Position: Camp Counselor

Location: BCNY Camp @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975 

Salary: $6,000

Employment Type: Seasonal, Residential, June 24, 2024 – August 16, 2024 

Mandatory Training: June 24, 2024 – July 05, 2024 

Since 1876, The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) has been partnering with boys and young men in after-school, weekend, and summer programs that support youth growth and development. BCNY’s two well-equipped clubhouses in East Harlem and Flushing and its wilderness camp in Harriman State Park offer activities and programs remarkable in their range. From swimming to robotics and enjoying ice skating in Central Park and a trip to the theatre on Saturdays, BCNY programs and events deepen interests and skills and are free of charge to members and their families. With the increase in youth directly impacted by the shelter and homelessness crisis in New York City, BCNY is dedicated to increasing equitable access to its free, high quality youth programs that foster brave spaces where boys and young men can connect, have fun and build lifelong friendships with peers and mentor. Part of that mission is our commitment to BCNY’s expansion sites in the Bronx and Brooklyn that engage members within their communities with the same youth-centered ethos the organization is known for. Our dedicated and highly skilled staff and our professional advisory council have made BCNY a leader in youth programming across the field and we invite you join our team as we partner with boys and young men as they journey through their childhoods and our clubhouses.

We are a COVID-19 proactive organization that follows applicable health and safety regulations to help protect our members and staff. Harriman Base Camp employees are not required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless it is specified under requirements. BCNY strongly encourages all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and obtain a booster shot.

The Camp Counselor will report to the Culture and Activity Coordinator. Camp Counselors plays an integral role in creating a magical summer camp experience for BCNY campers. They will cultivate programs and relationships with young people that are strength-based and restorative. They will have a deep commitment to diversity and equity and integrate the cultural background of young people within the program design. Camp Counselors are the primary caregivers for each camper. The Camp Counselor is responsible for planning, teaching, coordinating, and carrying out activities and guiding campers in their personal growth and daily living skills. Must be available for mandatory training in June. 

• Supervise, and guide members in their day-to-day camp routines. This includes but is not limited to cabin life and activity transitions. 
  1. Apply basic youth development principles in working with campers through communication, relationship development, respect for diversity, involvement and empowerment of youth.
  2. Ensure campers are actively supervised by maintaining ratios and safe environments.
  3. Monitor weather conditions and adjust plans as needed to ensure camper well-being.
• Participate in the development and implementation of program activities for campers within the mission and outcomes.
  1. Responsible for leading and assisting with the teaching of activities such as arts and crafts, physical education, and wilderness exploration.
  2. Actively participate in all program areas as assigned.
  3. Assist in program areas such as waterfront, nature, all camp activities, and arts and crafts as directed.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety in all activities for campers and staff.
  1. Provide the daily care of each camper within your supervision including recognition of personal health needs.
  2. Ensure that campers receive their medications as directed by health care manager.
  3. Collaborate with fellow counselors to maintain cleanliness and order in living areas.
  4. Be alert to campers and staff needs and assist them with personal and/or health problems and discuss with camp health manager and/or resident camp director when appropriate.
  5. Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure utilization, proper care, and maintenance is adhered to; report repairs needed promptly to camp director.
  6. Working cooperatively with other Camp Counsellors in a productive and professional team environment. 
• Be a role model to campers and staff in your attitude and behavior.
  1. Foster relationships with all campers by showing compassion, empathy, and understanding. 
  2. Follow and uphold all safety and security rules and procedures.
  3. Embody the 4C mission by modeling desired behaviors for members. 
  4. Submit a written program evaluation at the end of the season.

• Ability to communicate and work with groups participating (age and skill levels) and provide necessary instruction to campers and staff.
• Ability to observe camper behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior-management techniques.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to the activity.
• Physical ability to respond appropriately to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury) and possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of campers.
• Training and experience in a specific activity such as art, archery, nature or environmental studies to children.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.

• Must be 18 years of age or high school graduate or equivalent.
• First Aid and CPR Certification required or must be able to obtain certification or become certified once employed.
• Ability to pass a background check and physical exam.
• All staff must be up to date on all required immunizations and provide proof of their MMR according to NY State.
• Must submit proof of health examination within the past year and immunization record prior to first day of work.

• At least 1 year of experience with youth and camp experience preferred.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors in varied conditions.
• Bilingual Spanish/English or Mandarin/English preferred.

• Food, Room and Board provided.
• Fun team environment - lots of camp spirit!
• PTO: Sick time only

The Boys’ Club of New York is an equal opportunity employer 

and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by law. If you have a disability or other protected need requiring an accommodation, please contact Human Resources.