Seasonal

Zohorecruit; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Capitol Debate Summer Camps in New York, NY, seeks Junior Instructors/Residential Advisors for the 2026 summer program running May 31–August 6. You will split time between instructional duties and residential life, living on campus for the camp duration.

Applicants must be able to live on campus, commit to at least six weeks, and support student learning through debate, public speaking, and mentorship. The role includes mentoring, safety supervision, and event support in a dynamic camp setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in oral advocacy activities such as Speech & Debate, Mock Trial, or Model UN.
• Competitive public speaking with at least 2 years experience (Required).
• Summer camp experience preferred (1 year).
• High school graduate or equivalent preferred.
• Fully vaccinated.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and assist with planning residential activities.
• Help students with research and presentations, providing feedback.
• Judge student competitions and facilitate showcases.
• Attend staff meetings and support camp ceremonies.
• Ensure student safety in dorms and supervise curfew.

Skills

Public speaking

Debate experience

Oral advocacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

2026 Summer Debate Camp Junior Instructor and Residential Advisor

New York, United States | Posted on 04/03/2026

All Capitol Debate Staff, regardless of title or experience, are committed to serving the best interests of our students, making it an amazing summer for all participants, showing up every day as their best selves, and taking on any and all responsibilities that contribute to a successful camp. All Capitol Debate staff are considered Camp Counselors first and foremost.

Job Overview

Capitol Debate Summer Camps is seeking Junior Instructors/Residential Advisors for our summer camps running from May 31 to August 6, 2026. We host camps in 15 cities throughout the country, offering a great travel opportunity. This role combines instructional duties with responsibilities in residential life. Applicants must be able and willing to live on campus during the camp duration. Staff must be available a minimum of 6 weeks during the summer to be considered.Responsibilities

Instructional Duties not limited to:

• Mentor and assist with the planning and implementation of residential activities
  
• Help students with research, writing their cases or presentations, and provide feedback
  
• Judge student competitions and help facilitate student showcases
  

Residential Life Duties not limited to:

• Act as a mediator, encourager, cheerleader, mentor, and motivator in residential life activities
  
• Ensure active student participation and supervise student safety in all activities and dorm life.
  
• Conduct room checks at curfew and monitor residential halls until midnight for student safety
  
• Assist with planning and implementation of residential activities.
  

General Duties not limited to:

• Attend all staff meetings during the camp
  
• Assist with first and last-day camp ceremonies and activities including setting up of materials
  
• Provide any additional support as requested by Camp Director or Residential Life Directors
  

Time Commitment

• Participate in approximately 10 hours of pre-camp training focused on camp and residential life
  
• Attend a minimum of 3, 2 week camp sessions, totaling 6 weeks of camp.
  

Requirements

Requirements & Experience

Counselors/junior instructors are often current college students or recent high school graduates with a background in public speaking and debate (including activities like DECA, Model UN, and Mock Trials). Experience working in youth-based programs is a plus. Required attendance at training sessions and planning meetings leading up to our summer program, including an all-staff orientation and training on Day 0. Returning Counselors are eligible for increased responsibilities and compensation. Staff may need to walk long distances under summer conditions and share dorm rooms with fellow counselors of the same gender.

• High school graduate or equivalent (Preferred)
  
• Fully vaccinated
  
• Experience in oral advocacy activities such as Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, or similar (Required)
  
• Experience working at a summer camp: 1 year (Preferred)
  
• Competitive Public speaking: 2 years (Required)
  

Compensation is set and will be discussed during interview