Waterfront Director – West End House Girls Camp
SUMMER 2027 | PARSONSFIELD, MAINE
Make the waterfront the best part of every girl's day.
At West End House Girls Camp, the waterfront is more than a place to swim. It's where girls build confidence, challenge themselves, try something new, and discover what they're capable of. We're looking for an experienced, enthusiastic Waterfront Director to lead our waterfront program, mentor our young staff, and create a safe, fun, and empowering experience for every camper.
You'll take the lead on everything happening in and around the water, from swimming and water safety to boating, paddleboarding, and waterfront activities. You'll also have the opportunity to shape a program where skill-building, encouragement, and fun go hand in hand.
THE WATERFRONT YOU'LL LEAD
- A beautiful Maine lake with designated swimming and boating areas.
- Swimming instruction and recreational swim time.
- Canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other waterfront equipment.
- Opportunities for campers to develop swimming skills, water confidence, and boating abilities.
- A waterfront program that balances structured instruction with free swim and recreational activities.
- A new generation of campers ready to jump in, get comfortable in the water, and try something new!
Our approach is about meeting each camper where she is. Some girls arrive as confident swimmers; others may be nervous about putting their faces in the water. Your job is to create an environment where every girl feels supported, encouraged, and proud of her progress. We want campers leaving the waterfront feeling stronger and more confident than when they arrived.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Organize and conduct first-day swim assessments for all campers.
- Develop and lead a progressive swimming and water safety program.
- Oversee daily waterfront operations, including swimming, boating, and recreational activities.
- Ensure appropriate lifeguard coverage and consistent use of buddy and sign-in/sign-out systems.
- Supervise all waterfront activities and maintain a safe, organized environment.
- Inspect docks, boats, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and rescue equipment regularly.
- Maintain and enforce waterfront safety policies and emergency action procedures.
- Conduct regular safety drills and ensure staff are prepared to respond to emergencies.
- Train, schedule, coach, and mentor waterfront staff.
- Work collaboratively with the Camp Director and Program Director to create an engaging waterfront experience.
WHO YOU'LL LEAD
- A team of approximately 6-8 waterfront staff, including young adult counselors.
- Staff who look to you for guidance, training, direction, and leadership in all things waterfront.
- A team that needs a strong role model who can balance high safety standards with enthusiasm and fun.
Mentoring young staff is an important part of this position. We want someone who enjoys teaching, develops leadership in others, and understands that building a strong team is just as important as running a strong program.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
- Competitive summer stipend (based on experience and qualifications).
- Housing at our beautiful residential camp in Maine.
- Three meals a day in our dining hall.
- Time off each week.
- Access to camp facilities and waterfront during personal time.
- A supportive leadership team and a welcoming camp community.
- An opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls.
YOU'LL THRIVE HERE IF
- You love being on the water and sharing that enthusiasm with others.
- You are an organized, confident leader who takes safety seriously.
- You enjoy teaching and encouraging young people with different abilities and comfort levels.
- You understand that patience and positive reinforcement can make all the difference to a nervous swimmer.
- You enjoy mentoring young adults and helping them grow as counselors and leaders.
- You are flexible, collaborative, and able to adapt when the unexpected happens.
- You believe every girl deserves the opportunity to feel capable, confident, and included.
At West End House, we believe in helping girls discover their strengths. Sometimes that happens around a campfire, sometimes on a hiking trail, and sometimes when a girl finally swims across the lake on her own. You'll help make those moments happen.
SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
The waterfront carries tremendous responsibility, and we take that responsibility seriously.
- Every camper is accounted for through swim assessments, buddy systems, and sign-in/sign-out procedures.
- Appropriate lifeguard supervision is maintained at all times.
- Waterfront equipment is inspected and maintained regularly.
- All staff complete required background checks.
- Mandatory reporter training is provided.
- We follow applicable Maine youth camp regulations and safety requirements.
- The Waterfront Director is responsible for maintaining and implementing waterfront emergency procedures.
SEASON & KEY REQUIREMENTS
Season: June 10 – August 12, 2027 (anticipated)