Camp Bristol Hills: Class (Program) Specialist - Canandaigua, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The mission of 4-H Camp Bristol Hills is to provide youth with a unique, fun outdoor experience under the guidance of positive role models, emphasizing positive social interaction, environmental awareness, and skill building. The Camp Class Specialist responsible for the safe and effective development and implementation of a specific program area. 4-H Camp Bristol Hills employs Class Specialists in the following areas: Adventure (Ropes Course), Archery and Riflery. Outside of class instruction time, Class Specialists perform the role of Camp Counselor, and as such, they are accountable for the initial supervision of the campers. It is the job of the Camp Counselor to ensure the campers are enjoying and participating in the programs offered at camp. The Camp Class Specialist lives in cabins with campers, unless otherwise specified. Duration The Class Specialist will assume this role on June 24, 2026, in order to assist the Camp Director and the Camp Manager in preparing the camp programs and facilities. The summer camp season includes 1.5 weeks of pre-camp and 5 weeks of residential camp that run from Sunday morning to Friday evening each week. Specific dates of camp are July 5 – August 7, 2026. Pending availability, Class Specialists could begin work as early as June 1 based on program needs, training, and availability.

Requirements

18 years of age or older by the first day of working with campers.
Subject specific certifications, trainings and/or significant relevant experience.
Experience as a camper or working with children.
Ability to communicate effectively with Camp Director, entire camp staff, campers, and camp families.
Incorporates Teamwork and Flexibility into their daily work style.
Ability to work with peers.
Ability to plan and lead programs.

Nice To Haves

CPR for the Professional Rescuer and/or First Aid Responding to Emergencies desired.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a specific area of instruction for groups of 6-30 campers depending on the class.
Manage the maintenance and inventory of the equipment and supplies related to their specific class area.
Be familiar with best practices in the given areas of their respective class area and implement activities within the parameters outlined in the Health and Safety Plan, approved by the NYS Department of Health.
Live in cabin with campers.
Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance of those campers in daily living, with special attention to: personal hygiene and safety, camper participation in all-camp activities, and meal time behavior and habits.
Assume responsibility for interpreting the rules, policies, and traditions of the camp to the camper.
Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior.
Assume responsibility for the health and welfare of campers in his/her bunk.
Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents.
Implement programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests and learning styles.
Organize, plan, and lead camp programs.
Other duties may be assigned as required.
Be physically able to accompany the campers to any of the camp activities.
Ensure campers are properly supervised at all times.
Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, and involvement and empowerment of youth.
Have visual ability to recognize hazards in the camp setting as well as physical symptoms of camper injury or illness.
Have auditory ability to respond appropriately to hazards and any camper concerns.
Be able to observe camper behavior in daily camp life, to respond verbally to health and safety concerns, and to deal appropriately with any improper behavior.