Description

The Boys’ Club of New York (BCNY) operates a premier sleep-away camp experience designed for 10 to 17-year-old boys and young men to grow through adventure, community, and skill building. Since 1876, BCNY has created environments where young people develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and leadership, grounded in our core values of Care, Courage, Curiosity, and Community.

At Harriman Basecamp, members engage in structured programs that promote healthy minds and bodies, expand their talents, and encourage positive peer relationships. Guided by evidence-based youth development practices and our commitment to the 4 Cs, BCNY’s Basecamp programs aim to set a high standard for outdoor education and character development. To strengthen this mission, we continue to build a dedicated team of camp professionals who can deepen and broaden our impact each season.

Job Summary

The Junior Cabin Counselor provides 24-hour supervision, mentorship, and care for campers living in a shared cabin environment. This role is designed for individuals new to camp or youth work who are dependable, motivated, and eager to learn through hands-on experience.

Junior Counselors are full members of the cabin staff team, sharing responsibility with their cabin partner for camper supervision, daily routines, behavior guidance, and cabin culture. While prior experience is not required, Junior Counselors are expected to actively engage, seek feedback, and grow in confidence and leadership throughout the summer.

Junior Counselors receive ongoing coaching and support from Division Leaders and the Senior Leadership Team, with increasing independence as skills develop. At camp, Junior Counselors are referred to simply as “Counselors.” The title distinction exists for payroll and developmental purposes only. This is a role with real responsibility, designed to build practical skills in youth supervision, teamwork, communication, and leadership through daily experience and growth.

Opportunities are available for staff to receive lifeguard training and earn certification. Performance in this role directly impacts eligibility for future employment with BCNY.

Mandatory attendance at full pre-camp staff training (June 22 – July 3) is required to ensure readiness in behavior management, camper supervision, safety protocols, and camp culture alignment.

Responsibilities

Camper Supervision & Care

• Live in-cabin with assigned campers and provide consistent, age-appropriate supervision at all times
• Build positive, trusting relationships through mentorship, modeling, and daily engagement
• Support campers’ physical care, emotional regulation, transitions, and overall well-being
• Maintain clear awareness of camper whereabouts and ensure adherence to schedules and supervision expectations

Cabin Culture & Daily Routines

• Partner with co-counselor to create and sustain a safe, inclusive, and respectful cabin environment
• Establish clear routines, expectations, and shared responsibilities within the cabin
• Build cabin identity, pride, and positive group norms
• Lead daily routines including wake-up, meals, activities, hygiene, evening programs, and bedtime
• Maintain cabin cleanliness, organization, and care of shared living spaces

Behavior Guidance & Documentation

• Manage camper behavior using Basecamp behavior guidance tools, policies, and expectations
• Respond to challenges with empathy, consistency, and clear boundaries
• Address minor behavioral concerns directly and promptly
• Complete initial written incident reports for higher-level concerns and submit them to the Division Leader
• Escalate ongoing, patterned, or serious concerns appropriately and support follow-up behavior plans

Teamwork, Leadership & CIT Support

• Collaborate effectively with co-counselors, Division Leaders, Activity Counselors, and camp leadership
• Participate fully in evening programs, special events, and camp-wide traditions
• Model professionalism, responsibility, and positive leadership for campers and peers
• Support assigned Counselors-in-Training (CITs) through daily modeling, guidance, and feedback
• Engage in regular check-ins and coaching conversations with Division Leaders

Who This Role Is For

• Recent high school graduates or GED recipients
• First-year college students
• Former campers who have aged into staff eligibility
• Individuals exploring education, social work, youth development, or leadership

Requirements

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old by the start of employment
• Experience working with youth in camp, educational, residential, or community-based settings preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills
• Ability to manage group dynamics and maintain consistent structure
• Ability to live and work in a residential outdoor environment for extended periods
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred (training provided if needed) 

Additional Requirements

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.
• Ability to pass a background check and meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).
• You must be able to work in an outside environment, where you have the ability to walk/hike daily, at various grades, elevations, and on uneven terrain regardless of weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 40-50 pounds, and carry and load luggage, tables, chairs, and other program equipment
• Other duties as assigned