Aquatics Program Counselor

Company: Kellogg PEAK Initiative
Location: Boscobel
Posted on: January 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: $700/week Organizational Mission & Overview Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships. At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. PEAKs Four Beliefs Every living being has inherent value. The community is better when everyone contributes. We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes. Everyone has the power to change their world. POSITION SUMMARY:Certified lifeguards are key to offering extraordinary aquatic experiences to PEAK participants. In addition to being cabin counselors, Aquatics Program Counselors work shifts at the pool and the waterfront, providing safe and enjoyable experiences to campers and staff. POSITION AVAILABILITY:This position is an onsite, overnight position and must be available the following dates: Staff Orientation: June 14 - 24 Session 1: June 27 - 8 Session 2: July 11 - 22 Session 3: July 25 - August 5 Teen Camp and Camp Clean-up: August 8 - 13 Family Camp: August 14 - 16 BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY Live in a cabin with a co-counselor and 8 campers, and provide active supervision and attention to the physical and emotional wellbeing of campers during all on-duty hours. Communicate with co-counselor and supervisor appropriately to balance responsibilities as a lifeguard with responsibilities of a cabin counselor. Communicate and enforce all aquatics policies and procedures with staff and campers at the pool and waterfront. When not actively guarding and scanning the water, support campers in developing basic swimming skills, such as floating, treading water, proper breathing, and basic swim strokes. Step in as a substitute to lead aquatics programs, such as canoeing and kayaking. Actively participate in camp programming outside of aquatic activities including evening activities, camper choice time, bus duty, and more. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS This position is compensated at a rate of $700 per week, pre-tax. This position is eligible for a $50 weekly bonus for valid lifeguard certification during weeks worked. Summer seasonal staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees. All meals are provided during camp sessions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES A belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives. Ability to live with, support, and work with all camper age ranges at camp. Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by camp leadership. Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary. Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible. Ability to pass the Shallow-water Lifeguard Course. EDUCATIONAL, CERTIFICATIONS, & LICENSING REQUIREMENTS Current Shallow-water Lifeguard Certification (PEAK can support in attaining). Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma/GED before the position start date to apply. REPORTING AND RELATIONSHIPS The Aquatics Program Counselor reports to the Aquatics Coordinator. PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS The mental and physical requirements and work environment conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Staff are required to actively participate in all camper activities, including water-related activities. Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy all summer long. Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5 miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance. Camp activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings. The camp environment is often hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning. All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break. Staff must be able to walk and perform activities in the dark in an outdoor, nature setting. Staff must be able to sleep in a tent outdoors. Staff must be able to eat in a dining hall setting with 100 people. The dining hall will be very busy and very noisy during these times and staff are expected to supervise and sit with their cabins throughout the meals. Staff must be able to eat family style meals in a dining hall for 3 meals a day. Sample menus available upon request. With pre-summer notice, the kitchen can accommodate most medical or value-based dietary restrictions. Position requires working weekends and nights, with time off in between camp sessions. Camp days are often long and at times require late night camper support, especially for Leadership Team Members and Health Staff. Staff will have daily scheduled breaks. Staff will have a combination of work and on call hours for up to 22 hours a day for several consecutive days. Staff must be able to reside in shared housing on the LVC overnight camp property in Boscobel, WI starting with staff training in June and ending after the last camp program lets out in mid-August. Staff must be able to live and sleep in housing with campers. Cabins have electricity, but no plumbing. Staff and campers are required to use communal bath houses located within the village. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.

Keywords: Kellogg PEAK Initiative, Iowa City , Aquatics Program Counselor, Hospitality & Tourism , Boscobel, Iowa