Residential Youth Camp Counselor

Residential Youth Camp Counselor - Cyber Defenders Camp
Position Description

The Basics
The Upper Peninsula Cybersecurity Institute (UPCI) is hosting a one-week residential camp that aims to help high school students develop skills in cybersecurity through hands-on, immersive academic experiences and curated recreational activities. The camp is a partnership between the UPCI, Seaborg Center, Central UP MiSTEM Network, and the NMU College of Business. Please note that there are additional Residential Youth Camp Counselor positions available for different camps throughout the summer. Applicants are welcome to apply to multiple camps using the Handshake platform.

We are seeking qualified adults to fill a total of eight counselor roles during Cyber Defenders Camp:

• Three day-shift counselors will work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to ensure campers are awake, accompany them to breakfast, and help them arrive at academic activities. They will provide support during instruction, lunch, and the transition to dinner, where they will meet with the evening shift counselors to provide updates and address concerns.
• Three evening-shift counselors will work from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. to help the campers transition from dinner to evening activities (both on-site and off-site), lead and/or support those activities, help campers get to bed on time, and maintain residence hall safety overnight.
• Two lead counselors will work alternating shifts to provide a valuable point of contact between other counselors, staff, and campers, oversee medication distribution, and document any immediate or ongoing camper issues. Lead counselors will also be on call for emergency staffing and unforeseen circumstances.

Compensation

• Hourly wage of $16/hour for day- and night-shift counselors
• Hourly wage of $18/hour for lead counselors
• Paid training for Saturday evening before camp; plus, we cover the cost of CPR certification
• Room and board provided (including meals even when not on duty throughout camp)
• Hours may vary and will likely range from 45–50 hours for the camp duration

Timeline

• May - interviewing
• June - onboarding (employment paperwork, background checks, CPR training)
• Saturday, July 12 - counselor training and team building
• July 13–18 - Cyber Defenders Camp

Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and model appropriate behavior at all times.
• Model respect for the diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants at all times.
• Perform duties as assigned by program administration and faculty.
• Supervise program participants in the residence hall and classroom.
• Lead recreational group activities.
• Enforce and abide by all program and university policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe residence hall environment.
• Reside with program participants by staying in the residence hall during camp.
• Complete assigned paperwork.
• Attend program meetings as assigned by the program administrator.
• Transport students to and from field trips and evening outings.

Required qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Previous experience working with children
• Ability to effectively communicate with staff, counselors, and campers
• Desire to create an inclusive atmosphere in and out of the residence halls
• Ability to prioritize participant safety while maintaining an upbeat environment
• Professional but approachable demeanor around adults and children

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Major in Education, Cyber Defense, or Computer Science
• Advising or supervisory experience in a residence hall setting
• Previous camp counselor experience
• Lifeguard certification
• CPR, First aid, and/or First Responder certification
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record

Comments and how to apply:

To apply for this position, please complete and return the attach the Counselor Application Form in Handshake or email to the UPCI at upcyber@nmu.edu.  Note that all people working with children on the NMU campus are subject to the university’s Minors on Campus policies, including submitting to a background check.

Deadline: May 29, 2025