Jr. Lifeguard/Jr. Counselor - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Keep the fun afloat and campers safe 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 role combines two crucial roles at camp: Jr. Lifeguard and Junior (Jr.) Counselor! The primary responsibilities of a lifeguard are but are not limited to: supervising all waterfront and swimming activities, assisting in the planning and facilitation of waterfront activities, keeping the waterfront areas and equipment clean and organized, enforcing all Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA) and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies and upholding the American Red Cross lifeguarding standards. The Jr. Counselor component of the position focuses on the safety and supervision (in all areas of camp) of what is most important: the campers! Jr. Counselors work alongside the Sr. Counselors and assist in leading camp activities 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.

Requirements

Must be at least 17 years of age.
Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026.
Current Waterfront Lifeguard Certification from a course approved by the NYS Department of Health.
Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will re-certify if necessary).
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a staff member and/or CIT at an overnight summer camp.
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.

Responsibilities

Supervising all waterfront and swimming activities.
Assisting in the planning and facilitation of waterfront activities.
Keeping the waterfront areas and equipment clean and organized.
Enforcing all Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA) and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies and upholding the American Red Cross lifeguarding standards.
Supervising campers at all times.
Cooperating and actively engaging with directors, volunteers and counselors in the development and implementation of all camp activities.
Engaging fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and facilitating activities as assigned.
Serving as a positive role model for campers and staff through attitude, body language, and behavior at all times.
Establishing and maintaining positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers and camp visitors.
Creating and leading orientation for campers on waterfront area, procedures and safety guidelines upon arrival to 4-H Camp Owahta.
Assisting in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and making suggestions for the next camping season.
Staying in and supervising a cabin of campers if needed or requested.
Assisting in the supervision of campers throughout camp to meet the intended program outcomes.
Ensuring campers are always supervised: during meals, free times, program times, transition times, overnight in the cabin, and all-camp activities.
Assisting campers in following the daily schedule.
Providing guidance, direction and support to campers; relating to missing home, conflict mediation, personal hygiene, building friendships, developing independence, etc.
Being aware and proactive to camper and staff physical, emotional and mental needs and assisting if appropriate, if not communicating it to camp leadership or camp nurse immediately.
Attending 4-H Camp Owahta staff training week, participating in staff meetings and required training events as scheduled.
In cooperation with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director, jointly developing and pursuing a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to the position and to assist in establishing actionable steps for growth.
Submitting all required or requested reports, etc. in a timely manner.
Performing other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director.
Supporting the Association to maintain a safe working environment.
Being familiar and striving to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.
Acting proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicating hazards to supervisors when identified.
Assisting in the leading of fun waterfront activities for all campers, staff and volunteers within a physically, emotionally and environmentally safe environment.
Assisting the Waterfront Director in documenting all camper swim levels upon their arrival.
Supervising all waterfront activities, including but not limited to; swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and non-instructional activities.
Utilizing and enforcing a “Buddy Board” system to ensure accountability for all campers and staff at the waterfront.
Role modeling, enforcing and following all safety procedures as per the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations for overnight camp.
Assisting the Waterfront Director with maintaining the daily NYS Department of Health waterfront reports.
Reporting all incidents, injuries or near misses occurring at the waterfront to the Waterfront Director and assisting in the completion of required paperwork.
Informing counselor staff of what additional supervision is needed while at the waterfront.
Monitoring the swimming progress of campers and maintaining records of any classes.
Assisting in any camp staff orientation, instruction, and training involving waterfront procedures.
Participating in weekly drills and practice scenarios for lifeguards.
Understanding and utilizing all lifeguarding equipment appropriately.
Completing all required maintenance logs and sign-in/sign-out sheets and reporting any necessary repairs immediately to the Waterfront Director.
Assisting in inventory as needed or requested by Summer Leadership staff.
Submitting requests for equipment and supplies when needed, ensuring timely arrival of materials.