Aquatics Program Leader - MD

The Position

At Headfirst, we design fun, intentional, and transformational camp experiences where every camper feels seen, known, and celebrated. Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by design. Through thoughtfully planned activities and trained staff, we create what we call Headfirst Moments: when a camper tries something new, pushes through fear, and realizes, “I can do it.”

The Aquatics Program Leader will oversee, support, and coach a team Swim Instructors and Certified Lifeguards (site dependent). We provide the pool policies, instructional swim curriculum & daily camp schedules along with all equipment for a successful day at the pool but need you to organize the program and ensure all safety standards are being met.

Camper ages: 3-12 years old

Activities include: blowing bubbles, floating on front and back, swim strokes, kicking, adding breaths to strokes, jumping into the pool, recreational free swim

Role Information

Schedule: 7:30 am – 3:45 pm Monday – Friday

Compensation: $18.00 / hour

Required Certification

Lifeguard Certification and First Aid & CPR Certification, or the ability to complete these prior to May 30.

Note: Certifications are required by the first day of camp – plus, you’ll be eligible for our lifeguard certification bonus!

What You'll Do

• Bring Camp to Life
  • Responsible for the utmost safety of the pool and all participants in the swim program
  • Content expert on all things related to the instructional swim curriculum, including levels and adaptations
  • Prepare a team of 4 to 12 swim staff to implement pre-written curriculum to small groups of 4-6 campers
  • Group campers into swim classes by level weekly and manage the aquatic staff’s daily schedules to ensure each instructor receives appropriate break time and time to work on swim reports between each swim group
  • Ensure timely completion and accuracy of individual camper swim reports by all instructors
  • Lead in-season trainings on safety, pool policies, instructional implementation, and swim report writing
  • Lead by example and instruct swim classes throughout the day as a method of teaching other instructors proper technique and assisting in completing the large number of swim classes
  • Oversee recreational free swim blocks and associated swim ability tests for campers
  • Monitor and routinely inventory materials
  • Execute morning and afternoon carpool as a key player, welcoming each family to camp by name with fantastic dance moves and coordinated carpool procedures

• Nurture Physical, Social & Emotional Safety
  • Work directly with campers to support them in their emotional, physical, and social development through hands-on exploration and coach your counselor team in growing their instructional skills
  • Implement Headfirst’s safety protocols on supervision, bathrooms, emergency medications, and camper behavior management while in the pool area including in the water, on the deck, and in locker rooms

• Communicate Proactively
  • Anticipate curricular, facility, or schedule issues before they occur and proactively create solutions to run a smooth program
  • Act as the bridge from camp to parents, communicating campers’ successes, celebrations, and growth, through the Site Director or other Leadership Team members

• Be an Active Member of the Camp Team
  • Arrive on time, communicate schedule changes promptly, be a loyal and consistent team member who shows up for the campers and your team
  • Work directly alongside your counselors to create the best experience possible for all campers
  • Coach your team of counselors, providing specific feedback and skill development opportunities

• Represent Headfirst for Families & Facility Partners
  • Represent the Headfirst brand daily to families at carpool and to school facility partners throughout the summer by being enthusiastic, hands-on, helpful, and in uniform
  • Actively participate in our efforts to take care of our camp facility and lead your team to do the same

• Handle the Curveballs
  • Practice resiliency and arrive with a “How Can I Help?” mentality that puts camper experience and team success at the forefront through problem solving and trying new things

About You

Must be at least 20 years old with at least (2) years at an undergraduate institution or equivalent professional experience.

• Experience:
  • Majors in education and sport management viewed favorably.
  • At least (2) years of experience in swim instruction with experience managing a team of instructors viewed favorably.

• Must be able to:
  • Swim and be in a swimming pool for extended periods of time.
  • Maintain valid Lifeguard Certification for the entire work season.
  • Work around small children including, sitting, standing, running, and climbing stairs for the full day.
  • Work in hot and outdoor environments while actively supervising campers and participating in dynamic activities for extended periods of time.
  • Lift and carry up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Committed to adhering to Cell-Phone Free policy, powering down and putting away cell phones in a locked pouch for the duration of your shift.

Headfirst Summer Camps is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusivity across our Headfirst community, and we strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups and those who might need reasonable accommodation to apply.

About Headfirst

Headfirst delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality summer and youth experiences built to elevate potential and exceed expectations. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with families, schools, and organizations to create environments where kids feel supported, challenged, and confident trying new things. 

What makes Headfirst different is intentionality. We don’t wait and hope growth happens - we design for it. Our programs are carefully structured, and our staff are trained to spot, create, and celebrate breakthrough moments. These Headfirst Moments - when a camper pushes past fear, tries something new, or surprises themselves - are built into every day. 

We believe great experiences are built on relationships. Our teams prioritize genuine connection, creating welcoming environments where campers feel seen and known, staff feel supported, and families trust that every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Behind the scenes, a professional, year-round Headquarters team supports our seasonal staff with training, systems, and clear expectations so camps run smoothly and consistently. 

When you join Headfirst, you’re joining a team that takes pride in doing things well. We care deeply about the experience we deliver, the people we work with, and the impact we have on kids and families. The work is meaningful, the standards are high, and the summers are unforgettable.