Position Description
Working Title: Extended Day Camp Coordinator
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/15/2026
End Date: 9/11/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3 months
Hours per week: 10-20 hours: 6/15-19; 40 hours: 6/22-27; 20 hours: 6/29-9/11
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday / 2pm-6pm
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $19/hour
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 camps.
The Extended Day Camp Coordinator will oversee the campers and staff of the Extended Day program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers and staff who remain onsite after the Day Camp Program ends. This person will oversee a small team of staff who will work together to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.
Prior to the start of camp, the Extended Day Camp Coordinator will be required to attend all of staff training (40-hour work week) to become comfortable and familiar with camp operations, risk management protocols and policies, and more.
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 (does not have to be in a camp setting)
- Minimum 2-year experience working with children ages 5-12 directly in an outdoor setting
- Attend all of staff training June 22-June 26, 2026 (40 hours)
- Able to work 2 pm-6 pm; Monday-Friday for most of the camp season; June 29-September 4
- 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
- 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 children, youth and adults
- Ability to manage conflict situations appropriately and efficiently
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- 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 5-12
- Strong commitment to teaching and sharing an appreciation for nature with people of all ages
- Uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, and Getting Outside, in all interactions with campers, staff, and families within programs and activities
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
- Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills
Responsibilities
- Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead
- Oversee an instructor team consisting of 2-4 people
- Work collaboratively and closely with the Summer Leadership team and office-based staff
- Create positive rapport with extended day staff, campers, and families
- Ensure all camp systems and policies, including risk management policies, are followed
- Safely and efficiently check out campers as per our check-out policies
- Clean up all program areas daily of program supplies, food, etc.
- Communicate with Day Camp Instructors regarding camper behavior and necessary information that needs to be passed along to families
- Plan and coordinate safe, engaging, and high-quality extended day programs and activities within the scope of Primitive Pursuits’ mission
- Provide organizational and programmatic support
- Assist with maintaining fiscal records for the summer camp program, including summer budget
- Assist Health Director and the Summer Leadership Team in assuring that Health Department Guidelines for summer camp are met
- 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
- Maintain a positive and calm team atmosphere that includes campers, families, and staff
- Schedule, supervise, and evaluate Extended Day program staff
- Actively participate in the process of giving, receiving, and implementing constructive feedback within Extended Day Instructor and Summer Leadership teams
- 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 families, staff, and campers
- Ability to speak to 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 fill in as a Wilderness Instructor or Assistant Camp Director during the regular camp day if needed
- Communicate with other groups who may be utilizing the camp space during extended day hours
- Other duties as assigned
How to Apply
Please complete our online employment application including cover letter and resume.
Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.
Please note: this position is dependent on being able to run the Extended Day program. If we cannot run the Extended Day program, we will not be able to offer this position.
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]
