Occupational Burnout and Related Factors Among Emerging Adults Working at Residential Summer Camp

Authors

  • Jason S. Frydman North Carolina State University
  • Laura Wood Lesley University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3099-841X
  • Kyle Kolling Jewish Community Centers of Chicago
  • Ely London Jewish Community Centers of Chicago

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2026-13005

Keywords:

Summer camp staff, burnout, compassion satisfaction, well-being, emerging adults

Abstract

Current research on occupational burnout among summer camp staff is limited and features mixed findings. Yet, given that most camp staff are emerging adults, developmental features of this age suggest vulnerability to such burnout. Data were collected at an overnight summer camp in the Midwestern United States across three timepoints on burnout and two related factors, compassion satisfaction and well-being. Their levels over the summer and reported contributors to and alleviators of burnout were collected to better understand incidence and persistence of burnout and related factors among overnight camp staff. Data were analyzed using repeated measures and cross lagged regression analysis to determine whether initial and mid-summer burnout, compassion satisfaction, and well-being predicted mid-summer and end of summer burnout. Contributors to and alleviators of burnout were aggregated. Burnout and compassion satisfaction significantly increased, not well-being. Contributors and alleviators highlighted camp systems and relational factors. Structural and developmentally informed recommendations are made to reduce burnout among emerging adults employed as overnight camp staff. 

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Published

2026-04-06

Issue

Online First

Section

Regular Papers

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