Cornell University · 4 hours ago
Garden & Small Animal Program Director/Sr. Counselor - 4-H Camp Owahta - McGraw, NY
New York State (Other)
Full-time
Onsite
Mid LevelCornell University, through its Cooperative Extension, operates 4-H Camp Owahta, a vibrant camp in McGraw, NY. The Garden & Small Animal Program Director/Sr. Counselor is responsible for the health and safety of camp animals and gardens while supervising campers and leading engaging activities.
BiotechnologyHigher EducationMedicalUniversities
No H1B
Responsibilities
Engage fully and enthusiastically in all camp activities, including planning and facilitating activities as assigned
Develop and lead hands-on, camper-centered garden and animal type activities for campers ages 5–15
Create and lead campers in animal care (small tasks)
Create a collection of lesson plans utilizing a variety of resources (4-H Curriculum, etc.) for campers ages 5–15 for everyday use
Model a fun, encouraging, and safe approach to gardening and animal care
Scaffold all activities to meet campers needs and keep them engaged
Actively participate and assist in all program areas as assigned, outside of the garden and small animal program block
Assist in the direction, supervision, and organization of campers throughout camp to meet the intended program outcomes
Ensure campers are always supervised: during meals, free times, program times, transition times, and all-camp activities
Supervise and stay in a camper cabin if needed
Assist campers in following the daily schedule
Provide guidance, direction and support to campers; relating to missing home, conflict mediation, personal hygiene, building friendships, developing independence, etc
Be aware and proactive to camper and staff physical, emotional and mental needs and assist if appropriate, if not communicate it to camp leadership or camp nurse immediately
Role model, enforce and follow all safety procedures as per the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association (ACA) regulations for overnight camp
Complete NYS Department of Health reports and information when necessary or requested
Ensure campers receive their medications as directed by the camp nurse
Abide by and role model all 4-H Camp Owahta rules, policies and procedures throughout the summer camp season
Serve as a positive role model for campers and staff through attitude, body language, and behavior at all times
Establish and maintain positive rapport with all campers, families, staff, volunteers and camp visitors
Guide and oversee the assistant counselor staff during the garden and small animal program block to ensure high program quality
Cooperate and actively engage with directors, volunteers and counselors in the development and implementation of all camp activities
Keep all coordinators, counselors and directors updated with pertinent information
Communicate, support and collaborate on camper behavior management to camp leadership
Maintain and monitor supplies for all garden and small animal activities and lessons and inform camp leadership of needed materials
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the camp garden, ensuring it is free of trash, food, debris and tools
Maintain the cleanliness of the animal pens, ensuring there is always food, water and shelter and it is free of trash, debris, feces and equipment
Weed, harvest and water the garden as needed in collaboration with the Master Gardener Volunteers
Create and maintain a daily log for all the small animals and garden area and inform camp leadership immediately if something needs attention
Collaborate with the camp cook to discuss potential camp meals or snacks inspired by the garden
Monitor the condition of camp equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs immediately to the Outdoor Recreation Director or Assistant Camp Director
Assist in the overall evaluation of the summer camp and make suggestions for the next camping season
Attend 4-H Camp Owahta staff training week, participate in staff meetings and required training events as scheduled
In cooperation with the Outdoor Recreation Director and Assistant Camp Director, jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan as a means to increase competencies relative to the position and to assist in establishing actionable steps for growth
Submit all required or requested reports, etc. in a timely manner
Perform other duties as assigned by the Outdoor Recreation Director and Day Camp Director
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
Qualification
Required
Must be 18 years of age
Attend and participate in all of staff training; June 29-July 3, 2026
Relevant education experience in gardening and animal care
Experience in taking care of small farm animals and maintaining a garden
Comfortability in doing garden work including but not limited to; weeding, compost, watering, digging
Comfortability around small farm animals including but limited to; chickens, goats
Ability to build positive, approachable relationships with youth, parents, and staff
Desire, ability and willingness to work and live in a camp community and to reside at 4-H Camp Owahta, McGraw, NY (including overnights) the entire duration of the camp season (July 5-August 14, 2026)
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
Preferred
Current CPR and First Aid certification(s) from courses approved by the NYS Department of Health (will certify 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
Company
Cornell University
Cornell is a privately endowed research university and a partner of the State University of New York.
Founded in 1952
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
David Lesser
Co-Founder: Cornell Tech—Future Founders Club
Emily Ehsan
Co-Founder and Secretary of Rho Psi Eta Professional Healthcare Sorority
Recent News
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