Camp Paivika - Aquatics Program Leader

Description

JOB TITLE: Aquatics Program Leader

REPORTS TO: Program Supervisor

SCHEDULE: June 13 to August 5, 2026 Training and camp sessions

LOCATION: Camp Paivika – Crestline, CA (Located in the San Bernardino Mountains)

STATUS: Seasonal

DRIVER POSITION: No

DAILY RATES: $115 per day | Onsite lodging and meals provided during sessions

At Ability First, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve their personal best. Our mission is to look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities, and expand possibilities. Camp Paivika, one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S., continues this mission by providing life-changing summer experiences for children, teens, and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

The Aquatics Program Leader is responsible for leading safe, inclusive, and engaging water-based activities for campers with physical and developmental disabilities. Working closely with the Program Supervisor and camp leadership, this role plans and implements adaptive aquatics programming while ensuring all safety, accessibility, and supervision standards are met.

In addition to aquatics leadership, Program Leaders are active members of the camp community—living on-site, supporting camper care, assisting with evening programs, and fostering a positive, empowering environment where campers can participate fully and confidently.

• Directly responsible to the Program Supervisor and works closely with Assistant Program Director and other program staff.
• Attends Supervisor/Program Staff Training.
• Attends and participates in staff orientation week and ongoing training sessions throughout the summer.
• During orientation, responsible for training staff in the rules and procedures of assigned program area including safety and emergency procedures in program area.
• Prepares program area, plans summer activities and evening programs.
• Responsible for maintaining program area and keeping equipment and supplies in order.
• Plans and implements activities for program area adapted to the different ability levels of all campers.
• Leads program utilizing assigned staff for health and safety and support of campers.
• Assists Program Director in leading Evening Program, which may include Dance, Talent show, Game Night, etc.
• Lives in assigned cabin and assists with camper care which includes providing and/or assisting as needed in the personal care of campers: dressing, bathing, toileting, grooming, feeding, lifting and transferring.
• Performs cabin duty at night and afternoon rest period according to a rotating schedule.
• Assists with cleaning of camp after campers depart.
• In an emergency, assumes responsibility for any job deemed necessary by the Camp Director or Associate Camp Director to ensure the safety of all campers and staff.
• Uphold our commitment as a Mandated Reporter, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

• Must hold current Lifeguard certification, with CPR/AED and First Aid from an ACA approved entity i.e. American Red Cross OR enroll in and successfully complete Lifeguard training through Camp Paivika.
• Must?be?at?least?18?years?of?age.?
• Provide documentation to confirm the legal right to work in the United States of America.
• Experience?working?with?individuals?with?disabilities?is?desired.?
• Must hold or obtain current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid Adult and Pediatric certification. Camp Paivika will be offering this training.
• Must?agree?to?abide?by?
  
  Ability First?rules?and?policies.?
• All offers of employment are contingent on passing background?check?and?a?pre-employment?physical?exam?which?includes?a?drug?screening test. ?

• Must be able to lift 75lbs and perform the physically rigorous daily care tasks for individuals with severe physical disabilities.
• Must be able to reside on camp premises, in cabins with campers and staff, when camp is in session.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the…