Weekend Camping Staff

2026-2027 Weekend Camping Staff

Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund (Fresh Air) has been a leading youth development organization providing transformative opportunities for children and young adults from New York City's underserved communities. Rooted in the belief that access to nature and outdoor experiences can change lives, Fresh Air connects young people to the outdoors while providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development and exploration. Through free summer camp and year-round leadership development, educational enrichment and career exploration programs, Fresh Air helps young people develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to thrive.

Serving more than 1.8 million children throughout its history, Fresh Air remains committed to expanding access to life-changing experiences that empower young people to reach their full potential. At Fresh Air, employees are driven by purpose, collaboration and a shared commitment to creating opportunities that help young people succeed.

Position Summary  
The Fresh Air Fund is hiring Staff to work for our camping weekends.  During the school year, we facilitate weekend programs for previous program participants at Sharpe Reservation to build on skills and communities formed in the summer.  Staff play a critical role in the successful operation of our weekend camping programs by providing administrative support and 24-hour-a-day direct supervision of participants. Staff may be asked to lead and plan activities, participate in activities, or facilitate workshops and clubs.  Staff and participants live together and travel as a cabin throughout the day, including meals and activities. Staff assigned administrative roles for the weekend to oversee the program, provide administrative support, and often sleep separately from participants.  
This is an at-will, weekend position that is scheduled to work on an “as required” and “as available” basis. This is an in-person in NYC and Fishkill position that reports to the Camping Department.  

Responsibilities may include: 

• Responsible for directly supervising a group of staff members, participants and facilitating the camp program. 
• Plan or assist in planning and supervision of activities. 
• Assist or lead activities and help participants as needed. 
• Provide 24-hour-a-day direct supervision, leadership and guidance to participants with assigned co-counselors. This includes supervising the group in-between and during the daily program, planning cabin activities, eating meals with participants and behavior management. 
• Assist in camper check in and departure in NYC and be a bus escort to camp location. 
• Assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of participants.  
• Live in a cabin with 6-12 participants and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp weekend (if assigned general counselor role or if applicable). 
• Understand that the position involves living in cabins with little to no privacy and eating all meals with participants in a large, noisy dining room.  
• Understand that participants come first, and decisions should be made in the best interest of participants. 
• Address stressful situations appropriately in a fast-paced, interactive environment. 
• Be an active member of the community by participating in all programming.  
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with other staff to achieve the goals of the program. 
• Understand, explain, and enforce the policies, traditions and rules of the program. 
• Invest time with participants to meet their needs, challenge their capabilities and serve as a role model during their time at camp.  
• Take ownership of the use and care of camp equipment and facilities. 
• Be totally familiar with emergency procedures and follow them when necessary. 
• Additional responsibilities as needed and assigned. 

Qualifications 

• Must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program. 

• Preferred experience working at Fresh Air summer camps. 

• If a former Fresh Air staff member, must be in good standing to be rehired.  

• If not a former Fresh Air staff member, at least one year working with youth.  

• Flexible and willing to accept challenges and step outside comfort zone. 

• Comfortable and confident supervising and teaching participants in large and small groups.  

• Must have the ability to work independently and in a team environment.  

• Handle constructive feedback in a productive way. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. 

• Interest in joining a youth development organization and supporting its mission and vision. 

• At least one year of college is preferred. Must have a high school diploma by the start of the program. 

• Interested in working and living in the outdoors for the weekend. 

• Experience developing teambuilding, initiatives and games. 

• Skilled in mentoring, role modeling, and guiding children. 

• Emotionally mature with a willingness to work as a team player and to maintain a positive attitude. 

• Available for the entire duration of the program. 

• As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and to protecting the participants we serve, The Fresh Air Fund requires all camp staff to meet applicable vaccination requirements in accordance with federal, state, and local laws, and to be fully vaccinated against polio, MMR, TDap, and varicella. As new public health issues arise, The Fresh Air Fund may require additional vaccinations. Proof of vaccinations or immunity, or approved exemptions, will be required as a condition of employment.   

Camp Weekend Dates: November 6^th – 8^th, December 4^th – 6^th, February 5^th – 7^th & February 26^th – 28^th.
Cabin: Staff live in a cabin with 6-12 participants and co-counselors for the full duration of each camp weekend (if assigned general counselor role or if applicable). Staff assigned administrative roles often sleep separately from participants.  
Hours per week: This job is to cover weekends, generally from Friday at 4pm – Sunday at 3pm. Specific weekends will be assigned on an as needed and as available basis. 
Compensation: The pay range starts at $250 per weekend based on experience and # of summer worked at camp.
Benefits: None. 

The Fresh Air Fund is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in its work and on its staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations, and communities to apply. 

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