First Mate Application

Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S logo

Dates of Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S.

August 18-20, 2025

 

Application Process

Applications will be available online by February 1.

The application will ask for your experience in working with people within groups and organizations, your personal qualities that will aid in your effectiveness as a First Mate, examples of your leadership experience, and provide an opportunity for you to share other relevant information.

References

One reference is required for the position and you will provide a name and email for a reference in the application.  You may ask current or former supervisors, advisors, faculty members, high school coaches or teachers, or current student leader to serve as a reference.

Interviews

All applicants will participate in a brief interview in March. You will sign up for an interview time when you submit your application.  The interview allow time for us to get to know you better and ask specific questions about your abilities. It also provides a time for you to ask any questions about the position.

Trainings

First Mates will meet once in the spring semester to prepare for Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S.

An additional virtual training will be required in August prior to camp.

Position Description

Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S. welcomes new Pirates to ECU with the purpose of giving them an opportunity to have fun, make friends, and learn more about life at ECU.  Throughout the three days and two nights at camp, students will participate in activities designed to help them develop new friendships, learn about resources on campus, embrace Pirate spirit and traditions, and become part of the Pirate family.

Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S. focuses on the first-year experience, campus involvement, leadership opportunities, history and traditions, and of course, getting to know fellow Pirates!  Along with preparing students for their first year as a Pirate, there is time to hang out and get to know each other.

First Mates will help plan and coordinate Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S.  At Camp, they will serve as counselors and mentors to the new students, facilitate small group sessions and activities, and help set up the various activities. The First Mate position is a great way to impact new students and to help them feel more acclimated to ECU before classes even begin. First Mates must be available for any planning meetings or training sessions.

Responsibilities

First Mates will:

  • Assist with camp planning.
  • Attend any training sessions.
  • Serve as a mentor and cabin leader to incoming students.
  • Promote ECU spirit and traditions.
  • Oversee and engage a group of students.
  • Assist in all camp activities including set up.
  • Facilitate small group discussion covering various topics.
  • Discuss academic/campus resources and organizations/clubs.
  • Encourage students to become involved.

Qualifications

First Mates must possess:

  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • A good academic standing (2.5 overall GPA).
  • A positive disciplinary standing.
  • A willingness to work as part of a team.
  • An enthusiasm for ECU.
  • A high energy level.
  • An interest in working with incoming students.
  • A desire to have a truly rewarding and fun experience.

Benefits

First Mates will:

  • Gain and develop leadership skills.
  • Impact the lives of new students.
  • Meet new people and develop new friendships.
  • Have the camp fee waived (fee includes meals, lodging, and travel).
  • Be provided a Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S. t-shirt.
  • And much more!