Summer Day Camp Director

Summer 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:

03/23/2026

End Date: 9/18/2026

Duration (months):
Approx. 7 months

Hours per week: 20 hours: 3/23-5/28;
Approx. 40 hours: 6/1-9/18

Work Location:

4-H Acres;
Ithaca, NY

Compensation: $19-$20 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 Summer Day Camp Director works collaboratively with the 4-H Primitive Pursuits Program and Camp Director and Assistant Camp Directors to support the summer camp operations. Prior to summer, the Summer Day Camp Director will assist in a variety of tasks including but not limited to: staff hiring, staff scheduling, camper registrations, crafting staff training week, ordering supplies, staff recruitment, scheduling medical trainings, and submitting all required documentation to the New York State Department of Health.

During the summer, the Day Camp Director will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the day camp program including but not limited to: day camp instructors, assistant camp directors, logistics coordinator, volunteers and others. The Director will be the point person for responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, creating staff schedules and interacting with parents, campers, staff, and administration.

This is a great position for someone who has ample experience in summer camp leadership and has a deep connection to the natural world.

• 21 years of age or older
• Must pass all required screenings for Camp Directors as per NYS Department of Health summer camp requirements
• Driver’s license and transportation to various camp locations on time
• 2+ years’ experience working at a summer day camp for youth ages 5-16 in a leadership capacity (ex: assistant director, aquatics director, program director, etc.)
• Minimum 2-year experience working at a summer day camp in an undeveloped setting for youth ages 5-16
• Minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience in a camp setting
• Excellent social, communication, writing, and computer skills
• Experience in mentoring OR coaching staff members/co-workers in problem solving, organization, and day to day coordination
• 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
• Able to work the entire camp season, June 22-September 4, 2026
• Attend and assist in leading staff training June 22-26, 2026
• Experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-16
• Experience teaching children and youth ages 5-16 directly in an outdoor setting
• 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
• Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
• Be able to multitask and prioritize accordingly
• Ability to handle high levels of stress in a calm and collected manner with the big picture in mind
• Possess a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
• 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
• 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
• Works well with minimal supervision and asks for assistance when needed
• Strong commitment to teaching and sharing an appreciation for…