Senior Counselor/Specialists - Enfield Summer Camp 2026

Company: Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County
Location: Ithaca
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Salary: Starting at $16.00/hr depending on experience Position Summary Senior Camp Counselors are responsible for supervising a group of youth and always supports the ongoing supervision of all campers throughout the camp day. The Senior Counselor helps children adjust to camp according to camp rules and safety precautions, forms cohesive groups and enjoy their activities. The Senior Counselor is a source of friendship, guidance and positive redirection to the campers. They will be responsible for the planning and delivery of the variety of activities on regular camp days and supports the efforts of the Camp Director, and Specialists in all aspects of camp activities. As a Senior Counselor, youll be at the heart of the camp experience, guiding your group through daily activities, sparking enthusiasm, and creating memorable moments. Youll lead campers through their schedule, create and execute fun and engaging activities, participate in field trips and special events, and serve as a trusted mentor they can count on throughout the day. See end of section for Specialists Descriptions, Nature Specialist, Sports Specialist, Arts & Crafts Specialist, STEAM Specialist. Position Dates: The summer camp season includes 5 daysof pre-camp training that runs Monday, June 29 thru July 3, 2026 and 6 weeks of day camp that run from Monday thru Friday each week. Specific dates of camp are July 6 August 14, 2026. Classification: Association Temp Program (non-exempt, not benefits eligible) Responsibilities Assume responsibility for leadership and guidance of campers in daily living, with special attention to personal hygiene and safety, camper participation in all-camp activities, management of homesickness, inclusion of campers in activities, and meal time behavior Be a mentor and help guide Junior Counselors. Assume responsibility for following the rules, policies, and traditions of Enfield Camp for all campers and staff Serve as a positive role model in language, appearance, and behavior Assume responsibility for health, including physical, social, and emotional well-being of campers. Support and embrace diversity in all interactions with campers, other staff members, volunteers and parents. Design and deliver programs that engage diverse backgrounds, interests and learning styles. Essential Functions Be physically able to accompany campers to any of the camp activities Assure campers are properly supervised within the NYS Department of Health camp ratios at all times Follow the NYS Department of Health and American Camp Association guidelines for all activities Apply positive youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, and involvement and engagement of youth Have visual ability to recognize hazards in the camp setting as well as physical symptoms of camper injury or illness Have auditory ability to respond appropriately to hazards and any camper concerns Be able to observe camper behavior in daily camp life, to respond verbally to health and safety concerns, and to deal appropriately with any challenging behavior Ability to lead programs as designated by the Camp Leadership team PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This work requires some physical exertion and endurance including prolonged standing, bending, stooping, walking long distances, running, hiking, climbing, and stretching; requires eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity to manipulate outdoor equipment and camp activities; requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate camper activities/programs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.; willing to work in a camp setting and with limited or simple equipment and facilities; and with daily exposure to the sun, heat, cold, rain, sun, and other varying weather conditions, and animals such as bugs, snakes, bats, etc. Required Qualifications 18 years of age or older Positive, energetic, responsible, and good with children. Ability to communicate effectively with Camp Directors, work as part of a team with all camp staff, campers and camp families Incorporates Team Work and Flexibility into their daily work style Ability to work with peers Ability to resolve conflict Ability to meet acceptable background check standards. Ability to work flexible hours as appropriate. Ability to meet travel requirements of the position. Attend pre-camp training sessions. Preferred Qualifications CPR and/or First Aid certification How to Apply Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references via our online application. Applications will be accepted until 6/1/2026 or until a suitable candidates are found. Contact Spencer Van Epps, sve4@cornell.edu 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 providing equal program and employment opportunities in accordance with applicable laws. 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 tompkins-hr@cornell.edu. Specialists Additional Information: Nature Specialist The Nature Specialist teaches campers about the natural world through fun and innovative activities. Leads engaging, age-appropriate outdoor education, teaching kids about local plants, animals, ecosystems, and stewardship through hikes, games, crafts, and camp skills like fire-building, fostering curiosity and respect for nature in a safe, fun environment, while also developing curriculum, managing groups, and collaborating with other staff. They are energetic, responsible role models who guide children in exploring the outdoors, build confidence, and promote environmental awareness. SportsSpecialist The Sports Specialist will lead campers in recreational/sports/organized games for each group. Must be able to provide group sessions during inclement weather. Organize daily activities and maintain supplies and equipment. Assist with breakfast and lunch supervision. The Sports Specialist must have some knowledge of the methods of group organization and performance of children at different age levels. Arts & Crafts Specialist Arts & Crafts are always bursting with energy! Its a creative hub where campers come daily to express their creativity and talent. As an arts & crafts specialist will plan and lead daily activities in arts & crafts while also engaging in broader camp programs as needed. They will help campers unleash their creativity and imagination through various arts projects. It will be a sticky, colorful, splattered wonderful mix of mess! STEAM Specialist The STEM Specialist will design and lead fun, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math activities (like experiments, building, coding, robotics) for kids, ensuring a safe, engaging, and educational summer experience, often adapting projects for different ages and integrating creativity with core STEAM concepts. Key duties include lesson planning, material prep, camper supervision, safety, and fostering creativity and critical thinking in a structured camp environment, requiring energy, patience, and a passion for learning through play.

Keywords: Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County, Utica , Senior Counselor/Specialists - Enfield Summer Camp 2026, Education / Teaching , Ithaca, New York