Summer Camp Advocate - Emotional / Behavioral Support

MePA; Rolla (MO); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

On-site housing & meals

Camp store credit

Professional certifications

Weekly days off

Job summary

Cub Creek Science Camp seeks energetic staff to support cabin counselors, address camper behavior, and mentor youth in an immersive outdoor setting. You will help plan activities, manage daily schedules, and ensure a safe, inclusive environment through hands-on leadership.

Ideal candidates show passion for youth development, strong communication, empathy, and conflict-resolution skills, with readiness to collaborate across teams and drive positive camper experiences.

Qualifications

• Majors in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Child Development, Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism, Experiential Education, or related fields.
• Passion for youth advocacy, behavioral support, and community building in an outdoor setting.
• Strong core competencies in communication, empathy, problem-solving, active listening, and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities

• Support cabin counselors in managing daily cabin dynamics and fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
• Address camper emotional and behavioral needs—homesickness, social anxiety, and conflict resolution, referring incidents to leadership as necessary.
• Communicate solution-focused updates to parents, counselors, and camp directors regarding camper well-being and overall experience.
• Collect camper course preferences, daily schedule assignments, and weekly satisfaction surveys to ensure quality camper experiences.
• Plan and execute special camp activities with program directors and facility teams.
• Enforce site risk management, camper accountability, and emergency response procedures to ensure daily safety and health compliance.

Skills

Youth advocacy

Behavioral support

Community building

Communication

Empathy

Active listening

Conflict resolution

Education

Psychology

Social Work

Education

Child Development

Outdoor Recreation

Job description

Be Curious. Be Connected. Be Cub Creek.
Want hands-on experience leading camper support initiatives, providing behavioral guidance, and coordinating events while building your leadership skills? At Cub Creek Science Camp, you won't just study youth development concepts—you can actively support cabin counselors, lead camper care programs, coordinate special events, and mentor youth in an immersive outdoor setting.

Speak with us about earning internship, work-study, or research project credit for the summer as well!

2027 Dates

Staff Training: May 23 - June 5 (2 weeks)
Camp: June 6 - Aug 7 (9 weeks)

What You'll Do

• Support cabin counselors in managing daily cabin dynamics and fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive environment.
• Address camper emotional and behavioral needs—such as homesickness, social anxiety, and conflict resolution—referring incidents to leadership as necessary.
• Communicate solution-focused updates to parents, counselors, and camp directors regarding camper well-being and overall experience.
• Collect camper course preferences, daily schedule assignments, and weekly satisfaction surveys to ensure quality camper experiences.
• Plan and execute special camp activities (evening activities, birthdays, early-birds, night-owls) in collaboration with program directors and facility teams.
• Enforce site risk management, camper accountability, and emergency response procedures to ensure daily safety and health compliance.

What You’ll Gain (Resume-Building Transferable Skills)

• Behavioral Management & EQ: Hands-on application of conflict resolution, active listening, and emotional support techniques to guide youth through challenges like anxiety and homesickness.
• Team Leadership & Youth Mentorship: Proven ability to direct group dynamics, mentor counselors, and foster a supportive camp community.
• Operations & Stakeholder Relations: Expertise in managing daily scheduling, administering satisfaction surveys, and communicating professionally with parents and camp leadership.
• Event & Program Delivery: Real-world experience planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale special events and daily activity rotations.

What We’ll Provide

• Competitive Pay: Starting salary of $5,000 for the 11-week summer season.
• All-Inclusive Living: Full room, board, meals, and laundry services provided on-site for the duration of the contract—save on summer expenses!
• Camp Store Credit: Includes an additional $100 credit for snacks, gear, and supplies.
• Professional Certifications: Opportunities for additional leadership training and certifications for qualified candidates, such as lifeguarding.
• Schedule: Position requires availability on-site 7 days a week (including weekends) for the contract period. To support rest and work-life balance, staff receive a 2-hour break each day and 1 scheduled day off every week.

Or visit our website to learn more about working at camp before completing your application: https://cubcreeksciencecamp.com/join-our-team/.

What We’re Looking For

• Majors in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Child Development, Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism, Experiential Education, or related fields.
• Passion for youth advocacy, behavioral support, and community building in an outdoor setting.
• Strong core competencies in communication, empathy, problem-solving, active listening, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to thrive in an active, outdoor environment and collaborate effectively with program directors, counselors, and support staff.