Job Description

Be the spark of camp spirit—bring enthusiasm, positivity, and leadership every day at 4-H Camp Owahta! 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 field and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs.

This position is perfect for someone who is seeking a future role as a camp counselor, teacher, childcare worker or educator. This position provides an opportunity to work with youth in an outdoor setting, collaborate within a team environment, and strengthen problem-solving and risk management skills. The primary responsibilities of the Jr. Counselor are to assist in the supervision and safety of campers, planning and leading camp activities and acting as a positive role model for campers. Jr. Counselors work alongside the Sr. Counselors and help set the tone for a positive, inclusive space for everyone to be their true selves and “Tap In To Their Potential.”

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 $1,350.00 to $2,150.00 commensurate with experience.

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

POSITION INFORMATION:

Required Qualifications:

• 17 years of age.
• Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as a staff member and/or CIT at an overnight summer camp.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health.
• Interest in working with youth primarily outdoors.
• Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
• Ability to effectively teach campers ages 5-16.
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible in dynamic environments.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Responsibilities - 95%

Program Planning & Facilitation

• Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning, facilitating and assisting in activities as assigned.
• Take direction and guidance from Program Directors during program times.
• Complete and follow through on tasks given to you by Program Directors during program times.
• Assist in programs as needed.

Camper Supervision & Youth Development

• Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers throughout camp to meet the intended program outcomes.
• Ensure campers are always supervised: during meals, free times, program times, transition times, overnight in the cabin, and all-camp activities.
• Assist campers in following the daily schedule.
• Provide guidance, direction and support to campers relating to missing home, conflict mediation, personal hygiene, building friendships, developing independence, etc.
• Be aware and proactive to camper and staff physical, emotional and mental needs and assist if appropriate, if not communicate it to camp leadership or camp nurse immediately.

Safety, Health & Compliance

• Role model, enforce and follow all safety procedures as per the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations for overnight camp.
• Complete NYS Department of Health reports and information when necessary or requested.
• Ensure campers receive their medications as directed by the camp nurse.
• Abide by and role model all 4-H Camp Owahta rules, policies and procedures throughout the summer camp season.

Leadership, Teamwork & Communication

• 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.
• Cooperate and actively engage with directors, volunteers and counselors in the development and implementation of all camp activities.
• Keep all coordinators, counselors and directors updated with pertinent information.
• Communicate, support and collaborate on camper behavior management to camp leadership.

Program Area & Facility Management

• Monitor the condition of equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to, report repairs immediately to the Outdoor Recreation Director or Assistant Camp Director.

Evaluation & General Responsibilities

• Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and make suggestions for the next camping season.

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 and Assistant Camp 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 reports, etc. in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp 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 Couns Jr

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.