Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975
Employment Dates: June 22 – August 15, 2026
Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,000
Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt
Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided
Reports To: Waterfront Director
About Us
The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.
At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY’s Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.
Job Summary
The Lifeguard is a vital, entry-level leadership role at the heart of the Harriman Basecamp waterfront experience. As a frontline safety professional, Lifeguards play a critical role in creating a fun, confident, and well-supervised environment where campers can safely explore swimming and a wide range of waterfront activities. In addition to ensuring safety and enforcing waterfront rules, Lifeguards help campers build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences in and around the water.
Lifeguards work under the direction of the Waterfront Director, with support from the Associate Camp Director, and collaborate closely with Cabin Counselors, Division Leaders, and activity staff to maintain safe staff-to-camper ratios and consistent supervision during waterfront and camp-wide programming.
Candidates without a current lifeguard certification are encouraged to apply and must successfully complete both the Boys’ Club of New York Lifeguard Training and Waterfront Skills Lifeguard Training prior to the start of General Staff Training
Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 – July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.
Responsibilities
Waterfront Safety & Supervision
Respond calmly and effectively to emergencies, including rescues, first aid, and activation of emergency action plans.
Camper Engagement & Skill Support
Waterfront & Camp-Wide Program Support
Assist with non-swimming waterfront activities, including canoeing, fishing, and other programs involving proximity to water.
Training, Documentation & Collaboration
Participate in General Staff Training supporting the Waterfront Director with staff Waterfront Orientation, including buddy board procedures, supervision expectations, and safety protocols.
Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship
Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines to ensure consistent structure and supervision.
Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers within waterfront programming, modeling vigilance, safe practices, positive youth engagement, and professionalism.
Support CIT development by gradually involving them in supervision support, equipment setup, scanning techniques, and peer mentorship under the direction of the Waterfront Director.
Qualifications
Additional Requirements
You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.
Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment
The Boys’ Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer
and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.
