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Summer 2027 · In-person campus work

Junior Instructor & Residential Advisor

Help students practice their speaking skills while supporting the activities, supervision and everyday moments that make camp feel welcoming.

AvailabilitySix-week minimum
Living arrangementOn campus required

Summer 2027 · Full job advertisement

Junior Instructor & Residential Advisor

Junior Instructors and Residential Advisors help students practice speaking, research ideas, prepare cases and presentations, and take part in camp activities. The role combines classroom support with residential-life supervision and teamwork. This is an in-person camp role.

Instruction and student growth

  • Help students research, write, rehearse and present cases and speeches.
  • Give useful feedback and help judge practice activities, competitions and showcases.
  • Support Senior Instructors and the Camp Director with lessons and student assessments as assigned.

Residential life and camp operations

  • Help students participate in camp activities and follow safety expectations.
  • Support supervised activities and residential-life routines assigned by camp leadership.
  • Act as a respectful mentor and help students solve everyday problems.
  • Attend staff meetings and help with opening and closing activities.

Required qualifications

  • A completed high school education or equivalent. College enrollment is not required.
  • Genuine experience in an oral-advocacy activity, such as speech, debate, mock trial, Model UN, Model Congress, student congress or a similar activity.

Applicants must meet both requirements. Experience working with young people or at a camp is helpful.

Schedule

At least six weeks of availability is required for Summer 2027. Junior Instructors / Residential Advisors must live on campus and arrive one day before each assigned camp begins. Capitol Debate assigns all campus placements; applicants cannot select campuses. Teaching positions begin with Session 2; Session 1 teaching positions are not available. Your campus assignments and training details will be provided by our team.

How to apply

Start with the short 2027 Junior Instructor / Residential Advisor application, screening answers and a résumé. Staff-selected candidates may receive a private invitation to provide further application details.

Apply for Junior Instructor / RA

Compensation: starting at $1,500 for first-year positions.

Two Capitol Debate staff members wearing black polos and lanyards
Support the lesson. Build their confidence.
Four camp team members together, three wearing Capitol Debate polos
Help students find their voice.

A closer look at camp

People. Purpose.
A summer that matters.

Hear the story behind working for Capitol Debate, and see the camp experience your work helps create.

Working for Capitol DebateMeet the experience

Watch our existing staff video for a look at the people and purpose behind camp.

A clear path forward

How our application process works.

Start with the essentials.

Complete a short screening and share your résumé, experience and availability.

Our team reviews your fit.

Staff review the information you provide against the role’s requirements.

Continue by invitation.

Selected candidates receive a personal invitation to provide the additional application details.

Junior Instructor applications are open. Apply through our website form. Staff review your answers and résumé.

Plan your summer · In-person roles

2027 Summer Debate Camp Job Schedule

Review the camp dates and locations below to plan your availability. Teaching positions begin with Session 2. Session 1 teaching positions are not available.

At least 6 weeks required

You must be available for a minimum of six weeks and live on campus while assigned.

Arrive 1 day before camp

Staff must arrive one day before each assigned camp begins. Arrival dates are listed below.

We assign your campuses

Capitol Debate assigns campus placements. Applicants cannot select their campuses.

Session 2

Camp dates · 2027
–
Staff arrival · 2027
  • Ohio State UniversityColumbus, Ohio
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, North Carolina
  • University of San DiegoSan Diego, California

Session 3

Camp dates · 2027
–
Staff arrival · 2027
  • The Hun School of PrincetonPrinceton, New Jersey
  • UCLALos Angeles, California
  • Villanova UniversityVillanova, Pennsylvania
  • Yale UniversityNew Haven, Connecticut

Session 4

Camp dates · 2027
–
Staff arrival · 2027
  • San Jose State UniversitySan Jose, California · Silicon Valley
  • Drew UniversityMadison, New Jersey
  • The Lawrenceville SchoolLawrenceville, New Jersey

Session 5

Camp dates · 2027
–
Staff arrival · 2027
  • American UniversityWashington, DC
  • Dana Hall SchoolWellesley, Massachusetts · Boston area
  • Rider UniversityLawrenceville, New Jersey
  • University of WashingtonSeattle, Washington

Your assigned campuses and training details will be provided by the Capitol Debate team. The six-week minimum applies across your summer assignments.

Before you take the next step

A few good questions.

Can I choose which campus I work at?

No. Capitol Debate assigns all campus placements. Applicants must be available for at least six weeks, live on campus and arrive one day before each assigned camp begins.

Do I have to be a college student?

No. A completed high school education or equivalent and genuine oral-advocacy activity experience are required. College enrollment is not required.

Must I live on campus?

Yes. Both roles require living on campus while assigned and at least six weeks of summer availability.

Can I submit an application now?

Yes. Use the Junior Apply button on this page to send your answers and résumé through our website.