Nature Program Director​/Sr. Counselor H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY

Come empower youth to explore, learn, and grow at 4‑H Camp Owahta! 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 fields, and wooded trails. Each summer, the camp serves over 400 youth through its overnight and day camp programs.

This position combines the best of both roles:
Sr. Counselor and Nature Program Director.

The Nature Program Director component of the role is a key part of what makes camp unique, getting youth outside to play, explore, engage, and connect with the world around them. Working collaboratively with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director, the Nature Program Director is responsible for creating, maintaining, and leading all nature‑based and environmental educational programming; ensuring all programming is developmentally appropriate, mission‑aligned, and engaging for campers.

The Sr. Counselor component of the position focuses on the safety and supervision of campers, leading camp activities, providing overnight supervision in a camper cabin, and setting the tone for a positive inclusive space for campers to be their true selves.

Full‑time exempt, 100% FTE. Summer salary $2,500.00 to $3,600.00 commensurate with experience. This position requires work on‑site at 4‑H Camp Owahta from July5–August
14,2026.

• Plan and facilitate nature‑based and environmental education program activities for campers ages 5‑15, creating lesson plans using resources such as the 4‑H Curriculum and Project Learning Tree.
• Supervise and guide campers throughout the camp day, including meals, free time, program time, transition time, and overnight in the cabin.
• Support camper safety, health, and compliance with NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association regulations, completing required reports and ensuring medication administration.
• Act as a positive role model, establish rapport with campers, families, staff, volunteers, and camp visitors, and provide guidance and conflict mediation to campers.
• Lead and supervise assistant counselor staff during nature program blocks, ensuring high program quality and collaboration with camp leaders.
• Maintain the nature program area by monitoring supplies, cleanliness, equipment condition, and reporting needed repairs.
• Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp, providing suggestions for future seasons and submitting required reports in a timely manner.
• Participate in staff training week, staff meetings, and required training events as scheduled.
• Perform other duties assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director.

• Must be 18 years of age.
• Relevant education or equivalent experience in environmental education, nature programming, or a related field.
• Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff.
• Willingness to work and live in a camp community, residing at 4‑H Camp Owahta for the duration of the season.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (certification may be provided 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.
• Experience working with youth of all ages.

Salary range of $2,500.00 to $3,600.00, commensurate with experience. No visa sponsorship available for this position.