Summer Camp Jobs in the USA

The Application Process

Eligibility and Requirements

• Must be available between May 1st and June 20th for the minimum of 9 weeks.
• You must be at least 18 years old on the 1st June in the year you wish to go to camp
• Speak fluent English
• Have you a passport that is valid until the end of the year in which you wish to travel
• Be fit and healthy
• Have no criminal convictions
• You will need to be responsible, self motivated, hard working, honest, adaptable and most importantly, have the ability to work and communicate with children

Application Cost
The general cost to apply is around £350 and this includes return transatlantic flights, meals & accommodation, medical insurance, our support and much more. At camp, you will receive pocket money of around $600-$1200 depending on age, skills and qualifications. Each agency charges different upfront fees, some include things like travel/medical insurance, group flights, 24 hour support, airport pick-up and more. Please beware some companies charge a lower upfront fee but this might not include flights which can make the price shoot up. 

The total cost for working at a summer camp can be anywhere from £350 - £800 depending on what is included. Don't be put off by this price through as all companies offer wages for working during summer (pocket money). We recommend you don't be put off if a company charges more upfront than another, just because one company offers a cheaper price to apply it might end up costing you more overall. Extra costs which might not be included in the price you pay include a CRB police check (approx £44), medical appointment/form from doctors (approx £10), travel to embassy + interview to obtain a J1 work visa (approx £145), baggage insurance (varies) and post-camp travel and tours. 

If you really want to make a big saving you will need to apply very early where there are usually special discounts on early applications. Another option is to recommend a friend, sometimes companies will pay you a referral fee if someone you know also signs up to the program. You might also save money if you decide to pay the whole fees upfront instead on instalments.

When to Apply & Interviews
Try to apply as early as possible to increase your chances of being accepted/placed. You will need to get your application in before April as the deadline is around this time. You can search featured jobs above if you haven't yet applied. After completing an online application you will need to have an interview, check our top tips how to pass your summer camp USA interview.

• View summer camp recruitment fair dates

Types of Positions

There are lots of different roles available at camp including: 

Camp Counselor Jobs
Every camp and role is different, as a camp counselor you will usually lead around 6-14 children though fun daily routines taking part in sport and other activities. Depending on the age of the children you look after you might have different tasks and responsibilities. Sometimes you might have to deal with problems like homesickness. There are usually the following two roles available:

Cabin / Activity Counselor
Arguably the most important job on camp! Cabin Counselors assist in activities across camp as they supervise groups of campers following their daily schedule. A good cabin counselor will have strong all-round skills and ideally will be able to lead one or more specific activities too. This is so Camp Directors can ensure their staff as a whole is balanced and able to fill in when plans change! The main responsibility of all counselors is the supervision of a bunk or cabin in between their scheduled activities, at mealtimes and at night (most counselors sleep in a room with their campers). The memories you get from that session with your kids will last a lifetime.

Specialist Counselor
If you have a certification or experience teaching an in-demand skill then this role is perfect for you! A Specialist Counselor provides daily instruction in a specific activity(s) to groups of children. The types of specialist skills sought after by camps are numerous so remember to include all your interests on your online profile. Specialist Counselors will also have childcare duties and live in a cabin with campers as well as devoting a large portion of their time to their skilled activity. Specialists should also be prepared to participate in other activities during the day and evening.

Summer Camp Land Sports Instructor Jobs
Summer camp sports instructor jobs are very popular, you can work teaching football, archery, tennis, baseball, ropes/climbing just to name a few. If you have any specific skills like archery or sailing the chances of you finding a job will increase. Camps in the USA hire international soccer coaches to lead lessons and games throughout the summer. Suitable candidates must have previous coaching experience and be able to demonstrate the characteristics needed to work and live in America. You will be responsible for organizing and making sure their sessions run professionally and effectively as well as running clinics with high standards.

Watersports Instructor Jobs
If you have any specific skills like sailing, canoeing or sailing the chances of you finding a job will increase. Imagine waking up each morning, walking down to the lake and seeing your reflection in the water. Make this dream a reality by working at summer camp as a water-ski, wakeboarding or sailing instructor! To be a successful Water-ski/wakeboarding Instructor you will need to be highly experienced in waterskiing and wakeboarding and able to teach at novice level. You will also be competent when driving boats and have a good level of driving hours behind you. You will additionally need to be lifeguard certified. Being skilled in boat maintenance is desirable but not essential.

Lifeguard Summer Camp Jobs
If you are already qualified to work as a lifeguard, or if you aren't and this position appeals to you then full training can be provided. You will get to spend your summer pool, lake or sea side ensuring safety and water based activities run smoothly. Enthusiasm and willingness to try for something new is what camps look for!

Outdoor Adventure Specalists
As an outdoor specialist it will be your job to lead groups of children in a range of different activities throughout the day, and could also include leading trips for a number of days at a time. We are looking for hard working people who enjoy working with children and are looking for a challenge. You can apply for one or more of the following activities; Rock-climbing, Ropes, Go-Karts, Hiking, Hi-wires, Mountain Biking, Orienteering, Camping.

Horse Riding Instructor Jobs
Previous experience teaching people how to ride is an advantage but not essential. We have a range of camps available for you to work on that teach either Western or English style riding. As a minimum requirement, you to be able to tack up, walk, and trot. Additional duties may include leading trail rides, looking after the yard, cleaning equipment and help with feeding. You will need to be fun and enthusiastic people who love working with children and horses. This is the perfect opportunity to spend the summer working outdoors whilst having the opportunity to experience American culture and the chance to travel.

Creative, Arts & Dance Jobs
Do you have hands-on experience producing videos or films? Camps need creative people passionate about video and film to work in the USA! As part of the TV & Film crew at camp, your role is to capture the essence of camp life. You will be helping campers make the camp movie, make their own music videos and film all camp events. You will play a key part in a small team; teaching children how to use equipment, edit and shoot videos. Experience with both Apple Mac and PC is preferable. There are also positions in arts, crafts, painting, photography and music. If you have a passion for dancing, apply to teach dance classes to children at a US summer camp. Some technical experience is required including experience as a dance teacher or choreographer, understanding of dance technique and pedagogy and skilled in at least 2 genres.

Religious Summer Camp Jobs
There are hundreds of Christian and Jewish camp counselor jobs available, camps are located right across the US. Working at a religious camp will, without doubt, be the most rewarding, challenging and unforgettable job you'll ever have. You will work hard but will do so in amazing surroundings, having great fun and making enough new friends to last a lifetime! Some camp require no religious background but others might require you to answer some faith based questions to see if you are suitable. Working at a religious camp will allow you the opportunity to experience an American summer camp with all its camaraderie and fun, whilst being able to grow and share your faith with others.

Special Needs Summer Camp Jobs
Summer camps for people with special needs provide a haven for campers and their families to take a break from their daily routine. Camp Counselors are needed to work at camps for people with special needs. No previous experience necessary, as all camps for people with special needs will provide a 1-2 week training session prior to the arrival of the campers. Summer camps for people with special needs provide a haven for campers and their families to take a break from their daily routine. As a special needs counselor, your role will have a hugely positive impact on the lives of campers and their families. We are looking for people, who are willing to work hard at providing a comforting, fun and supportive environment for their campers and who can smile even in the most challenging of situations.

Summer Camp Office and Administration Jobs
Looking for a more professional position? Work in the camp office alongside local staff and other internationals helping with day to day tasks and problems. You could be helping with paper work, calling parents, organising activities and events and helping managers operate the camp sucessfully during summer. The role can involve answering telephones, responding to emails and letters, general reception duties, working on computers and speaking to staff. The following qualities are beneficial - professional working manor, ability to be organised and flexible and prepared to work long hours. This position will be great experience for your future career as it involves you gaining many transferable skills. Previous experience is an advantage but not essential. 

Summer Camp USA Reviews & Testimonials

“You’d be crazy not to jump at the opportunity, it’s the most amazing experience you could ever have!” - Rosanne, Australia

“Ever since I have returned from Camp America I’ve missed every second of the experience and the people. If it wasn’t for Camp America I would not have the ambitions and determination I have today.” - Tom, UK

“There were endless fun times both at camp and on the days off adventuring around the area. It was great hanging out with campers and trying all the other activities around camp too!" – Jeremy, New Zealand

"The most fun job you will ever have in your life" - Matty, UK