Sports Senior Counselor

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. 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. 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. 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.

Responsibilities Program Planning & Facilitation - Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning, facilitating and assisting in activities as assigned. 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. 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. 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. 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. Program Area & Facility Management - 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. Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director. Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

Attend and participate in all of staff training; Minimum of one summer camp season as a camp counselor, program staff, lifeguard, etc.

Experience working with youth ages5-16.

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 (July5-August14,2026).

Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

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 primarily outdoors.

Receptiveness to guidance, supervision and feedback.

Ability to adapt and remain flexible in dynamic environments.

Experience working with youth of all ages.

Compensation This position is a full‑time exempt position, 100% FTE. The summer salary for this position is $2,100.00 to $3,400.00 commensurate with experience. Sponsorship for employment visa status is not available for this position.

Legal Statement Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State.