Nature Program Director/Sr. Counselor - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

2d•$2,500 - $3,900•Onsite

About The Position

Come empower youth to explore, learn, and grow 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 fields, and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs. This position combines the best of both roles: Sr. Counselor and Nature Program Director. The Nature Program Director component of the position is a key part of what makes camp unique, getting youth outside to play, explore, engage, and connect with the world around us. Working collaboratively with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director, the Nature Program Director is responsible for creating, maintaining, and leading all nature-based and environmental educational programming; ensuring all programming is developmentally appropriate, mission-aligned, and engaging for campers. The Nature Program Director will provide guidance and supervision to all counselor staff during the nature program blocks to ensure the highest program quality; maintain required program documentation and records; and ensure compliance with all applicable Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA), and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and procedures. The Sr. Counselor component of the position focuses on the safety and supervision of what is most important: the campers! Sr. Counselors assist in leading camp activities, providing overnight supervision in a camper cabin, 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. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING All applicants must apply online to be considered for this position. All applicants must complete an application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references. All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting. All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. Please contact the CCE office at 607-391-2660 with questions.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age.
Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026.
Relevant education or equivalent experience in environmental education, nature programming, or a related field.
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

Program Planning & Facilitation Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and facilitating activities as assigned.
Develop and lead camper-centered nature-based and environmental education program activities for campers ages 5–15.
Create a collection of lesson plans utilizing a variety of resources (4-H Curriculum, Project Learning Tree, etc.) for the nature program area for campers ages 5–15 for everyday use.
Scaffold all activities to meet campers needs and keep them engaged.
Actively participate and assist in all program areas as assigned, outside of the nature program block.
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.
Safety, Health & Compliance 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.
Leadership, Teamwork & Communication 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 nature 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.
Program Area & Facility Management Maintain and monitor supplies for the nature program area and inform camp leadership of needed materials.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the nature program building and program spaces, ensuring they are free of trash, food, and debris.
Monitor the condition of 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.
Evaluation & General Responsibilities Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and make suggestions for the next camping season.
Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5% 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 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 - Applied to all duties and functions. 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.