Student Camp Staff

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The dedicated peer mentors who make up the Camp Cowboy student staff are instrumental in helping new students connect with new friends, become comfortable as new Cowboys and prepare for the exciting opportunities and challenges ahead at OSU.

 

Camp Staff Roles

Continuing OSU students may apply to serve as:

• Small Group Leaders
  • Guide and mentor camp participants throughout their camp experience and into their first semester at OSU.
  • Assist with facilitating camp sessions and lead small group discussions and activities during camp.
  • Ideally 40-50 small group leaders serve during each in-person camp session.
• Camp Wranglers
  • Set up and facilitate large group and small group activities and games throughout camp.
  • Perform entertaining skits at key points during camp.
  • Ideally 10 wranglers serve during each in-person camp session.

 

Camp Staff Rewards

In addition to contributing to the success of their new peers, all Camp Cowboy student staff:

• • Receive training and earn their American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
  • Participate in training and earn the NASPA Certified Peer Educator professional credential.
  • Earn 25 impact hours toward the OSU Student Volunteer Center C.O.R.D. Program for each camp worked.
  • Receive Camp Cowboy merchandise, including shirts, water bottles and backpacks.
  • Are provided with lodging and meals during each camp worked.

Additional compensation and professional development opportunities for camp staff are under development. Details will be made available as developments materialize.

 

Applying for Camp Cowboy Staff

The 2026 Camp Cowboy staff application will open mid-November.

Deadline - Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026 at 8 a.m.

 

Additional position requirements and expectations are detailed on the application within CampusLink.

 

For further information about becoming a member of the Camp Cowboy staff, please email us at campcowboy@okstate.edu  or call 405-744-0383.

 

Camp Staff FAQs

• Can I be on Camp Cowboy staff if I never attended Camp Cowboy?

  Absolutely! Being a part of Camp Cowboy staff is a campus leadership position. We will provide you training on all the detail and activities of Camp Cowboy so you are fully prepared to lead and mentor new OSU students during their camp experience and beyond.

• Do I have to be in Stillwater all summer to be on Camp Cowboy staff?

  No, you are only required to be in Stillwater during the camp programs for which you have committed to serve. We ask that every staff member commit to serving a minimum of two camp programs throughout the summer, but you are welcome to serve for more programs and we would love to have you participate in as many as will fit into your summer schedule.

• What is the time commitment for training during the spring semester?

  Serving on Camp Cowboy staff is a commitment. With that commitment comes an expectation to actively participate in and complete all camp staff training.

   

  Training for 2026 camp staff will take place on the following dates (times and locations to be determined):

  • • Saturday, Feb. 21
    • Saturday, Mar. 7
    • Saturday, Mar. 28
    • Wednesday, May 20 through Thursday, May 21 (camp rehearsal; lodging provided for staff who need it)

  Camp Cowboy staff are also expected to sign up and complete First Aid/CPR/AED training through the OSU Department of Wellness, if not already certified. Available training dates and times may be found on the OSU Calendar.

   

  Additionally, Camp staff are expected to complete some online training modules independently. Links to these modules will be provided to staff during the first staff training day. All online trainings must be completed before May 1.

• Do you actually "camp" at Camp Cowboy?

  Despite the name, Camp Cowboy is simply a catchy name of this extended orientation program. While campers and staff do participate in some outdoor activities, lodging is provided in campus residence halls and many activities are also facilitated indoors in air-conditioned environments.

• How is Camp Cowboy different from Orientation and Enrollment?

  At OSU Orientation & Enrollment, students participate in academic advising, select courses, and gain exposure to departments and student support resources at Oklahoma State. Orientation and Enrollment is required of all new students entering OSU.

   

  Camp Cowboy is an optional extended orientation that may be attended in connection with Orientation and Enrollment or at a different time throughout the summer, and the focus of Camp Cowboy is on expanding students' knowledge of important OSU history and traditions, helping them get comfortable with their new college home and upcoming life changes, and forming new friendships and support systems critical to success and belonging.