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

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

4-H Camp Owahta, operated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Cortland County, is seeking a Nature Program Director/Sr. Counselor for its 128-acre camp in McGraw, NY. This role combines directing nature-based programming with the responsibilities of a Sr. Counselor, focusing on camper safety and supervision. The Nature Program Director will create, lead, and maintain environmental educational programming, ensuring it is developmentally appropriate and engaging. This includes guiding counselor staff during nature program blocks, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with DOH, ACA, and 4-H safety regulations. The Sr. Counselor aspect involves assisting in camp activities, providing overnight supervision in cabins, 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 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

Create, maintain, and lead all nature-based and environmental educational programming.
Ensure all programming is developmentally appropriate, mission-aligned, and engaging for campers.
Provide guidance and supervision to counselor staff during nature program blocks.
Maintain required program documentation and records.
Ensure compliance with DOH, ACA, and 4-H Camp Owahta safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Assist in leading camp activities.
Provide overnight supervision in a camper cabin.
Help set the tone for a positive, inclusive space for everyone.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.