AYP Summer Lead Counselor (2026)

Working Title (if different from Position Title)

Job Summary

The Office of Professional and Continuing Education is proud to oversee Auburn Youth Programs (AYP), which offers dynamic academic summer camps for over 4,000 high school students each summer. These camps provide an unforgettable opportunity for students to explore the campus, engage in hands‑on learning, and experience the Auburn spirit.

As a camp counselor you’ll play a pivotal role in bringing these camps to life, creating an engaging and supportive environment for campers. While Auburn University’s esteemed faculty and staff lead daytime curriculum instruction, counselors take charge of evening programming, ensuring every camper enjoys a well‑rounded and exciting Auburn experience. This is your chance to make an impact, create lasting memories, and help shape the next generation of leaders!

Essential Functions

The Lead Counselor plays a key role in the success of Auburn Youth Programs (AYP) summer camps, ensuring that every session runs smoothly while creating an exceptional experience for campers. As the head of the camp team, the Lead Counselor oversees all activities, coordinates with campus partners, and provides leadership to other counselors. If you’re looking for a summer filled with leadership, fun, and making meaningful connections with students from across the U.S., this role is for you!

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare for Camp: Work in the AYP office during the spring semester to prepare for the summer camps, with the potential for extending into the fall semester.
• Leadership & Supervision: Oversee all camp sessions and activities, ensuring everything runs smoothly while maintaining communication with counselors, Auburn faculty, staff, and other campus partners.
• Collaborative Role: Work closely with the Academic Program Developer to ensure that curriculum and camp operations align seamlessly.
• Counselor Support: Lead, support, and mentor counselors throughout the summer, providing guidance and stepping in when needed.
• Hands‑On Participation: Serve as an active participant in camp activities and as a role model for campers. Escort campers as needed to programs and activities, including dorm time, meals, curriculum sessions, recreation activities, and field trips.
• Mentorship & Auburn Spirit: Welcome campers and guests to the Auburn family demonstrating the Auburn spirit, fostering a positive, engaging environment throughout the summer.
• Supervise & Assist: Maintain supervision of campers during on‑campus and off‑campus sessions, including dining halls and overnight stays in dorms. Assist with check‑in, check‑out processes, distributing camp materials, and any logistical tasks required.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to all AYP and Auburn University regulations regarding minors and housing.
• Training: Attend counselor training prior to the start of the camps (tentatively scheduled for the week of May 18th).
• Additional Responsibilities: Take on any other responsibilities as assigned, ensuring the camp operates smoothly.

Other Perks

• Meet students and staff from across the U.S., creating lasting memories and friendships while working in an exciting, dynamic environment.
• Meals are provided at The Edge, offering a convenient and enjoyable dining experience.
• Overnight accommodations are provided during camp employment.
• While you may be enrolled in asynchronous online courses during the summer, you may not take in‑person or synchronous courses.

This is your chance to make a difference while gaining invaluable experience and enjoying all the fun Auburn Youth Programs has to offer!

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life‑Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top‑ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Minimum Qualifications

• Have attended Auburn University for at least one year
  • Enrolled and taking classes during the semester of employment; or
  • Not enrolled in classes for the semester of employment, but enrolled in the previous semester and enrolled for the following semester.
• Be in good academic standing
• Be at least 19 years old on June 1, 2026, pass a background check, and possess a valid driver’s license
• Must have the patience, understanding, flexibility, and energy to work and live with campers and other counselors
• Must exhibit professionalism at all times while communicating with Auburn University faculty and staff
• Must be willing to sacrifice, adapt, and work hard as part of a team
• Must be able to take care of others and display a positive attitude at all times
• Serve as an ambassador for Auburn University and role model for all students
• Possess excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Staff must be capable of physical labor (i.e. lifting approximately 20 lbs. or more)

Preferred Qualifications

Previous summer camp counselor experience or experience working with high school students.

Pay Rate

Pay Rate Pay rate/compensation: $11-$12/hr up to 20 hours during spring semester. $575 weekly stipend starting late May. Housing and meals provided while each camp is in session.

Work Hours

Work Hours Varies (no more than 40 hours/week)

Posting Date

12/10/2025

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit their website to learn more.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*)

• * Are you currently an enrolled student at Auburn University?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you understand that this position starts March 16th and ends July 18th?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you understand that this position must stay overnight Monday – Friday (5 days, 4 nights) in provided on campus housing every week from May 26th to July 17th excluding June 29 – July 3rd?
  • Yes
  • No
• * In your opinion, what qualities or characteristics do you possess that will help you perform the task and responsibilities of an AYP counselor?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * If selected, do you understand that you cannot take in‑person or synchronous summer classes?
  • Yes
  • No
• * If not selected as lead counselor, would you want to be considered for a general counselor position?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you have a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to selection?
  • Yes
  • No