Job Information
4H Camp Owahta Cornell Cooperative Extension Cortland County Assistant Camp Director in MC GRAW, New York
POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Camp Director of 4-H Camp Owahta position is more than a summer job, its a chance to lead, grow, and make a real impact! Come Tap In To Your Potential! 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 field and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs. The Assistant Director is a key member of the leadership team, working closely with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director to help set the tone and day-to-day energy of camp through staff leadership, camper support, administration, and risk management, while helping create a safe, fun, and meaningful summer for everyone. Duties of the position include, but are not limited to, assisting the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director with the development and facilitation of staff training; contributing to the design, delivery, and evaluation of summer camp programs that meet the needs and interests of campers and parents; assisting with daily camp operations; supervising campers and summer staff; and enforcing all camp policies and procedures. This position also serves as a point person in emergency situations, assists with camper behavior management, and supports weekly camp paperwork, including online registration and scheduling, day camper sign-in, and the review and maintenance of required records and logs. This position is responsible for performing all duties outlined in this description, as well as other responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the Outdoor Recreation Director. Housing and food included!Compensation: $3,600-$4,800 (based on experience) for entire season REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Must be at least 21 years of age. Bachelor Degree Attend and participate in all of staff training and pre-camp set-up; June 22-July 3,2026. Minimum six months of leadership experience in a summer camp setting (such as Program Director, Lifeguard, Senior Counselor, etc.) or equivalent experience in an outdoor program or classroom setting for youth ages 5-16. 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 (July 5-August 14, 2026). Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends. Awareness of and understanding of positive youth development principles. Ability to meet NYS Department of Health and CCE Cortland background checks Demonstrated good character and integrity in professional settings. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 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. Demonstrated resilience and sound judgment during challenging or adverse situations. RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Camp Operations, Safety & Compliance Assist in maintaining a physically, emotionally and environmentally safe environment for all campers, staff, volunteers and families so everyone can tap in to their full potential. Abide by and enforce all policies and procedures according to the Department of Health (DOH) summer camp regulations and Camp Manual. Abide by and enforce all American Camp Association (ACA) industry standards. Assist in providing supervision of campers at all times while campers