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

Cornell Cooperative Extension•New York, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position combines the roles of Sr. Counselor and Outdoor Adventure Program Director at 4-H Camp Owahta. The Outdoor Adventure Program Director is responsible for creating, leading, and inspiring outdoor adventure programming for campers, ensuring it is developmentally appropriate, mission-aligned, and engaging. This role involves providing guidance and supervision to counselor staff during outdoor adventure program blocks, maintaining program documentation, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations from the Department of Health (DOH), American Camp Association (ACA), and 4-H Camp Owahta. The Sr. Counselor component focuses on camper safety and supervision, assisting in leading activities, providing overnight supervision in cabins, and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. The position requires performing all outlined duties and other responsibilities 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 outdoor education, adventure education, outdoor or experiential education.
Certified 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor in Archery (will certify if necessary).
Experience with teaching archery to children and/or youth.
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

Experience with air rifle and/or low ropes challenge courses.
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

Develop and lead camper-centered outdoor experiences including archery, low ropes course, team work challenges, and outdoor survival skills for campers ages 5-15.
Create lesson plans utilizing various resources for campers ages 5-15.
Model a curious, safe, and holistic approach to shooting sports and the outdoors.
Scaffold all activities to meet campers' needs and keep them engaged.
Actively participate and assist in all program areas outside of the outdoor adventure program block.
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers in cabins and throughout camp.
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 regarding homesickness, conflict mediation, personal hygiene, building friendships, and developing independence.
Be aware and proactive regarding camper and staff physical, emotional, and mental needs, and assist or communicate with camp leadership or camp nurse immediately.
Role model, enforce, and follow all safety procedures as per NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations for overnight camps.
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 Shooting Sports and 4-H Camp Owahta rules, policies, and procedures.
Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff through attitude, body language, and behavior.
Establish and maintain positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers, and camp visitors.
Guide and oversee assistant counselor staff during music and theater program blocks.
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 with camp leadership.
Maintain and monitor supplies for all outdoor adventure activities and lessons, and inform camp leadership of needed materials.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of all outdoor adventure supplies and spaces.
Monitor the condition of all shooting sports and low ropes equipment, and report repairs immediately.
Design and utilize a maintenance log and sign-in/out system for all shooting sports equipment.
Monitor the condition of equipment and facilities throughout camp to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance.
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.
Develop and pursue a professional development plan.
Submit all required or requested reports in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director.
Support the Association in maintaining a safe working environment.
Be familiar with and strive to follow 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.