Become a Camp Counselor for the Summer
The Camp USA Summer Camp Program is probably the most fun and exciting summer job you’ll ever have. If you’ve got skills you can lead with and love working with kids, this is for you.
Work with kids and enjoy the great outdoors
How many summer jobs can you think of that let you spend time outside, meet new people, improve your English, teach activities you love, and experience a new culture? Being a summer camp counselor with Camp USA offers you this and more!
Life-changing international opportunities
InterExchange programs expand the worldviews of participants and hosts alike. Participants experience personal and professional growth, while hosts enjoy the intercultural value that these young people bring to their businesses and communities.
How it works
Whether you are looking for a position at a U.S. summer camp, or already have a contract, we’re here to help.
Apply
Create an application for free and provide InterExchange with some basic information and—most importantly—tell us why you’d make a great counselor. Once you submit your application, we’ll contact you for an interview.
Match
Once accepted, camp directors invite you for a second interview. Plus, you can browse and apply to your favorite camps and choose the job offer that suits you best from our wide network of camps across America.
Travel
After you accept a job offer, we’ll keep the process simple. We help you with J-1 Visa sponsorship, travel arrangements, orientation, insurance, and other logistics. Before you know it, you’ll be at camp doing that dream summer job in the USA.
What you get as a camp counselor
Through Camp USA by InterExchange, you’ll be provided with everything you need to have a one-of-a-kind summer.
Job offer
Get an employment offer from one of the BEST summer camps in America.
Stipend
At least $2,250 USD in pay over the summer. Highly skilled applicants earn even more.
J-1 Visa sponsorship
J-1 Visa sponsorship and all required documents.
Travel in the U.S.
30-day travel period after camp. Time to explore the U.S.!
Camp Counselor Participant Resources
These resources should help answer any questions you have about your program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a camp counselor?
A camp counselor is the best job ever! In a nutshell, you’ll be in charge of leading day-to-day activities and helping campers have a ton of fun. No two days as a counselor will be the same. One day, you may be leading a hike, while the next helping your cabin prepare for the camp talent show! It’s a job that takes lots of energy but is really rewarding if you love working with kids. Learn more about the camp counselor experience from our participants here!
Where are camps located?
Although we work with camps across the United States, most camps are located in the Northeast region, a few hours from major cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia! Enjoy the outdoors while being a hop, skip, or jump away from a city that would be a great trip on a day off.
Am I eligible for the program?
Applicants from all countries can apply. If you’re between the ages of 18 and 28, comfortable working with children, proficient in English, and either a student, teacher, youth worker, or someone who can lead a specialized skill at camp, then you are eligible for the program!
What’s a “specialized skill,” you ask? Anything you are good at that can be of value to a summer camp is a specialized skill! Love to swim? Great with a video camera? A natural on stage? All of your talents can and should be highlighted in your application!
What types of camps can I work with?
There are all sorts of summer camps throughout the U.S. serving many different types of campers. No two camp locations are exactly alike, and many fall into multiple categories.
Just to name a few, there are:
- all-girls camps
- boys camps
- religious camps
- sports camps
- arts camps
- academic camps
- equestrian camps
Some camps serve children from underprivileged backgrounds and camps for people with special needs. Many camps combine these categories. For example, you could join an academic, all-boys camp that serves children from underprivileged backgrounds.
We encourage applicants to be open to as many camp types as possible and determine if they would be a good fit based on their interview. There’s no reason to limit yourself to a job opportunity before you get a glimpse into life at that camp.
What kind of visa am I applying for?
Working at a U.S. summer camp requires applying for the J-1 Cultural Exchange Visa.
When should I apply?
Apply as soon as possible! The earlier you submit your application the better. Applications submitted after March 1st aren’t guaranteed to be accepted. Keep in mind that InterExchange will ask you to do a short interview before we accept your application, so plan accordingly and get your application in early!
Get started today
It’s free to start an application and nothing is due until you accept a job offer.