Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator

Position Description

Working Title: Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator

Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)

Start Date: 5/4/2026

End Date: 9/18/2026

Duration (months): Approx. 4 months

Hours per week: 10 – 20 Hours: 5/4-5/29 (dependent on the operational needs); Approx. 40 Hours: 6/1-9/11

Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday

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: Not Benefits Eligible

Employment Type: Temporary

Position Summary

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 and Teen Program Coordinator is a new position that will assist in the typical Assistant Camp Director responsibilities, as well as act as a mentor for our Teen Assists Wilderness Instructors (16-17) and oversee the Mentor-In-Training (MIT) program for youth ages 13-15. This person works collaboratively with the rest of the Summer Leadership team to support the overall summer camp operations and success of the MIT and Teen Assist programs. Prior to the summer camp season, the main responsibilities are to meet with all Teen Assists and MITs to set up individualized Outdoor Leadership Development Plans and create/confirm summer MIT schedules. This position will also assist the rest of the Summer Camp Leadership team with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks to get camp ready for summer 2026. Once summer begins responsibilities include: mentorship and oversight of MITs, Teen Assists, and Instructors, 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. This is a great role for someone who has leadership experience in summer camps and can connect with and motivate teens to reach their full potential.

Required Qualifications

• 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 experience in a camp setting or other related field


• Minimum 1 year experience in mentoring OR coaching teens ages 13-17


• Experience with helping youth or teens set goals and track progress


• Attend and assist in leading 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 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


• 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


• Works well with minimal supervision and asks for assistance when needed


• Experience in planning daily and weekly wilderness survival/naturalist activities, projects, and games for youth ages 5-16


• 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, families and parents and within programs

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Responsibilities

• Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead


• Regularly check the Primitive Pursuits email regarding Mentor-In-Training (MIT) communication and respond within a 2-day period


• Set up Zoom/In-Person meetings with MITs and Teen Assists and help them to create an Outdoor Leadership Development Plan


• Coordinate with MITs and their families on summer 2026 schedules in collaboration with the rest of the Summer Leadership Team


• Create positive rapport with MITs, their families, and Teen Assists


• Establish regular check-ins with scheduled MITs and Teen Assists each week of camp regarding goal setting, camp experiences, and skill development


• Communicate and coordinate with Summer Leadership team and Coyote Camp staff regarding MIT skillsets, strengths, and growing edges


• Assist with the development and coordination of camp programs and activities for a safe, engaging, high quality summer program within the scope of the Primitive Pursuits mission


• Provide organizational and programmatic support


• Assist with hiring and training of all summer camp staff


• Assist with maintaining fiscal records for the summer camp program, including summer budget, expense reports, and Camp Store transactions and records


• Assist Health Director and Day Camp Director in assuring that Health Department Guidelines for summer camp are met


• Assist in the designation of camper, MIT, and Teen Assist placement within groups


• Address crisis management, discipline, and troubleshooting issues related to campers and/or staff.


• Assist in determining supply and equipment needs and in ordering/purchasing in collaboration with the Summer Leadership Team


• Support and supervise instructors in organization, implementation, decision-making, and troubleshooting


• Support instructors in creating dynamic, engaging, and thoughtful environmental immersion weekly program experiences in the context of wilderness survival, living skills, and outdoor/naturalist skills and knowledge


• Maintain a positive and calm team atmosphere that includes campers, families, staff, and volunteers


• Schedule, supervise, and evaluate program staff, including Lead Wilderness Instructors, Assistant Instructors, Teen Assists, Interns, MITs, and volunteers, providing support and disciplinary measures when necessary


• Actively participate in the process of giving, receiving, and implementing constructive feedback among Instructor and Summer Leadership teams


• Assist in the evaluation of the camp itself, as well as the camping experience for campers


• Assist in overnight camp programs and able to stay onsite if needed (one night)


• Work as a Wilderness Instructor during the summer when needed


• Role-model passion, enthusiasm, and comfort around engaging with the elements of nature


• Role-model appropriate footwear, clothing, and outdoor gear for the summer camp experience


• Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to parents, staff, and campers


• Ability to speak with family members regarding camper behavior, conflicts, or situations


• Work collaboratively with the 4-H Primitive Pursuits Program and Camp Director when needed or requested


• Ability to step into the role of Day Camp Director if necessary


• Other duties as assigned

How to Apply

Please complete our online employment application including cover letter and resume.

Applications will be accepted until April 6, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Contact: Fionna McSweeney, Summer Day Camp Director, [email protected]  

Additional Info

Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs 

Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides equal program and job opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or qualified disability. Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

No relocation or VISA Sponsorship available.

The Association may make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants to participate in the hiring process and employees to perform the essential functions of their job. If you require an accommodation so you may participate in the selection process you are encouraged to contact CCE Tompkins HR at [email protected].