of living space, including pre-and post-camp inventory of the cabin. 

• When not at the pool or at Jenks Lake, you will act as a counselor during mealtimes, menucha (rest hour), shower hour, and evening programs. We ask you to be a super-specialist, build relationships with the campers in your cabin, and be engaged. It makes a difference!  

• Assist with the closing down of camp at the end of each session and summer, including pool inventory.  

Physical Demands  

• The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 35 pounds, such as coolers, program equipment, and camping supplies.  

• The ability to frequently stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and crawl, especially when assisting campers with various activities.  

• The ability to stand and walk for extended periods, often while leading campers on hikes, nature walks, and field trips.  

• The ability to sit for extended periods, especially when instructing campers in arts and crafts, storytelling, and other sedentary activities.  

• The ability to operate machinery and equipment, such as camp grills, canoes, and archery equipment, with proper training and safety precautions.  

• The ability to work in a variety of environments, including indoors, outdoors, and in confined spaces, such as tents, cabins, and camp buses.  

• The ability to work in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and sun exposure.  

• Swim and/or pass a swim test to ensure the safety of campers during water activities.  

• Maintain attention and high levels of energy or excitement for extended periods to keep campers engaged and entertained.  

• Spend most of the time outdoors and tolerate a variety of weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and insects.  

• Be able to bend, stretch, twist, or reach out to assist campers with various activities, such as tying shoelaces, helping with bathroom needs, and participating in physical games.  

Camp Mountain Chai is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.  

Please note that this job description is not all-encompassing. Other duties may be assigned, and the requirements of this position may change at any time.