Development and Validation of the Camp Counselor Burnout Scale

Arkin, M., Lubeznik-Warner, R. P., Eisenhower, A., & Rhodes, J. E. (2025). Development and validation of a self-report measure of summer camp counselor burnout. Applied Developmental Science. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2025.2512869

Introduction

Summer camp counselors face unique and demanding roles, often blurring work-life boundaries and leading to significant stress. With nearly a million counselors serving annually, there’s a critical need to address burnout: a state of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy from chronic workplace stress. Existing burnout measures often fail to capture the specific challenges faced by “live-in” camp counselors, who are staff members residing at the camp facility during the duration of their employment, typically at overnight/sleep-away camp settings. This study addresses this gap by developing and validating a specialized tool to assess burnout in this population.

Methods

This study developed the Camp Counselor Burnout Scale (CCBS), a new self-report measure. Study 1 involved generating 30 items, expert content validation, and cognitive interviews, leading to a 19-item scale. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) with 189 counselors revealed a three-factor structure for the CCBS: exhaustion, distancing/cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Study 2, with 226 counselors, used Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to validate this structure, resulting in a concise nine-item scale.

Results

The nine-item CCBS demonstrated strong validity. Higher scores indicate greater burnout. While most counselors experienced low burnout, 22% showed moderate levels, underscoring the need for support. Crucially, the study found that lower burnout scores were significantly associated with camps offering mental health training for counselors. Other demographics like age, gender, or pay did not significantly predict burnout.

Discussion

The CCBS offers camp administrators a validated tool to assess counselor burnout. The link between lower burnout and mental health training is a key finding, suggesting a practical intervention. However, this study did not establish a causal relationship, and further research is needed to determine how training impacts burnout and to set clear intervention thresholds.

Implications for Mentoring Programs

Mentoring programs are crucial for mitigating counselor burnout, complementing mental health training. Experienced mentors can provide ongoing support, helping counselors manage demanding roles, blurred work-life boundaries, and emotional demands. Mentors can also assist emerging adults in developing essential professional skills like boundary setting and self-care, enhancing their efficacy and ensuring a more positive and sustainable camp experience.

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