Camp Lifeguard- Camp Arrowhead

Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington is looking for talented and dedicated Lifeguards for our summer overnight camps who love the camp experience and are passionate about the Girl Scouts mission. In this role, you’ll teach girls new skills, keep them safe as they explore camp experiences, and ensure they have a session full of wonderful memories and camp magic.

As a Lifeguard at Girl Scouts overnight camp, you'll spend your days supervising swimmers at the pool or lake and may be asked to canoe, kayak, or do other boating activities with a group. As camp staff, you’ll live and work in rustic resident camp settings from June 21 through August 25. Shower and toilet facilities are separate from cabins and could include non-flush toilets and dormitory-style showers. Most of your time will be spent in the great outdoors leading and participating in  fun activities with girls.

$89.16 to $105.83 per day ($535 to $635 per week), plus a $400 retention bonus for completing the season

Camp staff are paid a daily rate based on the position, applicable certifications, and previous experience in that role.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure the safety of pool/lake users/swimmers. Enforce water safety policies in alignment with lifeguard training.


• Develop and deliver activities that support the accomplishment of program goals, including the earning of Girl Scout recognitions.


• Coordinate and work alongside a team of other lifeguards during regular swim times as well as all-camp swim times.


• Ensure that all safety standards set by Girl Scouts and the American Camp Association are met at all times.


• Assist in the training of staff in program areas during pre-camp.


• Set up, maintain, and close the swimming area for use during camp.


• Work with units to schedule program area time and activities.


• Request needed program supplies and equipment within budget limitations.


• Live in a unit with 2-3 other staff and 10-12 campers, taking on a primary caregiver role in those units when not in program area.


• Lead and participate in camp culture activities such as games, songs, family-style meals, and campfire. Encourage participation from all campers.


• Help campers adjust to the camp culture and community and ensure all campers feel included in activities.


• Redirect camper behavior and resolve conflict between campers.


• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a team of co-counselors and admin staff to provide programs and other activities within the unit.


• Manage self care with reasonable accommodations.

Requirements:

Certifications and permits - possess or able to obtain by June 21, 2026. Must be valid and not expired.

• At least 16 years of age for Camp Arrowhead. 


• At least 18 years of age for Camp Cleawox.

• Lifeguard certification from a recognized body.


• Child and Adult CPR/First Aid certification or higher.


• Skill and a passion for swimming and water-related activities.


• Strong swimmer. Able to pass the physical requirements of lifeguarding certification.


• Experience working with children, young adults, and adults.


• Food handlers permit as required by the specific county and state.


• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 pounds.


• Walking and standing up to 80% of the time on flat or uneven terrain.


• Stooping, squatting, and bending.


• Reaching overhead and below shoulder level.

Transferable Skills: Working at camp is a great opportunity to develop valuable professional skills, including:

• Leadership experience


• Program management


• Teamwork & Collaboration


• Working with diverse groups


• Curriculum delivery and development


• Critical Thinking


• Problem-solving


• Effective communication

Locations: We are hiring lifeguards at both of our beautiful Camp properties.

• Camp Arrowhead, Stevenson, WA: Located at the base of Dog Mountain and Wind Mountain in the Columbia River Gorge, Camp Arrowhead has 260 acres of forest, meadows, trails, a pool, and a lake with varied terrain and dramatic views. Camp Arrowhead activities include hiking, canoeing, climbing wall, archery, a swimming pool, and various off-camp activities and trips.


• Camp Cleawox, Florence, OR: Located on a wooded peninsula in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area by the Oregon coast, Camp Cleawox is surrounded by Lake Cleawox and the Honeyman Memorial State Park sand dunes. This 47-acre site is situated on a freshwater lake near the beach. It features activities such as sandboarding, kayaking, archery, low ropes course, canoeing, and swimming in the lake and various off-camp activities and trips.

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About Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington: At Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, it's our mission to build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Staff supports a network of dedicated volunteers who bring Girl Scouts programming to youths in their community. Since 1912, Girl Scouts has supported children and young adults to achieve their full potential—and today, Girl Scouts stands as the preeminent leadership development organization for young women. With Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington, you can make a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts, adult volunteers, and the world.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: We encourage, value, and honor diversity and support a culture of equity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering diversity at every level of the organization. We are an equal opportunity employer.

We recognize that a commitment to these values is a living commitment that requires attention, reflection, and continual action. All employees must support these efforts and participate in training, projects, and initiatives to forward this work. Click here to read our complete Equity Statement.

How to Apply: Submit your application via our Careers site. Select the locations and positions you are interested in during the application process. You can apply for more than one opportunity, and we will work with you to find the best fit!