National Math Camps
program Description
Residential Assistant, Math Summer Camp
About The Position
Are you excited to build community, support young people, and help create an unforgettable summer experience? National Math Camps is seeking Residential Assistants (RAs) who are energetic, caring, and committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and joyful residential environment for mathematically talented middle school students.
As a Residential Assistant (RA), you’ll help shape the heart of the camp experience outside the classroom—serving as a leader, role model, and steady source of support. RAs live on-site with campers, supervising and supporting them in the dorms, at meals, during activities, and at special events, while building meaningful connections and sharing in the joy and magic of camp. You’ll also plan and lead fun activities inspired by your own interests, helping shape camp culture and maybe even create some new traditions. This immersive role is perfect for people who love working with young learners, value community-building, and want to make a real impact.
For 2026, our camps will be held at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA, and William Peace University in Raleigh, NC, with each location running two 2-week sessions. RAs are required to work both sessions at their assigned camp and to participate in on-site pre-camp training. In addition, RAs will complete up to 5 hours of paid remote asynchronous training before arrival. Applicants must have graduated high school and be at least 18 years old by the start of camp.
There are multiple opportunities for strong Resident Assistants to continue growing with National Math Camps, including returning in future summers as a Head Resident Assistant or Operations Assistant.
What You'll Do
- Live in community with campers: Reside in the dorms and serve as a consistent, supportive presence. Build meaningful relationships with campers and help create a safe, welcoming, and joyful environment.
- Supervise campers: Ensure student safety and well-being by escorting students between locations, taking attendance when required, and helping uphold NMC’s policies, procedures, and positive behavior expectations.
- Lead a counselor group: Guide a daily small group of 8–12 campers, facilitating check-ins, discussions, and reflections that help students build connections, navigate camp life, and feel included in the camp community.
- Support camper well-being: Collect and review daily camper surveys, observe student needs, and share concerns or patterns with the Head RA or Camper Support Director to ensure timely support.
- Plan and facilitate activities: Design and lead fun non-academic activities—such as board games, crafts, sports, or creative offerings—for groups of campers. This is a great chance to be creative and share your own interests.
- Bring mathy fun into camp life: Find ways to infuse some nerdiness into camp life so that camp feels uniquely like math camp. This can look different for every RA depending on their interests and background.
- Support conflict resolution: Help campers work through minor conflicts or misunderstandings with empathy and restorative approaches, and involve leadership when a situation needs additional support.
- Support all-camp events: Assist with special events like variety shows, scavenger hunts, themed nights, and field trips, helping create memorable shared experiences.
- Assist with arrivals and departures: Help with camper check-in and check-out, welcome families, guide students through orientation, and participate in airport pickups or drop-offs as assigned.
- Assist with other duties as assigned: We each have specific roles, but making camp run smoothly requires everyone to pitch in when needed.
What We're Looking For
Experience & Background
- At least 18 years old and a high school graduate by the start of camp.
- Experience working with kids in any capacity (e.g., tutoring, mentoring, babysitting, youth programs).
- Experience in camp settings, residential life, club leadership, or similar environments is preferred.
- Experience with math enrichment programs (math camps, math circles, etc) as a student or staff member is a plus.
Skills & Attributes
- Responsible, flexible, and proactive—able to take initiative and collaborate effectively with fellow staff.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build rapport with middle school students and help create a welcoming, inclusive camp environment.
- Compassionate and patient, with the ability to support campers through both small challenges and big feelings.
- Skilled at listening, communicating clearly, and navigating minor conflicts with empathy and calm.
Values
- A deep commitment to camper safety, well-being, and inclusion.
- Excited to design and lead fun activities and to share personal interests with campers.
- Genuine enthusiasm for mathematics and for being part of a joyful, inclusive, and delightfully nerdy community.
- Interest in supporting young people with strong mathematical talent and diverse social–emotional needs.
- Enthusiasm for working in a fast-paced, residential environment.
- Willingness to fully immerse yourself in camp life—living on-site, participating in traditions, and helping build a supportive and vibrant community.
Logistics
Dates
We have the following dates & locations available for summer 2026:
- 6/18 - 7/18 at Camp Conway (Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA)
- 6/25 - 7/25 at Camp Sierpinski (William Peace University, Raleigh, NC)
These dates include on-site staff training followed by two 2-week camp sessions. RAs are required to live in the dorms near campers for the duration of the program.
Compensation
- $3,600 for the full period listed above, plus room, board, and round-trip travel
- Up to 5 hours of remote pre-camp training, paid at $20/hour
Note about California positions: Due to California labor laws, RAs at Camp Conway are paid hourly while at camp rather than via a stipend. However, we will ensure that the total compensation is at least the amount listed above.
How to Apply
Click Apply and then "APPLY FOR THIS JOB" on that link to fill out the online application.
- A portfolio is not necessary for this position.
- We will ask for a reference in the application and request that the reference you include can speak to your interpersonal skills and ability to help manage residential life for campers.
- Please make sure your resume includes your experience working with kids.
- Please note that all applicants must be authorized to work in the US.
We will consider applications on a rolling basis starting in January until all spots are filled. National Math Camps is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Feel free to reach out to jobs@nationalmathcamps.org with any questions.
We are not accepting applications for this program through MathPrograms.Org right now. Please apply at https://nationalmathcamps.org/join-our-team/co/multiple-locations/73.26D/residential-assistant-math-summer-camp/all/?coref=1.10.sAF_85A
.- Contact: Katie Doles
- Email:
- Web Page: nationalmathcamps.org