2026 - YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake Waterfront Instructor

YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake is seeking Waterfront Instructors to guide our amazing campers at our picturesque overnight and day camp nestled in the heart of the Front Range near Boulder, Colorado.

We are looking for creative and adaptive facilitators who are looking to share their love for the outdoors through accessible and engaging outdoor education. You will help ensure our campers are supported by creating transformative summer camp experiences for campers. Our Waterfront Instructors provide leadership, direction, and supervision to campers as well as to the greater camp community.

View all openings, learn more about our benefits and apply online today at 

• Lifeguards' overnight and day campers on all waterfront equipment, including leading programming on the waterfront to meet the needs of the camp community and fulfill YMCA objectives.
• Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies.
• Reports directly to the Waterfront Coordinator and Assistant Waterfront Coordinator.
• Collaborates and works with other waterfront instructors, camp counselors, unit coordinators, and challenge course instructors as needed.
• Maintains waterfront equipment inventory and reports any defective equipment to their supervisor.
• Lives onsite, Sunday-Friday in glamping tent accommodations, including with camp counselors and campers 
• Assists with other programming, including all-camp activities and mealtimes, as needed.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all campers under their supervision, including maintaining appropriate staff to camper ratios as required.
• Maintain a professional presence for YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake through appropriate staff and camper interactions and adheres to Associations and Camps codes of conduct.
• Attends all required staff meetings on time.
• Adheres to program standards and expectations including safety and cleanliness standards.
• Models' relationship-building skills, and MESH (mental, emotional, social health) skills for campers and staff.
• Problem solves, communicates, and documents camper behavioral issues as they arise, and passes them off to leadership staff members as needed.
• Incorporate the mission, philosophy, and 5 core values of the YMCA of Northern Colorado in all communication with participants and staff-members.
• Maintaining confidentiality of YMCA issues and records.
• Maintaining friendly, professional relationships with staff, participants, and community members.
• Practices positive guidance and preventative discipline techniques with natural consequences.
• Required to attend and complete staff meetings, trainings, and all mandatory licensing required trainings.
• Adhere to policies related to boundaries with consumers.
• Attends required abuse risk management training.
• Adheres to procedures related to managing high-risk activities and supervising consumers.
• Reports suspicious or inappropriate behaviors and policy violations.
• Follows mandated abuse reporting requirements.
• Other job duties as assigned.

• 18+ years old.
• Previous swimming and/or watercraft experience required.
• Lifeguard certification is preferred.
• Completion of Waterfront Lifeguard certification during Staff Training.
• Completion of: Child Abuse Prevention, CPR/AED, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens. (We provide this as part of staff training week).
• Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
• Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.

• (10+ hours/week) Free Family Membership
• (10+ hours/week) Program discounts
• Generous retirement benefits - 12% after eligibility is met
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Sick Time

Childcare benefits of more than $5000 are considered taxable income and will be processed accordingly. Limitations and restrictions apply to some programs.