Job Title: Lifeguard/Camp Counselor 

Department: Programs/Operations 

Purpose: Supervise waterfront programs, assess and mitigate risk. Work collaboratively to lead and carry out camp programming with children. 

Reports to: Director of Operations (Camp Director) 

Classification: Exempt, seasonal 

Dates: May 26, 2026 – September 4, 2026 

About Camp Fire Minnesota 

With nature as our catalyst, we energize youth to discover their spark so their futures glow 
brighter. 

Youth spend 90% of their time indoors. Camp Fire Minnesota addresses this challenge by delivering culturally relevant, nature-based programs at our Excelsior and Grand Rapids properties and throughout the community to over 6,500 youth from all backgrounds each year. We help youth “light their spark within” through summer camp, environmental education & STEM classes for schools, and community-based out-of-school time nature programs. 

We are proud to offer inclusive and welcoming programs to youth in the community. To this end, 40% of Camp Fire youth participate at reduced or no cost. As a result of their Camp Fire experience, 92% of youth report valuing nature and stewarding the environment. 

Our summer camps at our Excelsior property offer youth and teens, progressive, nature-based learning through day, specialty day, overnight, adventure and leadership development camps. Camp Fire Minnesota is an ACA accredited camp. 

Inclusion Statement: 

Camp Fire believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others. We strive to create safe and inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and foster positive relationships. All are welcome at Camp Fire. 

About This Position 

A lifeguard/counselor will spend time as both a lifeguard and a camp counselor. This may be alternating weeks, or several weeks of one and then switching to the other, depending on need.  

Lifeguard: In addition to supervising the safety of all waterfront activities, lifeguards plan and implement great programming and help campers push themselves to learn new skills and try new things. When scheduled as a lifeguard this position will also sleep in cabins with campers. 

Camp Counselor: The Counselor is the number one reason why campers come back to camp and comes with a lot of responsibility. A counselor is responsible for both the physical and emotional wellbeing of their campers as well as facilitating awesome activities. 

Primary Responsibilities 

• Guide and care for 8-14 youth, ages 5-17  
• Implement Waterfront Programming including open swim, water trampoline, boating, and fishing 
• Maintain safety and order at the waterfront 
• Carry out established roles for supervising camper health and enforcing camp safety regulations 
• Maintain good public relations with camper families and the Camp Fire MN community 
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving in the group and with individual campers  
• Organize and lead a variety of games and activities, ensuring all are included and part of the community  
• Ensure the site, cabins, and bathrooms are clean and sanitary  
• Assist with paperwork regarding incident and accident reports  
• Get to know your campers, play with them, and have fun!  
• Act as a general counselor when necessary 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Ability to relate to one’s peer group and to children  
• Desire to work with youth outdoors, in an active environment  
• Ability to respond appropriately to first-aid and waterfront safety situations 
• Ability to teach/review waterfront standards with campers 
• Ability to work with a variety of different groups, from many different backgrounds 
• Always maintain Camp Fire Minnesota standards 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 18 years of age or older by the start of summer camp 
• Current Lifeguard certification or ability to obtain one either before start date 
• Experience leading waterfront activities or significant experience participating in waterfront activities 
• Experience working with youth at another job, volunteering, or babysitting 
• Possess the strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers and program implementation 
• The ability to adapt and stay positive 
• Willingness to learn new skills and try new things 

Desired Availability: 

• Already lifeguard certified before June 1. Or attend our training, tentatively scheduled the week before staff training. 
• Available to attend Camp Training beginning June 1. The last day of work is August. Let us know if this schedule doesn’t  work for you – we may be able to accommodate a later start or earlier end date. 

Salary and Benefits: 

• Salary of $640 per week. Camp Fire Minnesota aims to be a leader in pay equity for on-site staff and we are proud to offer double the median pay offered by resident camps across the country, according to research conducted by the American Camp Association. 
• Meals and lodging provided all summer, including weekends. 
• 2-3 weeks of paid staff training designed to support your growth as a leader and build transferable skills. Support for including camp experience on your resume or college applications. 
• Staff outings and social activities each weekend. Transportation options for staff without access to vehicles during the summer. 
• A break each day, Earned Sick and Safe Time, and time off between Friday evening and Sunday morning. 
• Supportive, inclusive environment, coaching-oriented supervisors, and time to virtually attend therapy sessions. 

Physical Demand 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to  successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to  enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk or hear; and use  hands to handle, or touch objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. The incumbent may also be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must  occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. 

Work Environment 

The work environment is typically performed in a normal camp environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. 

The above statement reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work that may be inherent in the occupation. 

Application Process: 

Apply online at https://campfiremn.org/camps/work-at-camp/ 

Please direct questions to paddyc@campfiremn.org (include the position title in the subject line) 

Camp Fire Minnesota is strongly committed to addressing environmental justice. We encourage candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds, Black, Indigenous and people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and unemployed persons to apply.