About the JC Job

While we all love spending our summers at Mathcamp, it is an environment that requires an enormous amount of work to create, both before and during camp. A large part of this work is done by the JCs. From arranging weekend trips to making colorful signs, from cleaning what's dirty to looking after ailing campers, it is the JCs' job to step in whenever something needs doing and to get it done. In order for the camp to run smoothly, the JCs must not only do what others ask, but also take the initiative to do what nobody else has yet worried about.

Many of the set duties of JCs are organizational: staffing the office, maintaining campers' files, managing messages, arranging the details of trips (buses, etc.). The JCs (along with the mentors) also take an active role in maintaining the vibrant social atmosphere of camp, including planning and leading many of the afternoon and evening activities, encouraging students to be sociable in the lounges, and so on. In addition, JCs act as residential advisors to students at camp. Other duties tend towards the administrative or caretaking, but JCs are not assistants to anyone: they take on these tasks as part of the shared responsibility of running camp.

One subtle aspect of the job is that one gets no officially-scheduled time off. This doesn't mean that you never get a break, or that you don't have fun! Quite the contrary: just like the campers do, the staff create their own schedules, so you're in charge of when you're working and when you're taking time for yourself. That said, there are things to be done or activities to run all day and night, so none of the staff have a ton of free time; you won't want to plan to work on any big outside projects (like making progress on a research project) while camp is in session. As you may have noticed when you were at camp, the staff is usually a little stressed and a little tired, but mostly happy and excited, too.

The JCs are not expected to be involved with academic planning or teaching, but JCs can opt to participate in the mathematical side of camp. The mathematical role of JCs can range from providing feedback to campers on proofs or grading TPS problems all the way up to applying to teach your own week-long class. This part of the job is optional, so don't be deterred from applying if this more math-y role doesn't interest you. (By contrast, all JCs help to organize events, act as role models, and keep the camp running behind the scenes, so do be deterred if you are not interested in those roles!)

Compensation

Compensation for JCs includes:

• A summer stipend of $5,500
• Transportation to/from camp (including ground transportation) up to $1000
• Room and board for the duration of the program
• An additional spring stipend of $550 recognizing the preparatory work in the months leading to camp
• Reimbursement for any work-related expenses (e.g. visa fees, medical insurance)

Some of the side benefits include: attending lectures, having access to the incredible network of people at Mathcamp, and enjoying the warm fellowship that develops among the staff. Perhaps the most important benefit is the challenge and chance to apply all your abilities—creative, organizational, mathematical, social, technological, etc.—to make a real difference in a community you love.