Middle School Camp Adventure Lifeguard & Program Leader – Summer 2025

Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison’s public recreation provider.  MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses.

As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center.  Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!

Program Description: 

 Camp Adventure focuses on developing leadership skills and providing a fun atmosphere for Middle School Aged youth to experience the outdoors. Each week is designed around an outdoor theme consisting of daily activities and field trips including canoeing/kayaking, hiking, log rolling, swimming, rock climbing and challenge courses. Throughout the summer we offer 4 overnights for campers at local Wisconsin State Parks.

Job Description & Duties: 

Spend your summer outside with Camp Adventure! The Camp Adventure Lifeguard & Program Leader Staff are responsible for lifeguarding during field trips and participating in normal Program Leader job duties while not lifeguarding. Program Leaders supervise, plan and lead a variety of active, outdoor adventure and experiential activities for middle school youth in a recreational camp setting. Throughout the summer develop your own facilitation and outdoor skills, create relationships with youth, be part of a great staff team and participate in a huge range of outdoor field trips.

While lifeguarding, you will earn $18.00/hour, and your responsibilities are to:

• Ensure patron safety during MSCR aquatic programs.

• Actively scan and survey the pool area to prevent accidents.
• Respond to emergencies and administer first aid as needed.

Paid professional development and training are provided to help build your skills. Opportunities to continue employment into Fall. Come join us!

Program Dates:  

 Applicants must be available to attend training June 13th (Friday) and June 16th-20th (skip Juneteenth). All applicants must be able to work full days (8:45am-4:15pm) but part-time (2 days minimum) or full-time (5 days/week) weekly hours are available.

Work Location: 

 The first 4 weeks will be located at Westmorland Park and the last 4 weeks will be located at Demetral Park. The camp travels on field trips to different locations around the city and the surrounding area. There are overnights at a local state park on 7/10-7/11, 7/17-7/18, 7/31-8/1 and 8/14-8/15.

• Start Date 06/13/2025
• End Date 08/15/2025
• Hours a Week:

  40

• Work Hours:

  8:45am-4:15pm

• Pay Rate:

  $18.00 per hour while lifeguarding; $15-$16.40 per hour during other times

• Minimum Qualifications:
  • Current or previous lifeguarding certification. Opportunities for recertification but must have held a previous lifeguard certification.
  • Current or previous CPR, and First Aid certifications.
  • Previous experience working with middle school aged children.
  • Knowledge in outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, small water craft (canoeing and kayaking), outdoor education, and
  • Leave No Trace ethics and/or a willingness to learn and participate.
  • Ability to keep campers safe by upholding high behavioral expectations.
  • Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with the staff team.
  • Ability to engage campers throughout the entire day of camp and create a safe and fun environment for campers to thrive.
  • Be outdoors for up to 9 hours a day in a variety of weather.
  • Ability to generate excitement, concern and respect for the outdoors in multiple settings with youth.
  • Ability to actively participate in all aspects of the summer camp program.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience lifeguarding in non pool settings such as beaches and camp waterfronts.
  • First Aid/CPR Certified or willing to get certified.
  • Training and experience in teaching outdoor activities to children.
  • Previous resident/day camp staff experience.
  • Experience creating and participating in camp culture and community.
  • Ability to engage campers throughout the entire day of camp and create a safe and fun environment for campers to thrive.
• Other Information:

  Applicants must be available to attend training June 13th (Friday) and June 16th-20th (skip Juneteenth). All applicants must be able to work full days (8:45am-4:15pm) but part-time (2 days minimum) or full-time (5 days/week) weekly hours are available.

  If interested, please complete the MSCR online application.
  For questions, contact Liz Just at ekjust@madison.k12.wi.us.

Apply