Seasonal Backpacking Guide Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position: Hiking and Camping Counselor

Location: BCNY @ Harriman State Park, 553 Arden Valley Road, Southfields, NY 10975

Employment Dates: June 22 August 15, 2026

Total Salary: $7,000 - $8,500

Employment Type: Seasonal, Full-Time, Exempt

Housing: Residential position with shared staff lodging provided

Reports To: Activity 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, BCNYs 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 Hiking & Camping Counselor is a skill-focused, safety-driven role responsible for leading engaging, developmentally appropriate hiking and overnight camping programming for campers ages 1017. As the primary facilitator of the hiking and camping activity area, the counselor guides campers through a progressive outdoor skill sequencefrom day hikes and trail awareness to navigation basics, campcraft, and overnight camping experiencesbuilding confidence, independence, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.

The Hiking & Camping Counselor plans and leads both on-site instruction and off-site or backcountry experiences within Harriman State Park, emphasizing preparation, risk awareness, teamwork, and reflection.

Beyond the trail, Hiking & Camping Counselors are fully immersed in camp life. They actively support cabin routines, meals, community moments, and camp-wide programming. Working under the supervision of the Activity Counselor Division Leader and in collaboration with camp leadership, they help ensure consistent supervision, strong safety practices, and meaningful outdoor education experiences throughout the session.

Opportunities are available for staff to receive Outdoor Leadership training and Wilderness First Aid certification.

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

Hiking, Camping and Backpacking Programming & Skill Development

• Plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate hiking and camping instruction aligned with camp schedules, themes, and camper readiness (e.g., trail etiquette, pacing, map reading, Leave No Trace principles, campsite setup, and outdoor cooking basics).

• Teach and reinforce hiking fundamentals, including proper footwear and packing, hydration and nutrition, group spacing, trail awareness, and risk recognition.

• Facilitate progressive skill development that builds stamina, confidence, and independence through increasingly challenging hikes and responsibilities.

• Plan and lead structured camping and backpacking experiences, including tent setup, campsite organization, meal preparation, fire safety, and nighttime routines.

• Support campers in developing teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and resilience through shared outdoor challenges.

• Integrate reflection and discussion to help campers connect outdoor experiences to personal growth, responsibility, and community values.

Safety, Supervision & Outdoor Risk Management (Primary Focus)

• Enforce all hiking, camping, backpacking and outdoor safety standards, including park regulations, camp policies, and emergency procedures.

• Conduct route planning, daily risk assessments, weather monitoring, and equipment checks and maintenance prior to all hikes and camping trips.

• Maintain active supervision of campers on trails and at campsites, ensuring appropriate pacing, group cohesion, and behavioral expectations.

• Respond appropriately to minor injuries, fatigue, or behavioral concerns, escalating concerns as needed to the Activity Counselor Division Leader or camp leadership.

• Model calm, confident decision-making in dynamic outdoor environments.

Camp-Wide Engagement, Cabin Support, Operations & CIT Mentorship

• Actively participate in daily camp life, supporting cabin routines and community moments including meals, morning reflections, community cyphers, psychological time, evening programs (EPs), and nighttime routines.

• Support cabin groups dailywithin hiking and camping programs or elsewhere as neededto maintain supervision and appropriate coverage.

• As a member of the Activity Counselor team, co-lead two evening programs, lead one evening program, and provide coverage and supervision during additional evening programs as assigned.

• Provide additional camp-wide coverage as needed, including meal support and substituting for counselors during nights off or when additional supervision is required.

• Maintain the Activity Area Binder, track equipment usage, and submit a written end-of-session inventory and reflection addressing equipment condition, camper engagement, skill progression, and safety considerations.

• Engage Counselors-in-Training (CITs) as active helpers, modeling outdoor leadership, safe practices, and effective instruction.

• Support CIT development by gradually involving them in trip preparation, navigation support, campsite setup, and peer mentorship.

Qualifications

• Prior hiking, camping, or outdoor leadership experience required; candidates must be comfortable supervising youth in wilderness or semi-wilderness settings.

• Experience working with youth in camp, outdoor education, recreation, or educational settings preferred.

• Strong ability to lead structured activities while maintaining consistent safety standards in outdoor environments.

• Clear, calm communication skills and the ability to give concise directions on the trail and at campsites.

• Commitment to safety, teamwork, structure, and positive youth development.

• Willingness to engage fully in all aspects of camp life beyond primary activity responsibilities.

• Certified in Wilderness medicine (or willing to get certified prior to camp).

Additional Requirements

• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to work a demanding schedule.

• Meet all required immunizations (MMR and Poly required).

• Ability to drive, possession of a valid driver license and clean DMV record

• 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 and carry 40-50 pounds while traveling in the backcountry, 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.?