Day Camp Counselor - Manlius, NY

This position will serve as the Day Camp Counselor for Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Onondaga County’s 4-H summer camp. The summer camp programs will be held at County Parks in Manlius, Fabius, Brewerton, and Liverpool, as well as a City Park in Syracuse. Counselors will provide leadership and guidance for assigned groups of campers. Duties include developing, leading, and assisting with programs and activities, coaching and mentoring campers as they interact with others throughout the camp experience, including conflict resolution when needed. Counselors will provide supervision and ensure compliance with camp policies and procedures for campers assigned to their group(s) to ensure the program runs safely. Counselors will assist with all camp program activities and other camp-wide activities as assigned. Counselors will participate in required week-long staff training prior to the camp season.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS: PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING

All applicants must apply online by close of day on March 26, 2026 to be considered for this position. All applicants must submit a complete application online, which includes: cover letter, resume and three (3) references with at least two (2) professional references, including one in a current or past supervisory role.

All External Applicants (including applicants currently employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Associations other than the Association advertising this career opportunity) must submit his/her application materials via the "APPLY" button located within this job posting.

All Internal Applicants (current employees working for the Association advertising this career opportunity) must apply online via his/her Workday account, which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/ .

Please contact the CCE Onondaga Office at 315-424-9485 with questions.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position is a full-time exempt position, 100% FTE. The salary for this position is $5,200.00 for the summer season. There are four (4) positions available.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years old.

• One year of college completed.

• Ability to meet travel requirements associated with this position.

• Experience and desire to work with children.

• Strong organizational and leadership skills.

• Ability to teach, supervise and motivate youth.

• Demonstrate flexibility, positive attitude, emotional intelligence and maturity.

• Ability to work cooperatively with campers and other staff members.

• Willingness to learn and adopt a growth mindset.

• Must be able to work outdoors during the summer months in all conditions, and navigate a variety of terrain within the parks.

• Willingness to administer basic first aid (training will be provided during staff training).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Coursework in youth development, education, environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, or a related field.

• Experience in program development and facilitation.

• Experience in conflict resolution.

• One or more years of experience as a camp counselor.

• First Aid, CPR, AED certification.

Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

Job Duties - 95%

• Work with and support other counselors to ensure a cohesive camping environment that supports community-oriented camp culture and emphasizes acceptance, cooperation, and empathy.

• Assist in communicating the fundamentals of the 4-Hs (Head, Hands, Heart and Health), and positive youth development.

• Make positive connections with campers and develop meaningful, respectful relationships.

• Facilitate problem-solving through active listening, guidance, and conflict mediation.

• Set a good example and be a role model by demonstrating respect, cleanliness, punctuality, cooperation, caring, sportsmanship, manners, and healthy habits.

• Show enthusiasm and encourage campers to get involved in all camp activities.

• Actively participate in programming, and lead by example, to promote camper engagement.

• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities and daily routines.

• Actively supervise daily routines, including meals, snacks, camper hygiene, and pack-up at the end of each day for campers (lunch bags, water bottles, craft projects etc.).

• Be alert and monitor campers' needs.

• Actively supervise campers in your assigned group during all camp activities to ensure safety.

• Enforce camp rules with campers in your charge by consistently adhering to procedures.

• Recognize and respond to problems as they arise.

• Supervise all safety procedures required for assigned activity.

• Prepare for and contribute questions, ideas, and feedback in staff trainings and daily staff meetings.

• Discuss camper needs with Camp Director and camper’s adults, as appropriate.

• Instruct campers in your assigned group(s) on applicable emergency procedures.

• Take attendance for all assigned groups of campers and report any campers not accounted for immediately, to the camp director.

• Administer basic first aid, in accordance with training.

• Report hazards, unsafe conditions, equipment, and facilities to the Camp Director.

• Document incidents and concerns as directed.

• Answer questions from camper’s adults during camper drop-off and pick-up.

• Conduct all programming and activities in accordance with the Civil Rights Act, Title IX Rehabilitation, Americans with Disabilities Act, and local state, and regional affirmative action plans.

• At all times, act in a professional customer service manner including but not limited to business-like demeanor, tactful communications, cooperative, helpful, positive and receptive manner.

Professional Improvement and Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

• In cooperation with Supervisor and/or Executive Director jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to position accountabilities and to address changes in programming and association priorities.

• Collaborate in activities that are in general support of Cornell Cooperative Extension including but not limited to attendance at staff meetings, timely reporting of expenses, working with other staff, general marketing of Extension programs and other duties as assigned.

Health and Safety - Applied to all duties and functions.

• Support the Association to maintain a safe working environment.

• Be familiar and strive to follow any applicable federal, state, local regulations, association health and safety policy/procedure/requirement and standard.

• Act proactively to prevent accidents/injuries and communicate hazards to supervisors when identified.

Job Title:

Association Tmp Camp Couns Sr

Level:

No Grade - Annual

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Company:

Contact Name:

Jerilynn Cross

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a collaboration among Cornell University, the United States Department of Agriculture, the State of New York, and the residents of New York State. Per NYS Law, county and regional extension service associations are subordinate government agencies. This employment opportunity is with the entities listed and not with Cornell University.

Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement (https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs) . This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell Cooperative Extension as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.