Counselor - Southold, NY

Cornell Univ (NYS Colleges & Exper Sta); New York (NY); On-site; USD 4,500 - 7,800; Full time

Job summary

Cornell Cooperative Extension is seeking a Camp Counselor Sr. Level with 4-H summer program responsibilities. You will lead activities, supervise campers, enforce safety procedures, and coordinate with Program Directors to expand camp resources.

You will participate in staff training, develop educational activities, and ensure health and safety standards across wake-up, meals, and activities. This seasonal role runs June 15, 2027 to August 23, 2027.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children.
• Ability to lead at least one program activity.
• Emotional maturity, good health, and vitality.
• Ability to work cooperatively with campers and staff.
• Willingness to learn.
• Must be at least 17 years old to comply with NYS DOH regulations.
• Ability to meet travel requirements.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational activities that engage campers and provide knowledge development.
• Teach and deliver the existing camp program as defined; develop new activities.
• Coordinate with the Program Director to create resources and evaluate programs.
• Supervise campers and enforce camp rules; ensure safety in all activities.
• Assist with health checks, daily routines, and camper transportation support.
• Participate in staff training and meetings; maintain program space and inventory.
• Collaborate with other counselors to foster a cohesive camp environment.
• Develop professional growth plan and support extension activities.

Skills

Experience with children

Leadership of activities

Teamwork

Willingness to learn

Flexible hours

Education

One year college coursework in education/related field

First Aid/CPR certification

Job description

As a counselor, provide leadership and guidance for a group of campers. Participate in the general planning of the camp program. Assist Camp Program Directors with program activities. Under the supervision of the Camp Program Directors, plan and conduct programs in a specific program area for 4-H summer campers. Assist with all camp program activities and other camp-wide activities as assigned. Interpret safety and health regulations. Participate in staff meetings and training events as scheduled.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with children.
• The ability to lead at least one program activity suitable for camp leadership.
• Emotional maturity, good health, and vitality.
• Ability to work cooperatively with campers and other staff members.
• Willingness to learn
• Must be at least 17 years old to comply with NYS Department of Health regulations.
• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One year of college and coursework in education, physical education, outdoor recreation, youth development, or a related field.
• One or more years of experience as a camp counselor.
• First Aid/CPR certification.

POSITION DETAILS:

Salary: $4,500 - $7,800 per season

Schedule: EXEMPT - TEMP: June 15, 2027 - August 23, 2027

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Program Responsibilities:

Program Development - 5%

Work with Program Director to investigate and create additional program resources

Make suggestions to the Program Director for the development of new activities.

Work closely with Program Director to develop educational and recreational program activities.

Program Delivery:

60% Lead educational activities that engage campers and provide opportunities for knowledge acquisition and skill development.

Teach and deliver the existing camp program as defined.

Teach innovative camp programs.

Utilizing established materials serve as a subject matter resource in discipline; to provide standard responses.

Interact with camp participants.

Utilize a variety of proven educational methodologies.

Evaluate the camper's abilities and skills in program areas to ensure an appropriate program level and activities.

Program Evaluation:

5% Continuously evaluate program activities and consult with Program Director to adjust based on evaluation as needed.

Prepare written evaluation reports as directed.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Direction:

5% Work closely with Program Director to plan educational and recreational program activities.

Management:

10% Supervise campers in your assigned group (e.g., cabin, class, etc.) to ensure safety.

Enforce camp rules with campers in your charge by consistently adhering to procedures.

Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities and daily routines.

Actively supervise the daily routines of wake-up, chores, meals, camper hygiene, rest, and bedtimes for sleep-away camp counselors

Actively supervise campers during program areas and all camp activities.

Recognize and respond to problems as they arise

Supervise all safety procedures required for assigned activity.

Be alert and monitor campers' needs.

Discuss camper needs with Camp Director and parents, as appropriate.

Work with and support other counselors to ensure a cohesive camping environment that serves and respects all camp community members.

Set a good example and role model by demonstrating respect, cleanliness, punctuality, cooperation, caring, sportsmanship, manners, and healthy habits.

Coordination/Operation:

10% Instruct campers on emergency procedures.

Take attendance frequently for assigned groups of campers and report any campers not accounted for to Supervisor immediately.

Explain camp and cabin rules to campers in your charge.

Report hazards, unsafe conditions, equipment, and facilities to the Facilities Manager or Camp Director.

Coordinate and assist in preparing required camper health records.

Document incidents and concerns as directed.

Make positive connections with campers and develop meaningful, respectful relationships.

Facilitate problem-solving through active listening, guidance, and conflict mediation.

Assist with camper personal and health problems.

Explain all safety procedures required for assigned activity.

Determine equipment and supply needs and submit them to Program Director.

Prepare space, equipment, and materials for daily activities in a manner that optimizes camper motivation and learning.

Assist with weekly overnight and day camp drop off and pick up; parking duties, health check-ins, or other duties as assigned.

Answer parent questions for day camper and overnight camper drop-off and pick-up.

Complete reports and maintain accurate records as directed.

Prepare for and actively participate in staff training and meetings.

Maintain a clean, neat, and orderly program space.

Maintain program equipment in a safe condition.

Maintain inventory of program supplies and equipment.

Professional Improvement:

5% In cooperation with Supervisor and Executive Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and address changes and Association priorities.

Collaborate in activities that generally support Cornell Cooperative Extension and perform other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety – Applied to all duties and functions Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment. Be familiar with and follow applicable federal, state, and local regulations, Association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement, and standards. Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

Job Title: Association Tmp Camp Couns Sr Level: No Grade - Annual Pay Rate Type: Salary Company: Contact Name: Ashley Downs

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. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

Look for us on the web at cce.cornell.edu/.