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

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

1d•$2,350 - $4,400•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 the two crucial roles at camp; Lifeguard and Senior (Sr.) Counselor! The primary responsibilities of a lifeguard include 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. Senior (Sr.) Counselors are in charge of the most important thing at camp, the campers! All summer long, they build connections, jump into activities with energy and enthusiasm, and serve as positive role models who help make camp a place where everyone feels welcome and included. While keeping the fun going, Sr. Counselors also have safety as their top priority by ensuring campers are always supervised and that all Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA), and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and procedures are followed. Sr. Counselors provide overnight supervision in camper cabins and help set the tone for a positive camp community where every camper can be their true self 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 18 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

Waterfront Programing and Support Assist in the leading and planning of fun waterfront activities for all campers, staff and volunteers within a physically, emotionally and environmentally safe environment.
Assist the Waterfront Director in documenting all camper swim levels upon their arrival.
Supervise all waterfront activities, including but not limited to; swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and non-instructional activities.
Utilize and enforce a “Buddy Board” system to ensure accountability for all campers and staff at the waterfront.
Role model, enforce and follow all safety procedures as per the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations for overnight camp.
Assist the Waterfront Director with maintaining the daily NYS Department of Health waterfront reports.
Report all incidents, injuries or near misses occurring at the waterfront to the Waterfront Director and assist in the completion of required paperwork.
Inform counselor staff of what additional supervision is needed while at the waterfront.
Monitor the swimming progress of campers and maintain records of any classes.
Assist in any camp staff orientation, instruction, and training involving waterfront procedures.
Participate in weekly drills and practice scenarios for lifeguards.
Waterfront Area and Equipment Understand and utilize all lifeguarding equipment appropriately.
Complete all required maintenance logs and sign-in/sign-out sheets and report any necessary repairs immediately to the Waterfront Director.
Assist in inventory as needed or requested by Summer Leadership staff.
Submit requests for equipment and supplies when needed, ensuring timely arrival of materials.
Safety & Camp Supervise campers at all times.
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.
Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff through attitude, body language, and behavior at all times.
Abide by and role model all 4-H Camp Owahta rules, policies and procedures throughout the summer camp season.
Establish and maintain positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers and camp visitors.
Create and lead orientation for campers on waterfront area, procedures and safety guidelines upon arrival to 4-H Camp Owahta.
Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and make suggestions for the next camping season.
Stay in and supervise a cabin of campers if needed or requested.
Camper Supervision & Youth Development Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in the cabin, and throughout camp to meet the intended program outcomes.
Ensure campers are always supervised: during meals, free times, program times, transition times, overnight in the cabin, and all-camp activities.
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.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned 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, 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 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.