Garden & Small Animal Program Director/Sr. Counselor - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

This position at 4-H Camp Owahta combines the roles of Sr. Counselor and Garden & Small Animal Program Director. The Garden & Small Animal Program Director is responsible for the health, care, and safety of the camp animals and garden, creating and leading engaging, hands-on activities for campers. This role involves collaborating with other directors and volunteers, supervising counselor staff, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. The Sr. Counselor aspect focuses on camper safety and supervision, assisting in activities, supporting the waterfront, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. The position requires performing all outlined duties and others as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age.
Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026.
Relevant education experience in gardening and animal care.
Experience in taking care of small farm animals and maintaining a garden.
Comfortability in doing garden work including but not limited to; weeding, compost, watering, digging.
Comfortability around small farm animals including but limited to; chickens, goats.
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.

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.
Experience working with youth of all ages.

Responsibilities

Maintain the health, care, and safety of camp animals and garden.
Create, lead, and engage campers in hands-on activities with camp animals and garden plants.
Ensure all programming is developmentally appropriate and mission-aligned.
Provide guidance and supervision to counselor staff during garden and small animal program blocks.
Maintain required program documentation and records.
Ensure compliance with Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA), and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Assist in leading camp activities.
Provide additional support at the waterfront.
Help set the tone for a positive, inclusive space for campers.
Perform all duties outlined in the description and other responsibilities as assigned.
Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and facilitating activities as assigned.
Develop and lead hands-on, camper-centered garden and animal type activities for campers ages 5–15.
Create and lead campers in animal care (small tasks).
Create a collection of lesson plans utilizing a variety of resources for campers ages 5–15 for everyday use.
Model a fun, encouraging, and safe approach to gardening and animal care.
Scaffold all activities to meet campers needs and keep them engaged.
Actively participate and assist in all program areas as assigned, outside of the garden and small animal program block.
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, and all-camp activities.
Supervise and stay in a camper cabin if needed.
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.
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.
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.
Guide and oversee the assistant counselor staff during the garden and small animal program block to ensure high program quality.
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.
Maintain and monitor supplies for all garden and small animal activities and lessons and inform camp leadership of needed materials.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the camp garden, ensuring it is free of trash, food, debris and tools.
Maintain the cleanliness of the animal pens, ensuring there is always food, water and shelter and it is free of trash, debris, feces and equipment.
Weed, harvest and water the garden as needed in collaboration with the Master Gardener Volunteers.
Create and maintain a daily log for all the small animals and garden area and inform camp leadership immediately if something needs attention.
Collaborate with the camp cook to discuss potential camp meals or snacks inspired by the garden.
Monitor the condition of camp 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.
Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and make suggestions for the next camping season.
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.
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.
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.