Assistant Camp Director - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•$3,600 - $4,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Camp Director of 4-H Camp Owahta position is more than a summer job, it’s a chance to lead, grow, and make a real impact! Come “Tap In To Your Potential!” 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. The Assistant Director is a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director to help set the tone and day-to-day energy of camp through staff leadership, camper support, administration, and risk management, while helping create a safe, fun, and meaningful summer for everyone. Duties of the position include, but are not limited to, assisting the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director with the development and facilitation of staff training; contributing to the design, delivery, and evaluation of summer camp programs that meet the needs and interests of campers and parents; assisting with daily camp operations; supervising campers and summer staff; and enforcing all camp policies and procedures. This position also serves as a point person in emergency situations, assists with camper behavior management, and supports weekly camp paperwork, including online registration and scheduling, day camper sign-in, and the review and maintenance of required records and logs. 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.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age.
Minimum two years 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; 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.
Awareness of and understanding of positive youth development principles.
Demonstrated good character and integrity in professional settings.

Nice To Haves

Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify if necessary).
Experience as a staff member at an overnight summer camp.
Interest in working with youth and young adults, primarily outdoors.
Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
Stay in and supervise a cabin of campers if needed or requested.
Staff Supervision, Training & Support Assist in providing 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 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 Day Camp Director.
Evaluate staff progress throughout the summer and assist with weekly staff check-ins in coordination with the Outdoor Recreation Director.
Provide recommendations and communicate concerns regarding staff performance and wellness to the Outdoor Recreation Director, Day Camp Director and/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.
Assist with weekly camp paperwork – camp registration paperwork, permission forms, weekly evaluations, program surveys, etc.
Communicate and check in daily with Outdoor Recreation Director and Day 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 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.