LIFEGUARD/CAMP COUNSELOR
Camp Health, Hope & Happiness (Camp He Ho Ha)
For more than 60 years Camp Health, Hope & Happiness has been Alberta’s leading summer recreational facility, providing unforgettable camp experiences for individuals of all ages with physical, developmental, and neurodiverse disabilities.
Our 2026 camp season features Monday-Friday, (5-day, 4-night) camps, beginning with a 9-day orientation week starting May 21st. The season concludes with a summer staff wrap-up celebration on August 21st.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Lifeguard is responsible for creating a safe, supportive, and fun aquatic environment for campers of all ages and abilities. The Lifeguard oversees all pool activities, ensures proper supervision, and adapts support to meet the diverse needs of individuals with physical and neurodiverse disabilities. This position plays an essential role in maintaining safety standards, responding to emergencies, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every camper can enjoy the water with confidence. You will be on site for 24 hours while camp is in session and campers are present.
WHY WORK AT CAMP HE HO HA ?
● A fun, fulfilling, and life-changing summer job experience
● Competitive compensation: $190/day for all days worked (including orientation)
● Weekend team-building activities provided every other weekend
● Free accommodations and meals for the entire summer
● Access to an onsite retreat featuring a gym, movie room, computer access, cooking, and laundry facilities
● The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with unique and diverse needs
● Scheduled weekend transportation to and from a designated location in Edmonton
● Exceptional personal and professional growth, including leadership experience, confidence building, communication skills, hands-on personal care experience, and adaptability
WHAT YOUR DAY WILL LOOK LIKE
· Plan, lead, and facilitate the pool games and activities so campers have the most amazing pool experience
· Assist campers and team by helping campers get dressed, transitions in and out of the pool including lifts and transfers using the mechanical lift and commodes
· Ensure all campers are wearing a properly fitted life jacket when needed
· Support the camper that might be nervous about the water, encouraging and supporting them always offering positive feedback
· Support campers during morning and evening bedtime routines, and mealtimes. Assist campers with transfers using one/two-person or mechanical lifts
· Provide campers with emotional support to encourage a positive outlook, while building and maintaining strong relationships
· Provide personal care for campers as needed including but not limited to feeding, bathing, toileting, and dressing. Recognize and support each camper’s specific needs, providing the best possible physical and emotional care while assisting in behavior management when applicable
· Engage with campers whether they are in the water or sitting on the side
· Maintain a clean pool area, including assisting maintenance in any foul pool situation that requires sanitation
· Promote a safe environment, following all safety protocols
· You are the go-to person in the pool, you will take lead during the sessions while working closely with the team leader to support staff and campers
· When not in the pool, you will be assisting with regular counselor duties such as personal care, cleaning tasks, transitions, etc.
This may be one of the most rewarding and challenging roles you ever experience. The days are long, but the connections you form, both with campers and fellow peer, will stay with you for years. Your heart will grow in ways you never expected.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current National Lifeguarding certificate that does not expire before Aug 21, 2026
- No previous camp experience needed — just a willingness to learn! Our summer program does align with students in educations streams such as psychology, sports studies, nursing, social work, education, or similar programs.
- Enthusiasm for camp, creativity, and making each day fun and meaningful
- Current Standard First Aid and Level C CPR certification valid for the entire work term (support available if not currently certified)
- Clear Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to independently set priorities
- Ability to provide personal care, support behavior management, and lead activities
- Responsible, reliable, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrates empathy, patience, and a caring attitude
- Eager to jump in, be silly, dress up, and take part in camp fun such as going into the dunk tank
- Knowing ASL is an asset
- Experience with personal care is an asset
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $190.00 per day
Work Location: In person
