Summer Debate Camp Junior Instructor and Residential Advisor

Preamble

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.

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.

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

• 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 & 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