Assistant Day Camp Director

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Assistant Day Camp Director to support summer camp operations and foster relationships with nature. This role involves mentoring staff, managing emergencies, and facilitating engaging outdoor activities for children. The ideal candidate will have a passion for outdoor education, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join a dynamic team dedicated to creating memorable experiences for youth while promoting an appreciation for the natural world. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to grow in camp leadership and make a positive impact in their community.

Benefits

Partially Benefits Eligible

Flexible Schedule

Outdoor Work Environment

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ years old and have a valid driver's license.
• Minimum 1 year of administrative or supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with camp program development and coordination.
• Provide training and support for summer camp staff.
• Manage camper behavior and crisis situations.

Skills

Mentorship

Crisis Management

Communication Skills

Conflict Resolution

Outdoor Education

Team Leadership

Wilderness Survival Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

High School Diploma

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

Working Title: Assistant Day Camp Director
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/2/2025
End Date: 9/5/2025
Duration (months): Approx. 3 months
Hours per week: 20 hours: 6/1- 6/20. 40 hours: 6/23-9/5
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $18-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience
Supervisor Name & Title: Rachel Bortin, Camp Director
Benefits Eligibility: Partially Benefits Eligible (no leave)
Employment Type: Temporary

Position Summary
The mission of Primitive Pursuits is to steward the health of our community by fostering life-long relationships with the natural world through exceptional mentoring and nature education. Primitive Pursuits offers a variety of programs year-round, with our biggest program being our summer day camp.

The Assistant Day Camp Director works collaboratively with the Summer Leadership team to support the summer camp operations. Responsibilities include mentorship of staff, responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, assisting instructors with camper supervision, and interacting with parents, campers, staff, and administration as needed. Prior to the summer camp season, this position also assists the Day Camp Director with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks.

This is a great role for someone who would like to become more involved with the leadership side of summer camp.

Required Qualifications

1. 21 years of age or older
2. Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp
3. Driver’s license and transportation to various camp locations on time
4. Minimum 1 year experience in an administrative OR supervisory experience (does not have to be in a camp setting)
5. Minimum 2-year experience working with children ages 5-12 directly in an outdoor setting
6. Attend and assist in staff training June 23-26, 2025
7. Able to work most of the camp season, June 23-August 29
8. Must have RTE First Aid OR WFR Certification, and CPR for Professional Rescuer or higher OR be able to attain it before the start of camp
9. Experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-16
10. Values diversity and inclusion and demonstrates an active awareness to issues of cultural appropriation and privilege
11. Able to work in a changing outdoor environment and tackle new problems each day
12. Possess a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
13. Ability to inspire and relate positively with youth, teens, and young adults
14. Ability to work evenings as needed
15. Ability to manage conflict situations appropriately and efficiently
16. Works well with minimal supervision and asks for assistance when needed
17. Strong commitment to teaching and sharing an appreciation for nature with people of all ages
18. Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills
19. Aim to uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, Getting Outside, in all interactions with campers, staff, families, and parents and within programs and activities

Preferred Qualifications

1. Excellent social, communication, writing and computer skills
2. Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
3. Developing skills in specialized areas pertaining to wilderness living, primitive or naturalist skills OR seeking to learn specialized skills pertaining to wilderness living and primitive or naturalist skills
4. Experience in mentoring OR coaching staff members/co-workers in problem solving, organization and day to day coordination
5. Experience working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
6. Well-developed sense of humor, play and curiosity
7. Experience with nature awareness culture, such as Wilderness Awareness School, Art of Mentoring, or Kamana
8. Experience with Coyote mentoring

Responsibilities

1. Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead
2. Assist with the development and coordination of camp programs and activities for a safe, engaging, high quality summer program within the scope of Primitive Pursuit’s mission
3. Provide organizational and programmatic support
4. Assist with hiring and training of all summer camp staff
5. Assist with maintaining fiscal records for the summer camp program, including summer budget
6. Assist Health Director and Day Camp Directors in assuring that Health Department Guidelines for summer camp are met
7. Assist with follow-through of any correspondence necessary related to camp functions and activities, i.e., summer staff contracts, permits, certifications, etc.
8. Assist in the designation of camper placement within groups
9. Address crisis management, discipline and troubleshooting issues related to campers and/or staff.
10. Assist in determining supply and equipment needs and in ordering/purchasing in collaboration with the Logistics Coordinator and Day Camp Directors
11. Support and supervise instructors in organizing, implementing, decision-making and troubleshooting
12. Maintain a positive team and calm atmosphere that includes campers, families and staff
13. Schedule, supervise and evaluate program staff, including Lead Wilderness Instructors, Assistant Instructors, Interns, MITs and volunteers, providing support and disciplinary measures when necessary
14. Assist in the evaluation of the camp itself, as well as the camping experience for youth participants
15. Assist in overnight camp programs and able to stay onsite if needed (1-night)
16. Work as a wilderness instructor during the summer when needed
17. Role-model passion, enthusiasm and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature
18. Role-model appropriate footwear, clothing, and outdoor gear for the summer camp experience
19. Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to parents, staff and participants
20. Ability to speak to family members regarding camper behavior, conflicts, or situations
21. Work collaboratively with the Year-Round Camp Director when needed or requested
22. Ability to step-into the role of Day Camp Director if necessary
23. Other duties as assigned

How to Apply
Please complete our online employment application including cover letter and resume.
Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Contact
Rachel Bortin, Camp Director, [e-mail]

Additional Info
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal program and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

Accommodations:
The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [e-mail].