This position will serve as the seasonal Camp Director for 4-H Camp Shankitunk. 4-H Camp Shankitunk is a traditional summer camp located in Delhi, NY. 4-H Camp Shankitunk operates both a day camp program (ages 6+) and an overnight program (ages 8-16) for youth in the summer and hires approximately 50-60 seasonal camp staff members. 4-H Camp Shankitunk is owned by Delaware County and operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County. Creating positive youth development (PYD) experiences through camping in the outdoors.
The primary responsibilities of this position will include but not be limited to: all camp aspects (administrative and program) under the direction of the 4-H Camp Administrator. Ensures compliance with camp safety plan submitted to the Delaware County Department of Health and American Camp Association standards. Responsible for the overall safety, management and evaluation of the camp facility, including rental groups during camp season. This position accepts and performs all position duties outlined in this position description, and performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned and deemed appropriate by the 4-H Camp Administrator for the successful running of a camp program. (NOTE: This position does not include cabin responsibilities unless deemed necessary.)
The Camp Director will work for up to six weeks, prior to camp, on the planning and preparation of camp for summer programming as well as oversee pre-season training for camp staff. The Camp Director will then work on site for six weeks (staff training week and 5 weeks of residential and day camp sessions operated simultaneously). Finally, the Camp Director will work one week following the completion of the camping program to debrief, compose reports, make recommendations, etc. for the following season.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 25 years of age or have a Bachelor’s Degree to comply with NYS Department of Health regulations.
- Must have at least 24 weeks of administrative or supervisory experience in camping or related experience.
- Must live on-site during entire camp season.
- Ability to work non-traditional work schedule including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to meet the travel requirements of the position.
- Ability to transport passengers and equipment with or without accommodations and meet acceptable driving checks and standards.
- Ability to clearly communicate and read and write in English.
- Proficiency with Windows-based software including use of the internet and Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher and Excel.
- Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written and visual channels using traditional methods and educational tools as well as electronic technology.
- Ability and willingness to work with diverse audiences and maintain cultural sensitivity.
- Ability to relate effectively to co-workers, direct reports, advisors, community and professional leaders.
Preferred Qualifications:
- American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer with AED.
- American Red Cross Responding to Emergencies with Epi Pen.
- NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Experience and/or certification(s).
Position Responsibilities and Essential Functions
Program Responsibilities – 10%
- Assess/lead evaluation processes for staff performance; and youth development outcomes.
- With the 4-H Camp Administrator plan for annual marketing and advertising taking into account budget, reach and responses.
- In collaboration with the 4-H Camp Administrator, Camp Committee, CCE NYS Camping Specialist and seasonal staff develop programs that fulfill the educational mission and goals of 4-H youth development and deliver high quality age appropriate programs.
- Work on the expansion of camp programs to serve more youth.
- Run educational sessions in local communities to help promote programs.
- Promote positive youth development based on 4-H essential elements.
- Support high quality instruction, challenging learning experiences and developmentally appropriate activities at all levels of the camp program.
- Promote strategies for creating safe, healthy and supportive environments for campers and staff and how to work with campers and staff experiencing homesickness, conflict and special needs.
- Oversight of CIT program. Make recommendations on growing and enhancing the program.
- Implement health and safety guidelines and procedures described in the camp safety plan that is approved by the NYS and Delaware County Department of Health.
- Request input from youth, families and staff regarding the quality, safety and enjoyment of the program
- Make recommendations for program changes and additions.
- Assist in the overall camp evaluation process to ensure parent/camper satisfaction.
Administrative Responsibilities – 85%
- Maintain good standings with the NYS and Delaware County Department of Health.
- Maintain American Camp Association (ACA) Accreditation.
- Coordinate and supervise Open Houses.
- Coordinate and supervise Training and certification opportunities for seasonal staff.
- Assist registrar and office staff to provide general office and reception support as necessary/required.
- Assist with taking photos and videos for marketing, website and social media.
- Write articles and success stories for newsletters and brochures.
- Provide supervision and coordinate the work assigned to seasonal staff, including but not limited to: assignment of duties, training, oversite and inspection of work, assisting with performing mid-summer and end of season reviews.
- Assist with performing local human resources and payroll tasks as requested, including but not limited to:
- Position advertisements, position announcements, interviews and recommendations, conducting background screening and maintaining files.
- Onboarding new and returning hires in compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Assist with the development and review of position descriptions.
- Preparation of performance reviews.
- Maintain staff ratios in accordance with NYS Department of Health, Delaware County Department of Health and the American Camping Association.
- Provide staff training/orientation for seasonal staff so they perform essential job functions and maintain a safe environment for campers
- Motivate staff to seek continuous improvement and achieve excellence.
- Documenting required training is completed for all seasonal camp staff.
- Watch maintained staff radios in accordance with budget and make recommendations to keep in line with budget.
- Administer the daily schedule effectively, balancing activities and daily routines; ensuring adequate staff coverage and adjusting for weather-related challenges.
- Organize and direct weekly camper arrival and departure procedures process, camper orientation and other functions as needed.
- Prepare purchase orders and maintain documentation.
- Assist 4-H Camp Administrator in oversight of general repairs and maintenance of facilities, agency vehicles, supplies and office equipment. Make recommendations for improvements and repairs.
- Assist 4-H Camp Administrator in maintaining inventory and maintenance logs for facilities, agency vehicles, supplies and office equipment.
- Take corrective action to reduce risk and ensure safe facilities and camp management.
- Assist in the application process for permit by the Delaware County Department of Health.
- Maintain ACA standards and documentation.
- Ensure the documentation of critical events including but not limited to injuries and accidents.
- Manage post incidents in consultation for Association 4-H Camp Administrator and 4-H Team Leader.
- Communicate daily with the 4-H Camp Administrator, Facilities Manager, Assistant Directors and Unit leaders to proactivity identify and address areas of concern.
- Ensure that any off-site transportation is conducted safely and in compliance with NYS DMV and CCE policy.
- Work with CCE Nutrition staff to maintain healthy food options.
- Make menu suggestions and monitor budget and waste.
- Work with the Food Service Coordinator to ensure adequate food is available.
- Assist in oversight of kitchen, pantry and storage areas for NYS and Delaware County Department of Health standards.
- Work with Ultracamp support desk for training, set up, problem solving, reporting and general use of camp registration software.
- Assist with statistical data with regard to sessions and programs for CCE and 4-H Camp Shankitunk.
- Work with the 4-H Camp Administrator to answer questions and resolve issues involving parents/campers.
- Lead end of season evaluation processes for staff performance; and youth development
- Motivate staff to seek continuous improvement and achieve excellence.
- Perform staff evaluations and provide coaching when performance needs improvement.
- In cooperation with the 4-H Camp Administrator jointly develop and pursue a professional development plan and operating budget.
- Monitor policies and practices that reduce risk and promote health and safety for campers and camp staff at 4-H Camp Shankitunk.
- Assist 4-H Camp Administrator with development of camp crisis management plan and emergency management procedures.
- Manage effective emergency/crisis response to issues and communicate to applicable staff as needed.
- Secure necessary operating permits for 4-H Camp Shankitunk from agencies including the NYS Department of Health.
- Meet quality standards of the American Camp Association.
- Assist 4-H Camp Administrator with maintaining external relationships with insurer; local police, fire and emergency medical units; inspectors and compliance officers on issues of health and safety.
- Assist Camp Administrator with fundraising efforts and coordination.
Professional Improvement – 5%
- Attend 4-H Camp orientation/training program and participate in staff meetings and required training events as scheduled.
- In cooperation with 4-H Camp Administrator 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.
Position Details
This is a full-time, exempt, temporary position that will run from June until August. The salary will range from $8,000 - $13,000 commensurate with experience, certifications and availability.
Application Deadline
All applicants must apply online by close of day on December 4, 2026 to be considered for this position.
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
How To Apply: Applicants (including current employees of other Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations) must apply online through the APPLY button in this job posting. Current employees of Cornell Cooperative Extension Delaware County are considered internal applicants and must apply online through their Workday account which may be accessed here: http://workday.cornell.edu/. For details on how to apply, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/join-us/jobs/apply
Please submit resume, cover letter and references. Consider indicating in your application all information you feel would be helpful for selection committee members to know. Once the application is submitted you will NOT be able to change your submission or add attachments. Be sure that you have followed all directions and requirements listed in the job posting.
No relocation or employment visa sponsorship available.
Please contact Corrine Tompkins, CCE Delaware Camp Administrator, email crb222@cornell.edu with questions.
Job Title:
Association Tmp Camp Director
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. 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.
