Camp Paivika - Aquatics Program Leader

JOB TITLE: Aquatics Program Leader

REPORTS TO: Program Supervisor 

SCHEDULE: June 13 to August 5, 2026 Training and camp sessions 

LOCATION: Camp Paivika – Crestline, CA (Located in the San Bernardino Mountains) 

STATUS: Seasonal 

DRIVER POSITION: No 

DAILY RATES: $115 per day | Onsite lodging and meals provided during sessions 

ABOUT US:

At AbilityFirst, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. 

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Aquatics Program Leader is responsible for leading safe, inclusive, and engaging water-based activities for campers with physical and developmental disabilities. Working closely with the Program Supervisor and camp leadership, this role plans and implements adaptive aquatics programming while ensuring all safety, accessibility, and supervision standards are met.

In addition to aquatics leadership, Program Leaders are active members of the camp community—living on-site, supporting camper care, assisting with evening programs, and fostering a positive, empowering environment where campers can participate fully and confidently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly responsible to the Program Supervisor and works closely with Assistant Program Director and other program staff.  
• Attends Supervisor/Program Staff Training. 
• Attends and participates in staff orientation week and ongoing training sessions throughout the summer. 
• During orientation, responsible for training staff in the rules and procedures of assigned program area including safety and emergency procedures in program area. 
• Prepares program area, plans summer activities and evening programs. 
• Responsible for maintaining program area and keeping equipment and supplies in order. 
• Plans and implements activities for program area adapted to the different ability levels of all campers.  
• Leads program utilizing assigned staff for health and safety and support of campers  
• Assists Program Director in leading Evening Program, which may include Dance, Talent show, Game Night, etc. 
• Lives in assigned cabin and assists with camper care which includes providing and/or assisting as needed in the personal care of campers: dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting and transferring. 
• Performs cabin duty at night and afternoon rest period according to a rotating schedule. 
• Assists with cleaning of camp after campers depart. 
• In an emergency, assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Director or Associate Camp Director to ensure the safety of all campers and staff.  
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants 
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must hold current Lifeguard certification, with CPR/AED and First Aid from an ACA approved entity i.e. American Red Cross OR enroll in and successfully complete Lifeguard training through Camp Paivika. 
• Must?be?at?least?18?years?of?age.? 
• Provide documentation to confirm the legal right to work in the United States of America 
• Experience?working?with?individuals?with?disabilities?is?desired.? 
• Must hold or obtain current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Adult and Pediatric certification. Camp Paivika will be offering this training. 
• Must?agree?to?abide?by?AbilityFirst?rules?and?policies.? 
• All offers of employment are contingent on passing background?check?and?a?pre-employment?physical?exam?which?includes?a?drug?screening test. ? 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift 75lbs and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
• Must be able to reside on camp premises, in cabins with campers and staff, when camp is in session.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment. 

NOTE: All staff members hired for temporary positions at Camp Paivika are considered temporary, at-will employees for the duration of their assignment. Temporary employees do not attain regular employee status at any time. 

During this period, it is the supervisor’s responsibility to orient the employee, clearly communicate job expectations and Camp Paivika and AbilityFirst standards, and assess whether the employee demonstrates the required skills, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to successfully fulfill the temporary assignment. Employees are encouraged to seek guidance and support throughout this time 

Temporary employees who fail to meet performance, conduct, or attendance expectations may be separated from employment at any time, with or without notice. Completion of the introductory period does not alter the temporary or at-will nature of employment. Employees may terminate their employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and AbilityFirst retains the same right. 

AbilityFirst reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify job duties, responsibilities, work assignments, or the duration of any temporary position at any time. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Ability First does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.  

AbilityFirst is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. 

Please include references in your application