Overview

The Kew-Forest School, a PS-12 co-educational day school founded in 1918 in Forest Hills, NY, seeks an experienced Summer Camp Aquatics Director to join our six-week in-person Summer Camp team. Camp starts Monday, July 7th, and ends Friday, August 15th. Our campers range in age from Kindergarten through Grade 6.

We take pride in our remarkably diverse student body, which reflects the vibrant communities of Queens and New York City. Approximately nine percent of our students are international. We promote diversity not only among our students but also in our hiring practices, ensuring that our faculty is culturally diverse and equipped to support our inclusive community of students and families.

At Kew-Forest, our mission extends beyond education – we aim to inspire our students to discover their passions and reach their full potential. As we celebrate our 107th year, we are excited to embrace new approaches to summer programming. We are seeking an energetic and creative individual who can bring fresh ideas and a thoughtful approach to our popular summer program as we enter the era of Kew-Forest 2.0.

The Aquatics Director will help develop and implement all aspects of the water program including swim lessons, water activities, and related trips off-site, under the supervision of the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs and Assistant Director.

Responsibilities include supporting and assisting the Camp Director and Assistant Director in or with:

• Providing a safe and nurturing environment for everyone; will be actively involved in day-to-day operations and have a positive attitude about all programs;
• Assisting the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs and Assistant Director with the development and implementation of the water program including swim lessons and all water activities and any related trips off-site. Leading activities for camp and/or camp groups as necessary;
• Testing and classifying the swimming ability of campers as necessary;
• Reviewing all camper health concerns to best assist the needs of all campers while in or out of the water;
• Monitoring changing areas and keeping track of cleanliness;
• Reviewing and evaluating off-site water trips;
• Completing and filing reports including camper ability levels, accidents, and water testing records;
• Becoming knowledgeable about compliance with NYCDOH aquatics requirements and relaying any concerns to administrative staff;
• Performing other duties as assigned for the betterment of the campers, program, and Summer at The Kew-Forest School;
• Executing day-to-day responsibilities to create a safe, secure, and enjoyable environment. Enforcing all safety regulations including keeping campers and program areas clean and safe;
• Anticipating and minimizing potential problems with staff, campers, or the environment and responding effectively to problems that occur. Applying camp policies and procedures in responding to and/or disciplining staff and campers;
• Responding quickly and effectively to accidents and incidents. Assisting in the conduction of investigations as may be required and per K-F policies and procedures. Accurately preparing and submitting Accident and Incident Reports in a timely manner;
• Positively and proactively communicating with and responding to supervisor, staff, campers, and parents;
• Actively participating in camper activities;
• Assisting staff in executing established procedures for supervising campers and activities including but not limited to transportation, group time, lunch, and swim times; and
• Performing other duties, as needed.

Skills and Experience

• Must be 21 years or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent experience.
• Must have at least one of the following:

• • One season of previous experience as a camp aquatics director of a New York State children’s camp.
  • Two seasons (minimum 12 weeks) of previous experience as a children’s camp lifeguard at a facility with more than one supervising lifeguard on duty.
  • 18 weeks of previous experience as a lifeguard at a swimming pool with more than one supervising lifeguard on duty.

• Hold an accepted and current “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification for NYS Children’s Camps and NYS Bathing Facilities”.
• Experience of reviewing and documenting the review of the camp’s safety plan for swimming.
• Possess current certification in a training course for lifeguard supervision and management as described in “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification for NYS Children’s Camps and NYS Bathing Facilities”.
• Physical, visual, and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to assigned activities. Ability to run, walk, stand, and fully participate in camp activities for up to 8 hours per day.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, effectively communicate with children and adults, and manage large and small groups.
• Demonstrated high integrity and adaptability as a positive role model.
• Minimum of one year experience in a camp program or related work with children.
• Demonstrated knowledge of youth engagement through recreational and artistic activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of group and behavior management, and positive youth development principles.
• Passion for creating engaging recreational experiences for youth in Grades K-6.
• Demonstrated professionalism with ability to manage multiple responsibilities, while maintaining flexibility and a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to understand and enforce program and department policies.
• Flexibility to readily adapt to a changing environment.

Hours and Compensation

• Four-weeks swimming program between July – August 2025
• Part-time position: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Full summer commitment is required
• $45.00 per hour

If you are a college or graduate student (or meet the above requirements) and are passionate about working with children, we’d love to hear from you. Please include a brief introduction about yourself with your application. This position reports to the Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs and is ideal for an individual with a flexible schedule. All necessary materials for summer camp will be provided.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to Keesha Sterling, Director of Auxiliary and Summer Programs, at ksterling@kewforest.org.

To learn more about The Kew-Forest School, please visit our website: www.kewforest.org.

MISSION

We are The Kew-Forest School.

Our community nurtures lifelong learners from around the world.

Our educators inspire young people to think boldly and find their voices.

Our students support each other and explore thoughtfully as they shape the future.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The Kew-Forest School believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, culture, background, physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected classes or classifications. No employee or job applicant will be discriminated against in recruitment, compensation, promotion, or termination practices.