Position: Cabin Counselor

Location: BCNY Harriman Basecamp, Harriman State Park, Southfields, NY

Employment Dates: June 22 – August 15, 2026

Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,000

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Housing: Residential position with shared lodging provided

Reports To: Cabin Counselor Division Leader

About Us

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 Cabin Counselor provides 24-hour supervision, mentorship, and care for campers living in a shared cabin environment. Cabins consist of 10–12 campers, grouped by age, and are staffed by two Cabin Counselors per cabin. Counselors are empowered to manage day-to-day camper behavior, uphold Basecamp expectations, and foster a positive cabin culture rooted in BCNY values. Camper safety, respectful conduct, and accountability are non-negotiable.

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

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.

• 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

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.