Fresh Air
[2026] Camp Lifeguard & Waterfront Staff, Fresh Air Camps
Fresh Air, Hudson, New York, United States
[2026] Camp Lifeguard & Waterfront Staff, Fresh Air Camps
Summer Camp Lifeguard & Waterfront Staff, Fresh Air Camps
Fresh Air Camps | Hudson Valley, NY | June 15 – August 15, 2026
Life as a Lifeguard Fresh Air Campsis hiring Lifeguards for our six summer camps in beautiful Hudson Valley, NY. Lifeguards are key members of the waterfront staff and oversee all swim and boating activities, teach swim lessons, and ensure camper safety. When not working at the waterfront, Lifeguards serve as General Counselors, living with campers and participating in camp activities.
**Applicants do not need a prior lifeguard certification but must be a strong swimmer. Free Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is provided during orientation.**
This position requires living onsite at camp from June 15 – August 15, 2026, shared housing and meals provided. Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer.
What You’ll Do: Waterfront Duties:
Supervise free swim, boating activities, and special events at the camp waterfront.
Instruct swim lessons and boating classes.
Maintain waterfront, boating, and fishing facilities in compliance with safety regulations.
Participate in daily fitness activities such as swimming, boating, and rescue practice.
Follow emergency procedures and assist in managing buddy systems and checks.
Submit required evaluations and records to the Waterfront Director.
General Counselor Duties:
Serve as a General Counselor in the assigned village during non-waterfront times, including living in cabins with campers and co-counselors.
Provide 24-hour supervision, leadership, and care to campers, including activity transitions, cabin time, meals, and behavior management.
Prioritize camper needs when making decisions and uphold a camper-first philosophy.
Participate actively in the camp community — including campfires, overnights, hikes, swimming, and village meetings. (Some lifting or physical activity may be required.)
Communicate, model, and uphold camp policies, traditions, and community standards.
Ensure the safety, supervision and well-being of all campers at all times.
Demonstrate professionalism and approachability, maintaining healthy boundaries.
Serve as a role model for campers and staff by showing enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to camp values.
Live and work in a communal camp environment — including shared cabins, limited privacy, and group dining. Time off during each session will be scheduled by the supervisor.
Care for and responsibly use camp facilities, property, and equipment.
Be familiar with and follow all emergency and safety procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp community.
Lifeguard Course Requirements:
Swim 550 continuous yards using crawl and breaststroke.
Perform a timed swim and rescue scenario (20 yards, surface dive, brick retrieval, and back swim).
Retrieve dive rings in 4–7 feet of water.
Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only.
What We’re Looking For:
Strong swimming ability required for eligibility for American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.
At least 18 years old by the start of camp (June 29, 2026).
A high school diploma is required; some college experience is preferred.
Commitment to work and live onsite at camp for the entire summer season (June 15 – August 15, 2026).
A passion for working with children and at least one year of experience in a similar role.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio and MMR. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment.
Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer.
All meals and housing provided during camp.
How to Apply Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews are held virtually by our Camp Directors.
Discover Fresh Air Camps Since 1877, Fresh Air Fund Camps have opened new doors for over 1.8 million children, offering transformative summer programs and year-round leadership opportunities. Our six residential camps are located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, offering a stunning natural setting for exploration and growth. Each camp provides unique programming tailored to different age groups and interests, from outdoor adventure to arts and sciences, creating an enriching environment for both campers and staff. Learn more about Fresh Air Camps: www.freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/
Diversity & Inclusion Statement The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and fostering a diverse staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
Will you be 18 years or older by June 29, 2026? Please note that all staff must be at least 18 by the time camp begins. If you are 16 or 17, please visit our website for more information about our programs for 16 and 17-year-olds.*
Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States? (Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.)*
Do you require sponsorship to work in the United States? (now or in the future)*
Are you able to commit to living and working at camp for the full summer, from June 15th - August 15th?*
Do you have an active or past lifeguarding certification? (Note: Free Red Cross Lifeguard certification offered at camp)*
In 1-2 sentences, describe your experience as a swimmer or lifeguard. (ex: grew up on a lake, on the swim team, taught swim lessons, worked at a local pool, etc.)*
What excites you most about working at camp? Please share your experience working with youth (school, camp, babysitting, etc).*
Which Fresh Air Camp do you want to work at? Explore the 6 camps: https://freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/*
Have you been previously employed by The Fresh Air Fund before? If so, what was your position?
Did you participate in The Fresh Air Fund as a child (while you were under the age of 18)? If so, which programs did you participate in?
Please provide details on how you heard about The Fresh Air Fund (name of person or organization that referred you, which website, etc).
I consent to be contacted over SMS/Text for this job. By providing your phone number you agree to receive informational/marketing text messages from Fresh Air Camps. Messages frequency will vary. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Life as a Lifeguard Fresh Air Campsis hiring Lifeguards for our six summer camps in beautiful Hudson Valley, NY. Lifeguards are key members of the waterfront staff and oversee all swim and boating activities, teach swim lessons, and ensure camper safety. When not working at the waterfront, Lifeguards serve as General Counselors, living with campers and participating in camp activities.
**Applicants do not need a prior lifeguard certification but must be a strong swimmer. Free Red Cross Lifeguard Certification is provided during orientation.**
This position requires living onsite at camp from June 15 – August 15, 2026, shared housing and meals provided. Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer.
What You’ll Do: Waterfront Duties:
Supervise free swim, boating activities, and special events at the camp waterfront.
Instruct swim lessons and boating classes.
Maintain waterfront, boating, and fishing facilities in compliance with safety regulations.
Participate in daily fitness activities such as swimming, boating, and rescue practice.
Follow emergency procedures and assist in managing buddy systems and checks.
Submit required evaluations and records to the Waterfront Director.
General Counselor Duties:
Serve as a General Counselor in the assigned village during non-waterfront times, including living in cabins with campers and co-counselors.
Provide 24-hour supervision, leadership, and care to campers, including activity transitions, cabin time, meals, and behavior management.
Prioritize camper needs when making decisions and uphold a camper-first philosophy.
Participate actively in the camp community — including campfires, overnights, hikes, swimming, and village meetings. (Some lifting or physical activity may be required.)
Communicate, model, and uphold camp policies, traditions, and community standards.
Ensure the safety, supervision and well-being of all campers at all times.
Demonstrate professionalism and approachability, maintaining healthy boundaries.
Serve as a role model for campers and staff by showing enthusiasm, empathy, and commitment to camp values.
Live and work in a communal camp environment — including shared cabins, limited privacy, and group dining. Time off during each session will be scheduled by the supervisor.
Care for and responsibly use camp facilities, property, and equipment.
Be familiar with and follow all emergency and safety procedures.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the camp community.
Lifeguard Course Requirements:
Swim 550 continuous yards using crawl and breaststroke.
Perform a timed swim and rescue scenario (20 yards, surface dive, brick retrieval, and back swim).
Retrieve dive rings in 4–7 feet of water.
Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only.
What We’re Looking For:
Strong swimming ability required for eligibility for American Red Cross Lifeguard Training.
At least 18 years old by the start of camp (June 29, 2026).
A high school diploma is required; some college experience is preferred.
Commitment to work and live onsite at camp for the entire summer season (June 15 – August 15, 2026).
A passion for working with children and at least one year of experience in a similar role.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio and MMR. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccination or an approved exemption will be required as a condition of employment.
Compensation for this role is $2,600 for the summer.
All meals and housing provided during camp.
How to Apply Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and interviews are held virtually by our Camp Directors.
Discover Fresh Air Camps Since 1877, Fresh Air Fund Camps have opened new doors for over 1.8 million children, offering transformative summer programs and year-round leadership opportunities. Our six residential camps are located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, offering a stunning natural setting for exploration and growth. Each camp provides unique programming tailored to different age groups and interests, from outdoor adventure to arts and sciences, creating an enriching environment for both campers and staff. Learn more about Fresh Air Camps: www.freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/
Diversity & Inclusion Statement The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and fostering a diverse staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply.
Will you be 18 years or older by June 29, 2026? Please note that all staff must be at least 18 by the time camp begins. If you are 16 or 17, please visit our website for more information about our programs for 16 and 17-year-olds.*
Are you authorized to work lawfully in the United States? (Note: If hired, a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.)*
Do you require sponsorship to work in the United States? (now or in the future)*
Are you able to commit to living and working at camp for the full summer, from June 15th - August 15th?*
Do you have an active or past lifeguarding certification? (Note: Free Red Cross Lifeguard certification offered at camp)*
In 1-2 sentences, describe your experience as a swimmer or lifeguard. (ex: grew up on a lake, on the swim team, taught swim lessons, worked at a local pool, etc.)*
What excites you most about working at camp? Please share your experience working with youth (school, camp, babysitting, etc).*
Which Fresh Air Camp do you want to work at? Explore the 6 camps: https://freshair.org/learn-about-our-camps/*
Have you been previously employed by The Fresh Air Fund before? If so, what was your position?
Did you participate in The Fresh Air Fund as a child (while you were under the age of 18)? If so, which programs did you participate in?
Please provide details on how you heard about The Fresh Air Fund (name of person or organization that referred you, which website, etc).
I consent to be contacted over SMS/Text for this job. By providing your phone number you agree to receive informational/marketing text messages from Fresh Air Camps. Messages frequency will vary. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel.
#J-18808-Ljbffr