Hiking and Camping Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

Hiking and Camping Counselor - Sleepaway Camp

Location: BCNY Harriman Basecamp, Harriman State Park, Southfields, NY

Employment Dates: June 22 – August 15, 2026

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided

Reports To: Activity Counselor Division Leader

The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep‑away camp experience designed for 10 to 17‑year‑old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.

At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence‑based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY’s Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.

The Hiking & Camping Counselor is a skill‑focused, safety‑driven role responsible for leading engaging, developmentally appropriate hiking and overnight camping programming for campers ages 10–17. As the primary facilitator of the hiking and camping activity area, the counselor guides campers through a progressive outdoor skill sequence—from day hikes and trail awareness to navigation basics, campcraft, and overnight camping experiences—building confidence, independence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

The Hiking & Camping Counselor plans and leads both on‑site instruction and off‑site or backcountry experiences within Harriman State Park, emphasizing preparation, risk awareness, teamwork, and reflection.

Beyond the trail, Hiking & Camping Counselors are fully immersed in camp life. They actively support cabin routines, meals, community moments, and camp‑wide programming. Working under the supervision of the Activity Counselor Division Leader and in collaboration with camp leadership, they help ensure consistent supervision, strong safety practices, and meaningful outdoor education experiences throughout the session.

Opportunities are available for staff to receive Outdoor Leadership training and Wilderness First Aid certification.

Mandatory attendance at full pre‑camp staff training (June 22 – July
3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.

• Plan and lead engaging, age‑appropriate hiking and camping instruction aligned with camp schedules, themes, and camper readiness (e.g., trail etiquette, pacing, map reading, Leave No Trace principles, campsite setup, and outdoor cooking basics).
• Teach and reinforce hiking fundamentals, including proper footwear and packing, hydration and nutrition, group spacing, trail awareness, and risk recognition.
• Facilitate progressive skill development that builds stamina, confidence, and independence through increasingly challenging hikes and responsibilities.
• Plan and lead structured camping and backpacking experiences, including tent set‑up, campsite organization, meal preparation, fire safety, and nighttime routines.
• Support campers in developing teamwork, leadership, problem‑solving, and resilience through shared outdoor challenges.
• Integrate reflection and discussion to help campers connect outdoor experiences to personal growth, responsibility, and community values.

• Enforce all hiking, camping, backpacking and outdoor safety standards, including park regulations, camp policies, and emergency procedures.
• Conduct route planning, daily risk assessments, weather monitoring, and equipment checks and maintenance prior to all hikes and camping trips.
• Maintain active supervision of campers on trails and at campsites, ensuring appropriate pacing, group cohesion, and…