Assistant Day Camp Director

Recruitment began on January 30, 2026

and the job listing Expires on March 2, 2026

Classification:
Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)

Start Date:

6/1/2026

End Date: 9/18/2026

Duration (months):
Approx. 3 months

Hours per week:
Approx. 40 hours

Work Location:

4-H Acres;
Ithaca, NY

Compensation: $18-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience

Supervisor Name &

Title:

Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader

Benefits Eligibility:
Partially Benefits Eligible (no leave)

Employment Type:

Temporary

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 summer camp operations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 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 Summer Leadership team with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks.

This is a great role for someone who has experience in summer camps and would like to become more involved with the leadership side of summer camp operations.

• 21 years of age or older
• Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp
• Driver’s license and transportation to various camp locations on time
• Minimum 1 year experience in an administrative OR supervisory role in a camp setting or other related field
• Minimum 2-year experience working with children ages 5-12 directly in an outdoor setting
• Attend and assist in staff training June 22-26, 2026
• Able to work most of the camp season, June 22-September 4, 2026
• 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
• Experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-12
• Values diversity and inclusion and demonstrates an active awareness of issues of cultural appropriation and privilege
• Able to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather and tackle new problems each day
• Possess a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
• Ability to inspire and relate positively with youth, teens and young adults
• Ability to work evenings as needed
• Ability to manage conflict situations appropriately and efficiently
• Adapt quickly to shifting demands and multitask efficiently
• Works well with minimal supervision and asks for assistance when needed
• Strong commitment to teaching and sharing an appreciation for nature with people of all ages
• Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills
• Uphold the 4 Values of camp:
  Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, and Getting Outside in all interactions with campers, staff, and families within programs and activities

• Excellent social, communication, writing and computer skills
• Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
• 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
• Experience in mentoring OR coaching staff members/co‑workers in problem solving, organization and day to day coordination
• Experience working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
• Well-developed sense of humor, play, and curiosity
• Experience with nature awareness culture, such as Wilderness Awareness School, Art of Mentoring, or Kamana
• Experience with Coyote mentoring

• Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead
• Assist with the development and coordination of camp programs and activities for a safe, engaging, high…