Camp Counselor - Groton Summer Camp 2025

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County; Town of Groton (NY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic Camp Counselors for the summer camp season. This role involves supervising campers, ensuring their safety, and fostering an inclusive environment. Counselors will lead activities, support diverse backgrounds, and serve as positive role models. Ideal candidates will be at least 18 years old, possess strong communication skills, and have a passion for working with children. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in young lives while enjoying the great outdoors. Join a team that values diversity and teamwork, and help create memorable experiences for campers this summer!

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old and have experience working with children.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Supervise campers and ensure their safety and participation in activities.
• Serve as a positive role model and support diversity in interactions.

Skills

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Conflict Resolution

Flexibility

Child Supervision

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Camp Counselor is accountable for the initial supervision of the campers. It is the job of the Camp Counselor to ensure campers are enjoying and participating in the programs offered at camp.

• Position Dates: The summer camp season includes 1 week of pre-camp that begins on Monday, June 30, 2025, and 6 weeks of day camp that run from Monday thru Friday each week. Specific dates of camp are July 7 – August 15, 2025.
• Classification: Association Temp Program (non-exempt, not benefits eligible)

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance of campers in daily living, with special attention to personal hygiene and safety, camper participation in all-camp activities, management of homesickness, inclusion of campers in activities, and meal time behavior.
• Assume responsibility for following the rules, policies, and traditions of Groton Camp for all campers and staff.
• Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior.
• Assume responsibility for health, including physical, social, and emotional well-being of campers.
• Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers, and parents. Implement programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.
• Deliver camp programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Be physically able to accompany campers to any of the camp activities.
• Assure campers are properly supervised within the NYS Department of Health camp ratios at all times.
• Follow the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association guidelines for all activities.
• Apply positive youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, and involvement and engagement of youth.
• Have visual ability to recognize hazards in the camp setting as well as physical symptoms of camper injury or illness.
• Have auditory ability to respond appropriately to hazards and any camper concerns.
• Be able to observe camper behavior in daily camp life, to respond verbally to health and safety concerns, and to deal appropriately with any challenging behavior.
• Ability to lead programs as designated by the Camp Leadership team.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This work requires some physical exertion and endurance including prolonged standing, bending, stooping, walking long distances, running, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; willing to work in a camp setting and with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, cold, rain, and other varying weather conditions, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc.

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older.
• Experience as a camper or working with children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Camp Directors, work as part of a team with all camp staff, campers, and camp families.
• Incorporates teamwork and flexibility into their daily work style.
• Ability to work with peers.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Ability to meet acceptable background check standards.
• Ability to work flexible hours as appropriate.
• Ability to meet travel requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR and/or First Aid certification.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references via our online application. Applications will be accepted until 6/1/2025 or until suitable candidates are found.

Contact

Keith Davenport, [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.

No relocation or VISA sponsorship available.

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].