Day Camp Wilderness Instructor

Position Description

Working Title: Day Camp Wilderness Instructor

Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)

Start Date: 6/22/2026

End Date: 9/4/2026

Duration (months): Less than 3

Hours per week: Approx. 40

Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday

Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY

Compensation: $17-$18 per hour, depending on experience

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.

A Wilderness Instructor facilitates the core aim of Primitive Pursuits: bringing groups of youth into natural areas, away from facilities and without modern gear, and engaging them in a fun way that sparks a deep, meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other. The key role of a Wilderness Instructor is to assist and instruct youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction, and procurement of food and water. Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds).

Required Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• Must pass all required screenings for working at a NYS Summer Camp
• Attend and participate in staff training week: June 22-26, 2026
• Commit to working at least 5 weeks of the camp season June 29-September 4, 2026, in addition to staff training week.
• Driver’s license and/or ability to arrange transportation to various camp locations on time
• Experience as a wilderness instructor/camp counselor working with youth ages 6-16 in an undeveloped setting OR working with youth ages 6-16 in a classroom or out-of-school setting
• Able to work in a changing outdoor environment in all weather and tackle new problems each day
• Demonstrate a high level of comfort and curiosity in the natural world
• 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
• Ability to inspire and relate positively with youth
• Ability to learn and convey skill sets efficiently
• Previous experience with primitive technologies and wilderness survival or naturalist/outdoor skills
• Uphold the 4 Values of camp: Belonging, Gratitude, Awareness, Getting Outside, in all interactions with campers, staff, families and parents and within programs and activities

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to thrive in rigorous outdoor physical education activities
• Experience in planning daily activities, projects and games for youth ages 3-16
• Experience instructing youth on primitive technologies and wilderness survival/naturalist skills
• Passionate about learning new material and practicing skills outside of work
• Past experiences working with people of diverse educational and cultural backgrounds
• Experience with Coyote mentoring

Responsibilities

• Arrive to work on time and ready for the day ahead
• Create and model an emotionally, socially, and physically safe environment in which campers and staff can thrive
• Assist the Lead Wilderness Instructor in the development and implementation of dynamic, engaging and thoughtful environmental immersion weekly program experiences in the context of wilderness survival, living skills, outdoor/naturalist skills and knowledge
• Contribute to brainstorming, planning and leading the daily and weekly activities and skills
• 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
• Facilitate group energy and respond swiftly to group needs to effectively manage and engage each participant in a positive experience
• Actively contribute to efforts of evaluating each week and each day of programming
• Actively participate in giving, receiving, and implementing constructive feedback among instructor teams
• Represent the high caliber of the organization when speaking to parents, staff, and campers
• Deliver high-adventure experiences while keeping an unfailing eye on the safety of each activity, each participant, and each staff member in accordance with risk management protocols
• Work with ages between 3-16, day camp and potentially overnights too (1-night)
• Work at least one week of the Extended Day Program, if needed
• Other duties as assigned

How to Apply

Please complete our online employment application including cover letter and resume.

Applications will be accepted until May 8, 2026 or until a suitable candidate is found.

Contact: Fionna McSweeney, Summer Day Camp Director, primitivepursuits-opportunities@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 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 tompkins-hr@cornell.edu