We’re Hiring for summer 2026!
With an exceptional core of seasoned year-round staff, low instructor to student ratios and a supportive environment, a job with Primitive Pursuits offers many opportunities to grow and master valuable skills.
All summer staff are eligible for discounts on summer camp for immediate family members!
We are always interested in those with a passion for what we do! If you don’t see the position or internship you are looking for, reach out to us at primitivepursuits-opportunities@cornell.edu.
2026 Open Positions:
Summer Day Camp Director
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Apply Here!
Position Description:
During the summer, the Day Camp Director will be responsible for overseeing the operations of the day camp program including but not limited to: day camp instructors, assistant camp directors, logistics coordinator, volunteers and others. The Director will be the point person for responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, creating staff schedules and interacting with parents, campers, staff, and administration.
This is a great position for someone who has ample experience in summer camp leadership and has a deep connection to the natural world.
| Working Title: | Summer Day Camp Director |
| Classification: | Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt) |
| Start Date: | 03/23/2026 |
| End Date: | 9/18/2026 |
| Duration (months): | Approx. 7 months |
| Hours per week: | 20 hours: 3/23-5/28 Approx. 40 hours: 6/1-9/18 |
| Days per week / schedule: | Monday-Friday |
| Work Location: | 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY |
| Compensation: | $19-$20 per hour, depending on experience |
| Supervisor Name & Title: | Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader |
| Benefits Eligibility: | Partially Benefits Eligible (No Leave) |
| Employment Type: | Temporary |
Assistant Day Camp Director
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Position Description:
The Assistant Day Camp Director works collaboratively with the Summer Leadership team to support summer camp operations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: mentorship of staff, responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, assisting instructors with camper supervision, and interacting with parents, campers, staff, and administration as needed. Prior to the summer camp season, this position also assists the Summer Leadership team with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks. This is a great role for someone who has experience in summer camps and would like to become more involved with the leadership side of summer camp operations.
| Working Title: | Assistant Day Camp Director |
| Classification: | Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt) |
| Start Date: | 6/1/2026 |
| End Date: | 9/18/2026 |
| Duration (months): | Approx. 3 months |
| Hours per week: | Approx. 40 hours |
| Days per week / schedule: | Monday-Friday |
| Work Location: | 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY |
| Compensation: | $18-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience |
| Supervisor Name & Title: | Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader |
| Benefits Eligibility: | Partially Benefits Eligible (no leave) |
| Employment Type: | Temporary |
Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator
Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator
Position Description:
The Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator is a new position that will assist in the typical Assistant Camp Director responsibilities, as well as act as a mentor for our Teen Assists Wilderness Instructors (16-17) and oversee the Mentor-In-Training (MIT) program for youth ages 13-15. This person works collaboratively with the rest of the Summer Leadership team to support the overall summer camp operations and success of the MIT and Teen Assist programs. Prior to the summer camp season, the main responsibilities are to meet with all Teen Assists and MITs to set up individualized Outdoor Leadership Development Plans and create/confirm summer MIT schedules. This position will also assist the rest of the Summer Camp Leadership team with staff training preparation and implementation, site and resource organization, and other administrative tasks to get camp ready for summer 2026. Once summer begins responsibilities include: mentorship and oversight of MITs, Teen Assists, and Instructors, responding to emergencies, facilitating staff meetings and planning, maintaining camp resources and supplies, assisting instructors with camper supervision, and interacting with parents, campers, staff, and administration as needed. This is a great role for someone who has leadership experience in summer camps and can connect with and motivate teens to reach their full potential.
| Working Title: | Assistant Day Camp Director and Teen Program Coordinator |
| Classification: | Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt) |
| Start Date: | 5/4/2026 |
| End Date: | 9/18/2026 |
| Duration (months): | Approx. 4 months |
| Hours per week: |
10 – 20 Hours: 5/4-5/29 (dependent on the operational needs) Approx 40 Hours: 6/1-9/11 |
| Days per week / schedule: | Monday-Friday |
| Work Location: | 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY |
| Compensation: | $18-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience |
| Supervisor Name & Title: | Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader |
| Benefits Eligibility: | Not Benefits Eligible |
| Employment Type: | Temporary |
Extended Day Camp Coordinator
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Position Description:
The Extended Day Camp Coordinator will oversee the campers and staff of the Extended Day program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers and staff who remain onsite after the Day Camp Program ends. This person will oversee a small team of staff who will work together to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.
Prior to the start of camp, the Extended Day Camp Coordinator will be required to attend all of staff training (40-hour work week) to become comfortable and familiar with camp operations, risk management protocols and policies, and more.
Working Title: Extended Day Camp Coordinator
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/15/2026
End Date: 9/11/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3 months
Hours per week: 10-20 hours: 6/15-19; 40 hours: 6/22-27; 20 hours: 6/29-9/11
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday / 2pm-6pm
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $19/hour
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Extended Day Camp Instructor
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Position Description:
The Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will oversee and supervise campers enrolled in the Extended Day Program, which occurs after the conclusion of the regular Day Camp program. The key role of this person is to ensure the safety, supervision, and wellbeing of all campers who remain onsite after the Day Camp program ends. They will work within a small team to create engaging and creative activities for campers ages 5-12 that help spark a deep meaningful connection to the natural world, themselves, and each other.
Prior to the start of camp, the Extended Day Wilderness Instructor will be required to attend all of staff training (40-hour work week) to become comfortable and familiar with camp operations, risk management protocols and policies, and more.
Working Title: Extended Day Wilderness Instructor
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/22/2026
End Date: 9/4/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3 months
Hours per week: 40 hours: 6/22-26; 20 hours: 6/29-9/4
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday / 2pm-6pm
Work Location: 4-H Acres; Ithaca, NY
Compensation: $18/hour
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor
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Position Description:
A Lead 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. Lead Wilderness instructors set the tone for their instructor groups each week and ensure everyone on the team is actively contributing and leading activities as appropriate. The key role of a Lead Wilderness Instructor is to design and implement the flow of the week centered on instructing and assisting youth on outdoor and naturalist skills, including but not limited to: primitive technology, fire making, shelter construction, and procurement of food and water. Lead Wilderness Instructors act as mentors who share their naturalist skills and knowledge, promote stewardship, and build healthful relationships in the outdoor environment. Lead Wilderness Instructors may work with Growing Wild (3-5 yr olds) or Day Camp (5-16 yr olds).
Working Title: Day Camp Lead Wilderness Instructor
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/15/2026
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: $18.50-$19.50 per hour, depending on experience
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
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Position Description:
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).
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
Teen Assist- Day Camp Wilderness Instructor
Wilderness Instructor-Teen Assist
Position Description:
A Wilderness Instructor – Teen Assist 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 – Teen Assist 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 – Teen Assists 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).
Working Title: Day Camp Wilderness Instructor – Teen Assist
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: $16-$17 per hour, depending on experience
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Summer Administrative Intern
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Position Description:
Join Primitive Pursuits as an Administration Intern and be at the center of ensuring the seamless functioning of our dynamic summer camp programs! Immerse yourself in a growth-oriented experience. Take charge of your own professional development, showcase your skills and creativity, and enjoy the support of a collaborative team. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to the success of our organization by maintaining and managing our camp database, providing valuable insights to administrative functions, and connecting with the public. Your role will encompass overseeing the smooth flow of camp operations.
Working Title: Summer Administration Intern
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/15/2025
End Date: 9/4/2025
Duration (months): Less than 3
Hours per week: 20
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday (Negotiable)
Work Location: 4-H Acres, CCE Office; Ithaca, NY
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Compensation: Approximately $1,500 per month
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Summer Photojournalist/Marketing Intern
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Position Description:
The Summer Photojournalist/ Marketing Assistant will work alongside our Primitive Pursuits Marketing Director to create content aimed at sharing our mission and inspiring communities to experience nature through our programs. You’ll be asked to capture the experiences of campers and staff each week and share these moments with campers’ families, prospective attendees, our local community, and the world through blog posts on our website and social media content. You’ll be asked to interview campers, staff, take pictures and videos as well as write and publish blog entries that tell the story of the camp offerings each week. The Photojournalist/Marketing Assistant should be self-motivated and will work primarily independently, with supervision and support from the Primitive Pursuits Marketing Director.
We are seeking someone who has a passion and interest in the marketing field and is looking for a way to expand upon their skills! Individuals who bring a diverse perspective and are supportive of diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
Working Title: Summer Photojournalist/Marketing Intern
Classification: Association Temp Program (Non-Exempt)
Start Date: 6/15/2026
End Date: 9/4/2026
Duration (months): Less than 3
Hours per week: 20
Days per week / schedule: Monday-Friday (Negotiable)
Work Location: 4-H Acres, Ithaca, NY; Other Camp Locations
Supervisor Name & Title: Vicki Fleming, 4-H Issue Leader
Compensation: Approximately $1,500 per month
Benefits Eligibility: Not Benefits Eligible
Employment Type: Temporary
Primitive Pursuits of Ithaca, NY is a renowned outdoor youth development program in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and 4-H Youth Development. We offer nature-based skills and experiences that foster youth development and connections with nature. Our summer programs utilize time-honored mentoring techniques and an outdoor immersion curriculum. By learning and teaching wilderness living skills in small groups, locally, we create unique experiences of wilderness adventure and community building in a format that is inclusive for families of all income levels.
A presentation about summer and working with us
A short video about working at Primitive Pursuits
JOIN US FOR…FRICTION FIRE. EPIC GAMES. LAUGHTER. STORIES AND SONGS. COMMUNITY BUILDING. GRATITUDE. PRIMITIVE SKILL BUILDING. ALL-OUTDOOR FUN.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. At Primitive Pursuits, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for the benefit of our employees, our programs, and the communities we serve.
If you have any questions send us an email at primitivepursuits-opportunities@cornell.edu
Who should apply?
We are looking for people who value time spent in nature in all weather, are inspired by connecting with youth of all ages in the outdoors, enjoy working in a collaborative enviornment, and strongly believe this work is contributing to the future sustainability of our community and the world.
What is a typical day like?
While every day is framed by our core routines, each day is a unique adventure guided by the skills of our staff, the interests of our particpants, and the myseries provided each day by the natural world. Instructor teams will collaborate to create a flow for the week and a plan for each day that inspires a deep nature connection within participants and highlights the seasonal gifts of the natural world. For example, our Primitive Café summer camp is all about campfire cooking creations. The week may begin with familiarizing ourselves with how to identify local edible plants and the tenants of sustainable harvesting, then move into a grand search for the ripest seasonal goodies (early-summer black raspberries, anyone?), and end with a cooking competition featuring guests judges!
Our days begin with an opening circle, including a song and land acknowledgement, to presence and unify the group’s energy before diving into the day. Will you be following tracks left at camp by a visitor in the night? Building a fire to cook a feast? Practicing your camouflage skills? Harvesting natural crafting materials? Hiking out for lunch at the big creek? The forest is full of possibilities! Each day ends with a closing circle, which serves as an opporunity to reflect on the day, express gratitude, and build excitement for the next adventure.
Throughout the day, staff have opportunities to connect and collaborate with other staff members. Your group might join another for an epic game, invite others to their performance or fair, or travel around bringing gifts and songs to other groups. At the end of a day of summer camp, a favorite staff activity is to cool off with a swim in the nearby gorges while sharing stories of the day.
When is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants who are interested in applying for the Assistant Summer Camp Director should apply by March 1, 2025. Applicants who are interested in Logistics Coordinator, Lead Wilderness Instructor, Wilderness Instructor, or Internship positions are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2025.
Interviews will continue until all positions are filled which is usually in May. The earlier you apply, the better!
What happens after I submit my application?
Ideally, within a week of receiving your application, you will receive an email from us letting you know whether you have qualified for an interview. Interviews will happen in person, if possible. If not possible, video calls will be the second choice.
How can I strengthen my application?
• Work or volunteer for an outdoor education organization with direct experience with youth
• Attend a primitive skills gathering or workshop
• Participate in adult development opportunities related to naturalist skills and nature mentoring such as the Primitive Pursuits Adult Program offerings, Alderleaf Wilderness School, programs through Wilderness Awareness School, and others with similar outcomes.
• Become familiar with nature mentoring, such as by reading The Coyote’s Guide by Jon Young
Staff Expectations
• Spend entire days immersed in the fields, forests and waterways of undeveloped nature in the Finger Lakes Region, in all weather conditions
• Be punctual and present for required trainings, planning sessions and assigned hours
• Explore your own personal connection with nature so you can share stories, experiences, learning and inquiries with others
• Engage and connect with children in nature in meaningful and inspiring ways
• Work collaboratively on teams to create meaningful and memorable experiences
• Promote inclusive and welcoming environments that value diversity of staff and participants
• Value and practice self-awareness, professionalism and positive communication skills
• Have a good sense of humor, be creative and flexible, and have a deep love for learning
• Believe that connecting kids to the natural world in meaningful ways plays a big part in improving the health of our planet for future generations
• Role-model engaged, compassionate, inspired, curious learners
• Ask questions!
What training is offered?
We provide required week-long training for our new and returning day camp staff.
Over the course of the week new day camp staff will:
- Be introduced to our methods, philosophy, and culture of nature connection
- Be exposed to a range of games, activities, and camp spaces
- Learn and develop their naturalist and primitive skills
- Understand our risk management policy, why it is important, and how it guides our overall program
- Get to connect and learn with other summer staff
- Immerse into the Primitive Pursuits culture
- Practice and learn effective forms of feedback
- And More!
In addition to everything listed above, lead day camp staff will:
- Dive deeply into what Coyote Mentoring and the Eight Sheilds Teaching Model are and how we incorporate them into our programs
- Learn how to plan a fun, meaningful, and impactful arc (plan) for the week
- Understand the various roles of an instructor team and how to provide support for each person
- Learn how to be an effective mentor and support for their instructor team
For our overnight camp staff we provide a more in-depth training over the course of a week and a half. Staff will learn the topics above in additon to:
- Daily and weekly camp schedule
- Learn how to create rapport and safe spaces within camper groups
- Learn how to navigate difficult conversations with campers
- Learn self-care methods and strategies that can be applied in a variety of settings
- And More!
We also offer opportunities outside of camp hours for further skill training and community building throughout the summer!
What are past staff members saying?
“I loved getting to work with many different people and both learn from and mentor so many. It was great to work with people who have a different leadership style and energy than I do.” – Lyla W.
“Putting myself ‘out there’ in a new position, new place, with new people brought up a lot of personal feelings of vulnerability and the people at Primitive Pursuits showed me that I am appreciated for the ‘me’ whom I am. I noticed that there is a pattern of this among people who have been touched by the Primitive Pursuits community. I feel truly blessed to have been graced by this human and more-than-human world. Thank you.” – Jackson T.
“There are so many skills I have taken away from this summer, but the one main thing I will be taking with me is the amazing training week with all the skills I have leaned like mentoring, communication, and risk management.” – Nathan F.
Time Commitment
- All staff are required to attend staff training the week of June 23th-27th.
- Summer camp runs from June 30 -August 29. We would like all day camp wilderness instructors to work a minimum of 5 weeks and a maximum of 9 weeks during the camp season in addition to staff training. Interns are required to work a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 9 weeks in addition to staff training week.
- Admin and Photojournalist Interns will create a schedule based on the camp’s needs and expectations
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.
Please be sure to read the Notice to Applicants found on the Jobs with CCE page:
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.