Job Description

Help build a summer at 4-H Camp Owahta that kids can’t stop talking about! 4-H Camp Owahta, owned and operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is a vibrant 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY, complete with cabins, a rustic lodge, a waterfront, sports fields, and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs.

The Day Camp Director is a key position within the summer leadership team. The Day Camp Director oversees operation, logistics and safety of the 4-H Camp Owahta day camp program. The Day Camp Director will work closely with the Assistant Camp Director and Outdoor Recreation Director to support successful, integrated overnight and day camp programs and ensure a high-quality camper experience. The primary responsibilities include but are not limited to: organizing, completing and reviewing paperwork, supervising counselor staff; role modeling and enforcing all 4-H Camp Owahta, American Camp Association (ACA) and Department of Health (DOH) standards; communicating with parents regarding camper behavior and/or needs; addressing camper behavior; plan and lead programming and activity blocks, and communicating with the appropriate staff members for the safety of all campers.

This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/

Please contact the CCE office at 607-391-2660 with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The summer salary for this position is $3,000.00 to $4,000.00 commensurate with experience.

Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• At least 21 years of age.
• Bachelor Degree as per the New York State Department of Health requirements.
• Minimum six months of leadership experience in a summer camp setting (such as Program Director, Lifeguard, Senior Counselor, etc.) or equivalent experience in an outdoor program or classroom setting for youth ages 5-16.
• Attend and participate in all of staff training and pre-camp set-up; June 22-July 3, 2026.
• Interest in working with youth and young adults, primarily outdoors.
• Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
• Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
• Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Awareness of and understanding of positive youth development principles.
• Demonstrated good character and integrity in professional settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
• Ability to effectively teach skills to staff members and campers ages 5-16.
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible in dynamic environments.
• Demonstrated resilience and sound judgment during challenging or adverse situations.
• Enthusiasm and sense of humor.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Responsibilities - 95%

Support the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director in overseeing all aspects of managing, coordinating, and operating 4-H Camp Owahta summer camp programs, with particular focus on the day camp program.

Camp Operations, Safety & Compliance

• Assist in maintaining a physically, emotionally and environmentally safe environment for all campers, staff, volunteers and families so everyone can tap in to their full potential.
• Abide by and enforce all policies and procedures according to the Department of Health (DOH) summer camp regulations and Camp Manual.
• Abide by and enforce all American Camp Association (ACA) industry standards.
• Assist in providing supervision of campers at all times while campers are onsite.
• Assist and/or serve as point person during medical emergencies or mental health crisis involving campers or staff.
• Assist in all areas of camp as needed or requested; including but not limited to; kitchen, cabins, program areas, waterfront, infirmary, etc.
• Check campers in and out every day from day camp following all 4-H Camp Owahta procedures.
• Communicate with parents in a timely manner regarding camper behavior and/or needs.
• Stay in and supervise a cabin of campers if needed or requested.

Staff Supervision, Training & Support

• Provide guidance, direction, and support to staff relating to camper needs, conflict mediation, camper behavior and special concerns.
• Assist in the development and leading of staff training week and in creating agendas and topics for staff meetings.
• Teach and role model to staff the components of a high-quality program.
• Coordinate with the Assistant Camp Director on staff schedules and supervision to maintain appropriate staff-to-camper ratios and adequate staff breaks.
• Check in regularly with all staff to ensure their needs are met and communicate those needs to the Outdoor Recreation Director or Assistant Camp Director is necessary.
• Evaluate staff progress throughout the summer and assist with weekly staff check-ins in coordination with the Outdoor Recreation Director and the Assistant Camp Director.
• Provide recommendations and communicate concerns regarding staff performance and wellness to the Outdoor Recreation Director, or camp assistant director.
• Supervise summer camp staff.

Camper Support & Youth Development

• Assist in providing guidance, direction and support to campers relating to missing home, conflict mediation, personal hygiene, building friendships, developing independence, etc.
• Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff through attitude, body language, and behavior at all times.
• Establish and maintain positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers and camp visitors.
• Approach all situations in a calm and curious manner.

Programming, Curriculum & Leadership Development

• Using research-based 4-H curriculum and existing program resources, assist in writing age-appropriate lesson plans for; all activity areas as needed, the Leader-in-Training (LIT) and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs.
• Assist the LIT/CIT Program Director and/or Outdoor Recreation Director in delivering and evaluating the 4-H Leadership programs at camp.
• Assist the LIT/CIT Program Director and/or Outdoor Recreation Director in providing LIT’s and CIT’s appropriate leadership opportunities in compliance with DOH regulations and ACA standards.
• Ensure programs are delivered in a safe, equitable, and quality manner, using 4-H research-based curriculum as appropriate.
• Cooperate and actively engage with directors, volunteers and counselors in the development and implementation of all camp activities.
• Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and facilitating activities as assigned.

Accreditation, Documentation & Communication

• Assist in maintaining the American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation.
• Maintain, organize and review all day camp paperwork very week to ensure all required information and documentation has been obtained.
• Maintain a daily camper check-in/check-out log.
• Communicate and check in daily with Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director.
• Seek, analyze, and apply input from campers, families, and staff in all aspects of camp throughout the summer.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%​

• Attend 4-H Camp Owahta staff training week, participate in staff meetings and required training events as scheduled.
• In cooperation with the Outdoor Recreation Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to the position and to assist in establishing actionable steps for growth.
• Submit all required or requested expenses, reports, etc. in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
• Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

Job Title:

Association Tmp Camp Director

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.