The National Youth Science Academy (NYSAcademy) plans to operate the National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) in 2025 as a fully in-person camp from July 10 to August 2, 2025. All selected staph will be required to attend for the entire duration of camp, unless exempted by the NYSCamp Director. Staph must be at least 19 years of age by the start of camp in order to serve as staph this summer.

Please submit a resume/CV, a headshot, and a qualifications & reasons document via this NYSCamp Staph Application.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until all positions are filled. If you have any questions, please send an email to the NYSCamp Director, Kiona Y. Meade.

The National Youth Science Academy strives to provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds, both in our programming and in our staff. Our staff help to foster community in daily life, and we aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone. Thus, underrepresented groups, such as women and BIPOC, are encouraged to apply.

Position Descriptions

The positions below may be amended, removed, or combined as necessary to fulfill the needs of the 2025 NYSCamp at the discretion of the NYSCamp Director.

Office Staph

The NYSCamp office staph work together to organize camp activities and support all program areas. 

  • Operations Coordinator – The Operations Coordinator has responsibilities coordinating the migration of NYSCamp activities to and from Washington, D.C., establishing laundry services, coordinating the outdoor program with other aspects of the camp, maintaining the soft drink vending machine, starting and ending services and utilities needed for the operation of the camp, coordinating vehicular and equipment acquisitions, serving as the camp liaison with the insurance companies regarding premiums, audits, and claims, etc.  They will also keep all financial records and work closely pre- and post-camp with the NYSCamp Director, Executive Director, and the NYSAcademy’s office team about appropriate accounting procedures.

  • Logistics Coordinator – The Logistics Coordinator has responsibilities coordinating the movements of delegates and staph in and out of camp.  This person also plans and executes the special events of camp. They will coordinate both the creative aspects and the logistics of each event. These events include the Independence Day celebration, concert, the Laura Dill Dinner Club evening, final banquet, and other events.  The Logistics Coordinator will also work closely with the outdoor staph to coordinate the outdoor program with other aspects of the camp.

  • Logistics/Operations Aide – This person will support the logistics and operations of the NYSCamp. They will work closely with the Operations and Logistics Coordinators and may be asked to take on duties associated with these roles. This staph person assists the office staph by transporting guests, making mail runs, and running errands outside camp. There is a strong preference for someone over 21 years of age, who can operate NYSAcademy vehicles for this position.

  • Programming Coordinator – The Programming Coordinator has responsibilities coordinating and supporting the NYSCamp academic program. The primary duty is managing the details of hosting approximately 40 guest scientists who will present lectures on their research or the role of science in society and an additional 30 scientists to work with small groups of delegates in the directed studies program. Other duties include: coordinating the travel arrangements and in-camp lodging for the guests, developing a daily schedule and working closely with the office manager to ensure that it is distributed, handling travel reimbursements for the guests, and working closely with the public information coordinator to publicize the NYSCamp’s academic program.

  • Programming Assistant – This staph person works closely with the programming coordinator, computer facilitator, and AV technician to help prepare for the in-camp programming.  The Programming Assistant will meet with guest presenters and confirm all necessary equipment is available and functioning. 

  • Office Manager – This staph person coordinates a myriad of details to ensure that the program runs efficiently. The office manager must be able to organize large volumes of information and answer a variety of delegate questions. Good communication and computer skills are very helpful for this job.

  • Office Assistant – This staph person assists the office manager with traditional office work. Good organization, communication, and computer knowledge are very helpful for this job.

  • Photographer/Videographer – This staph person is responsible for producing the web-based content for the NYSCamp including digital pictures, video clips, and other documentation of this year’s NYSCamp to be stored and viewed on the NYSAcademy Collaboratory. Previous multimedia experience is required; experience working with Apple Aperture and simple website design is preferred. This staph person uses digital imaging to publicize and chronicle the events of the camp. They produce a multimedia presentation that is shown at the camp’s final banquet. The photographer shoots and processes the necessary digital pictures. The photographer can provide, use, and maintain their own digital photography equipment (obtaining private insurance is recommended) – or use equipment owned by the NYSCamp. An Apple Macintosh computer with Apple Aperture 3.1 is supplied and will be used to manage the digital image resources.

  • Public Information Coordinator – This staph person works closely with the NYSCamp Director, Executive Director, and other Foundation personnel to publicize the events of the programs. They write press releases for the delegates and presenters and manage the distribution of these releases to the media. In cooperation with the photography staph, the PI coordinator ensures that candid photographs are taken of all delegates and presenters. Strong management, communication, and word processing skills are necessary.

Outdoor Staph

The following positions require demonstration of outdoor expertise in the field of backpacking, rock climbing, caving, and/or mountain biking. Personnel who can uphold the highest standards of safety, who have a comprehensive knowledge of the equipment, and who have appropriate organizational and outdoor skills are needed for these positions.

  • Outdoor Coordinator/Assistant – These staph members plan and coordinate all backpacking, rock climbing, caving, and kayaking trips. Responsibilities include supervision of food purchase, equipment maintenance and distribution, transportation, and staphing.  Strong organizational skills are required.  For each overnighter or day trip, the outdoor coordinator and assistant assign delegates to trips and verify that each delegate has the appropriate parental permissions. In addition, they develop and maintain current maps and descriptions of the trails (including camping areas and emergency evacuation routes) and provide the office with a complete list of the staph members and delegates who are out of camp on each trip. These individuals are also responsible for providing in-camp safety and equipment training for staph, delegates, and guests.

  • Climbing Coordinator/Assistant – These staph members are responsible for the safe operation of the rock-climbing portion of the outdoor program and must have appropriate climbing experience and the ability to safely use and maintain all camp climbing equipment. Relevant outdoor certifications are strongly encouraged, as new climbing management practices are implemented in the Seneca Rocks/Spruce Knob recreation area. The climbing staph at camp offers several day trips in addition to the three overnight trips. Must hold at least Single Pitch Instructor certification from the American Mountain Guides Association (the NYSAcademy can help coordinate receiving the necessary training and certification).

  • Caving Coordinator/Assistant – These staph members are responsible for the safe operation of the caving portion of the outdoor program and must have appropriate caving experience and the ability to safely use and maintain all camp caving equipment. The caving staph at camp also offers several day trips in addition to the overnight trips. 

  • Mountain Biking Coordinator/Assistant – These staph members are responsible for the safe operation of the mountain biking program. They must have appropriate mountain biking experience and the ability to safely use and maintain the bikes. These staph members provide the delegates with day trips and at least one overnight mountain biking experience in the vicinity of camp.

  • Adventuring Coordinator/Assisant – These staph members are responsible for the safe operation of the adventuring program, as well as planning adventuring trips which are appropriate for delegates as day trips. The people in these roles will typically participate in the more traditional backpacking overnighters at camp.

Program Staph

Program area coordinators require a demonstration of professional expertise in the appropriate academic discipline. Each program area coordinator presents an enjoyable program including one or two directed studies and several hands-on afternoon seminars to educate or enrich NYSCamp participants. Because the NYSCamp borrows much of the equipment that is used at Camp and because the NYSCamp is conducted in a rustic setting, program area coordinators must plan to operate with minimal equipment and make specific, early requests for any equipment that they would really like to have. Applicants who have completed appropriate college degrees (or equivalent training/experience) are strongly desired.

  • Physical Science Coordinator – This staph person plans and implements provocative, hands-on programming in the physical sciences, and if available, leads an overnight trip to the Green Bank Observatory (GBO).

  • Natural Science Coordinator – This staph person plans and implements provocative, hands-on programming in the natural sciences. The national forest setting of the Camp is particularly conducive to ecology and wildlife studies.

  • Music Coordinator – This staph person directs a program of instrumental and vocal music. In addition to conducting large ensemble performances for several special events, this person coordinates “After Dinner Entertainment,” providing performance opportunities for individuals and small ensembles.

  • Applied Arts Coordinator – This staph person plans and implements an enjoyable and educational program in the visual arts. This person also provides artistic and set design direction to some special events at camp.

  • Recreation Coordinator – This staph person plans and coordinates the in-camp recreation program including the morning and afternoon activities. Responsibilities include scheduling and ensuring adequate supervision of recreational activities. staph experience and interests determine the menu of activities each summer.  Typical examples include running, yoga, Pilates, soccer, Ultimate, volleyball, and bocce.

  • Computer Coordinator – This staph person coordinates and provides reasonable support for computer use by the whole camp community. This includes use of computers by lecturers as part of their presentation, in directed studies, in other program areas as needed, in the office, and in the camp computer lab. This person will also assist with the setup of the camp’s internet if needed.

  • Audio/Visual Technician – This staph member works closely with the Programming Coordinator to ensure that the AV needs of lecturers, directed studies presenters, and seminar presenters are met. This person will also play an important role in many of the special events. They need to have a working knowledge of common AV equipment and the ability to operate and maintain the sound systems that we use at camp.

  • Program Area Assistants (multiple positions) – Because each of the program areas involves extensive educational programming for the delegates, each coordinator has an assistant who is assigned to the area. Assistants work closely with coordinators to manage the program areas.  Assistants may be assigned multiple roles and responsibilities.

Additional Staph
Additional staph are needed to ensure a successful 2025 NYSCamp, thus the positions below are critical:

  • Camp Physician/Nurse/Paramedic – This staph person provides basic CPR and first aid instruction to the staph, administers first aid to the staph and delegates as needed, and accompanies those who need to visit a health care provider. Appropriate credentials, which are up to date, are required.

  • Unit Leaders (multiple positions) – These staph members nurture the personal development of the delegates and help them get the most out of the opportunities at camp. This is accomplished by establishing an environment in the cabin that encourages discussion, self-exploration, and formation of friendships.  The Unit Leaders work closely with the head counselor and plan and direct the nightly cabin meeting.  Unit leaders usually work in another part of the camp programming. If you apply for a position as a unit leader, please indicate a second area of responsibility that you would consider.

Application Requirements

  • NYSCamp Staph Application 
  • A Professional Style Headshot
  • Resume/CV
  • Qualifications & Reasons
  • Criminal Background Check – This will be completed after you have been offered a position on staph, but your final hiring will be contingent upon a satisfactory report.
  • COVID-19 Vaccination – All staph are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 with an updated booster before staph can complete any work in person. Official documentation of vaccination status will be required to be submitted with hiring paperwork, but your final hiring will be contingent upon satisfactory evidence of vaccination.

Pay Scale

The pay rate for in-person staph is based on a daily rate, which is incrementally determined based on education levels, training, and experience working in NYSAcademy (formerly NYSFoundation) programs. The base daily rate has been between $65 and $70 per day over the past few summers.

Education Increments (Single increase for highest attained):

  • Undergraduate Student:
  • Completed Freshman Year: Base Pay Rate
  • Completed Sophomore Year: $2/day
  • Completed Junior Year: $4/day
  • Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent: $6/day
  • Graduate Student: $8/day
  • Master’s Degree or Equivalent: $10/day
  • Doctorate: $15/day

Relevant Professional License/Certification:

  • Current Teaching License: $3/day
  • Registered Nurse: Variable
  • Other: Variable

Experience Increments:

  • $1/day per year of NYSCamp Staph experience
  • $0.50/day per year of WV GSMS Staph experience
  • $0.50/day per year of WVYSCamp Staph experience

Positional Increments:

  • Additional increments may be assigned by the director to reflect program responsibilities

If you have more than one degree, you will be recognized at the highest level. For example, if you have both a B.A. and an M.S. then you would receive the increment for having a Master’s Degree. Please note that increments are not cumulative.

Example: A staph member who has worked 3 years at NYSCamp and 2 years at GSMS, and who holds a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate, would be paid $78/day, which includes $65 base pay, plus $6 bachelor’s degree, plus $3 teaching license, plus $3 NYSCamp experience (3 X $1), and plus $1 GSMS experience (2 X $0.50).

* Staph is a traditional spelling for “Staff”; our enthusiasm and energy are infectious!