2026 Camp Counselor Applications

Position Summary

Summer STEM Camp, presented by MESCIT and SARSEF, is a free, week-long program for Indigenous middle school students designed to introduce STEM career pathways and encourage interest in higher education through hands-on activities, lab tours, and field trips.

The Undergraduate Camp Assistant will work with the MESCIT Camp Director and other program staff to support daily camp operations and help create a positive experience for participants. Responsibilities include assisting with activities and campus tours, supporting guest presenters, facilitating hands-on STEM activities and games, and helping with daily camp logistics.

Applicants should be current UA undergraduate students with an interest in working with middle school-aged youth and supporting STEM outreach. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, creativity, and the ability to work collaboratively while serving as a positive role model for students. Preference will be given to applicants pursuing a STEM-related degree and those with experience working with Indigenous students or communities. Applicants must be eligible to obtain an Arizona DPS Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card (cost will be reimbursed by MESCIT).

 Key Dates

Undergraduate Camp Assistants must be able to attend:

·       Online MESCIT Training: June 5th from 9AM-12 PM via ZOOM (3 hours)

·       Additional trainings (up to 20 hours) will be completed prior to the start of camp and scheduled based on student availability.

·       Camp: June 15th-18th from 8:30AM-4:30PM on the University of Arizona Main Campus (32 hours)

Job Responsibilities

·   Assist the Camp Director and other program staff with daily camp operations and student engagement activities

·   Provide active supervision of campers to support safety, respond to individual needs, and maintain a positive and inclusive environment

·   Help prepare and maintain program spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure activity areas remain safe, organized, and ready for use

·   Serve as a supportive role model and assist High School Camp Counselors during camp activities

·   Assist in facilitating educational activities, demonstrations, and STEM lessons in both large- and small-group settings

·   Participate alongside campers during hands-on activities, projects, and games to encourage engagement and curiosity

·   Support the implementation of pre-planned lessons, projects, and interactive STEM activities

·   Provide guidance to campers as they follow instructions, complete activities, and build confidence in STEM learning

·   Foster a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and positive relationships among campers

Compensation

Undergraduate Camp Assistants will be paid a stipend of $1000 upon successful completion of the camp.

Transportation

Transportation assistance is not available for the training period. During camp week, daily parking passes will be provided. Camp assistants may also use the daily van transportation offered by MESCIT from New Pascua.

Positions Available: 1

To Apply

Please send an email to amberlaughing@arizona.edu with your resume that includes your current GPA and a cover letter describing your interest in the camp position and any related experience. The application deadline is March 31, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Preference will be given to current participants and alumni of the MESCIT Program.

Position Summary

Summer STEM Camp, presented by MESCIT and SARSEF, is a free, week-long program for Indigenous middle school students designed to introduce STEM career pathways and encourage interest in higher education through hands-on activities, lab tours, and field trips.

The Graduate Camp Assistant will support the MESCIT Camp Director with daily camp operations, including facilitating activities, assisting with campus tours, supporting guest presenters, and helping coordinate camp logistics. This role also includes assisting with the daily transportation of campers between New Pascua and the University of Arizona campus.

The selected candidate must complete University of Arizona HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) certification prior to the start of camp.

Applicants should be current UA graduate students with an interest in youth mentorship and STEM outreach, as well as strong communication and collaboration skills. Preferred applicants will have experience working with Indigenous students or communities and be pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics). Upper-division undergraduate students with relevant experience may also be considered. Applicants must also be eligible to obtain an Arizona DPS Level I Fingerprint Clearance Card (cost will be reimbursed by MESCIT).

Key Dates

Counselors must be able to attend:

·   Online MESCIT Training: June 5th from 9AM-12 PM via ZOOM (3 hours)

·   Additional trainings (up to 20 hours) will be completed prior to the start of camp and scheduled based on student availability, including time allotted to complete HOV certification if not already held.

·   Camp: June 15th-18th from 7:00AM-6:00PM on the University of Arizona Main Campus (44 hours)

Job Responsibilities

·   Support the Camp Director in coordinating daily camp operations, logistics, and student engagement activities

·   Assist with daily transportation of campers between New Pascua and the University of Arizona Main Campus, as well as transportation during scheduled field trips

·   Maintain current HOV certification and any additional driver certifications required by the University of Arizona for transporting students

·   Provide active supervision of campers to ensure safety, respond to individual needs, and maintain a positive and inclusive environment

·   Assist with preparing and maintaining program spaces, materials, and equipment to ensure activity areas remain safe, organized, and ready for use

·   Serve as a peer leader and point of support for High School Camp Counselors and Undergraduate Student Assistants

·   Facilitate and support educational activities, demonstrations, and STEM lessons in both large- and small-group settings

·   Assist with implementing hands-on STEM projects, discussions, and experiential learning activities

·   Provide guidance to campers as they follow instructions, complete activities, and build confidence in STEM learning

·   Foster a supportive environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, positive relationships, and a strong sense of STEM identity among campers

Compensation

Graduate Camp Assistants will be paid a stipend of $1500 upon successful completion of the camp.

Transportation

The Graduate Student Assistant must have reliable transportation to the UA Motor Pool parking lot (free parking available) to pick up and return the University of Arizona Motor Pool vehicle each day for camper transportation.

Positions Available: 1

To Apply

Please send an email to amberlaughing@arizona.edu with your resume and a cover letter describing your interest in the camp position and any related experience. Please also indicate whether you are currently HOV certified or will need to complete the training, and confirm that you are comfortable transporting students as part of the position. The application deadline is March 31, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.