Extended Day Camp Coordinator

Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County•Ithaca, NY

4d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. Primitive Pursuits offers a variety of programs year-round, with our biggest program being our summer camps. The Extended Day Camp Coordinator will oversee the campers and staff of the Extended Day program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers and staff who remain onsite after the Day Camp Program ends. This person will oversee a small team of staff who will work together to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. Prior to the start of camp, the Extended Day Camp Coordinator will be required to attend all of staff training (40-hour work week) to become comfortable and familiar with camp operations, risk management protocols and policies, and more.

Requirements

21 years of age or older
Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp
Driver’s license and transportation to various camp locations on time
Minimum 1 year experience in an administrative OR supervisory experience (does not have to be in a camp setting)
Minimum 2-year experience working with children ages 5-12 directly in an outdoor setting
Attend all of staff training June 22-June 26, 2026 (40 hours)
Able to work 2 pm-6 pm; Monday-Friday for most of the camp season; June 29-September 4
Must have RTE First Aid OR WFR Certification, and CPR for Professional Rescuer or higher OR be able to attain it before the start of camp
Values diversity and inclusion and demonstrates an active awareness of issues of cultural appropriation and privilege
Able to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather and tackle new problems each day
Possess a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
Ability to inspire and relate positively with children, youth and adults
Ability to manage conflict situations appropriately and efficiently
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Works well with minimal supervision and asks for assistance when needed
Experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-12
Strong commitment to teaching and sharing an appreciation for nature with people of all ages
Uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, and Getting Outside, in all interactions with campers, staff, and families within programs and activities

Nice To Haves

Excellent social, communication, writing, and computer skills
Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
Developing skills in specialized areas pertaining to wilderness living, primitive or naturalist skills OR seeking to learn specialized skills pertaining to wilderness living and primitive or naturalist skills
Experience in mentoring OR coaching staff members/co-workers in problem solving, organization and day to day coordination
Experience working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
Well-developed sense of humor, play, and curiosity
Experience with nature awareness culture, such as Wilderness Awareness School, Art of Mentoring, or Kamana
Experience with Coyote mentoring
Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills

Responsibilities

Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead
Oversee an instructor team consisting of 2-4 people
Work collaboratively and closely with the Summer Leadership team and office-based staff
Create positive rapport with extended day staff, campers, and families
Ensure all camp systems and policies, including risk management policies, are followed
Safely and efficiently check out campers as per our check-out policies
Clean up all program areas daily of program supplies, food, etc.
Communicate with Day Camp Instructors regarding camper behavior and necessary information that needs to be passed along to families
Plan and coordinate safe, engaging, and high-quality extended day programs and activities within the scope of Primitive Pursuits’ mission
Provide organizational and programmatic support
Assist with maintaining fiscal records for the summer camp program, including summer budget
Assist Health Director and the Summer Leadership Team in assuring that Health Department Guidelines for summer camp are met
Address crisis management, discipline, and troubleshooting issues related to campers and/or staff
Assist in determining supply and equipment needs and in ordering/purchasing in collaboration with the Summer Leadership Team
Maintain a positive and calm team atmosphere that includes campers, families, and staff
Schedule, supervise, and evaluate Extended Day program staff
Actively participate in the process of giving, receiving, and implementing constructive feedback within Extended Day Instructor and Summer Leadership teams
Role-model passion, enthusiasm, and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature
Role-model appropriate footwear, clothing, and outdoor gear for the summer camp experience
Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to families, staff, and campers
Ability to speak to family members regarding camper behavior, conflicts, or situations
Work collaboratively with the 4-H Primitive Pursuits Program and Camp Director when needed or requested
Ability to fill in as a Wilderness Instructor or Assistant Camp Director during the regular camp day if needed
Communicate with other groups who may be utilizing the camp space during extended day hours
Other duties as assigned