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Summer Camp in USA

5(13 reviews)
Experience
Summer Camp
Destination
United States
Duration
2 to 3 months
Ages
18 to 28

47 others looking at this too. Next opening is May 2025, with limited spots.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

We’ve all seen the summer camp movies – young kids and teens having a coming-of-age moment in a beautiful summer camp out in nature. Guided by the cool camp counsellors as they navigate team-building activities and outdoor adventures. 

Now you can live your own summer camp dream as a camp counsellor in the USA! 

On a summer camp trip, you’ll get to experience an American tradition dating back over 100 years. Help kids from 6 to 16 have the time of their lives in stunning natural locations across the country. 

In exchange for all the fun and games, you’ll get camp accommodation and 3 meals a day. Which means your stipend ($1,600 – $1,750 USD) can go straight to your post-camp adventure fund. 

And when you go with Global, you get: 

  • USA summer camp match – Have your camp counsellor opportunity in your hands and ready to go before you leave home
  • Local life essentials – We’ll hook you up with a prepaid US SIM card with unlimited national calls and texts and 2GB of data for your first 2 months. In-country partners will help you set up your Social Security Number and local bank account. 
  • US medical insurance – It’s best to be prepared for life’s curveballs. Especially when it comes to medical care in the US. You’ll be covered by government approved medical insurance just in case. 
  • 5 nights hostel accommodation – Get 5 free nights hostel accommodation in any hostel in the US. So you can start your post camp adventures with a bang! 

Keen for adventure? Love the outdoors? Love kids? Then this is the trip for you. 

Just imagine it; you’re living at a summer camp by a lake, by the beach, in a forest, or up a mountain. Your days are busy with plenty of hard work. But with a focus on fun, adventure, and building confidence, you can hardly call it work. 

The bonds you’re creating with your fellow counsellors and the kids you’re guiding will leave you with friends for life from all over the world. You might even meet some travel buddies to explore the rest of the country with. 

The best part is that pretty much everything is sorted out for you before you step foot on a plane. So you know exactly what you’re getting into before you leave home. 

With your living expenses covered and a stipend of at least $1,600 USD, all your earnings could go straight to your travel fund.

Your days off could be filled with exploring the breathtaking natural beauty around your summer camp or getting to know your new friends better. 

When it comes to days off, you’ll get around 6 days off during summer camp. It’s a busy 8 weeks with plenty of activities and responsibilities to keep you busy. So it’s probably best to keep your most epic side quests for after camp. You’ll have plenty of time to spend what you’ve earned and take us up on your 5 nights of free hostel accommodation anywhere in the US. 

When you book with Global, you book with the best. Our team will sort out your admin from visa assistance, finding an approved host family before you go, banking advice, side trip planning, human-centred 24/7 support, and much, much more.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

USA summer camp match
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
J-1 Camp Counsellor Visa sponsorship
Pre-Departure Guide & online orientation
Personal Travel Concierge
Arrival airport transfer
5 nights hostel accommodation
Camp accommodation
Local life essentials
Meals
Pocket money
US medical insurance
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
SocialNEW
Global AcademyNEW
Marketplace dealsNEW
$250 off your next trip

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-28 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

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Trip details

Our Summer Camp in the USA trip is a cultural exchange program backed by the US Government and designed to place you in the perfect summer camp that’s right for you, so you get to experience first hand what it’s like to live in the USA!

Every camp will require different skills from their camp counsellors, so what are you good at? Do you want to lead the campers in team sports? Well, kick some goals! Are you a bit of a theatre buff? Well maybe you’ll get to be the theatre instructor, or maybe that's not to be.

Our expert team take care of all the stressful essentials you need to get set up overseas; selection of the right summer camp & camp counsellor placement, your J-1 visa application & sponsorship, as well as unparalleled guidance and support on any questions you might have about your summer camp placement in the USA. 

Arrive in the USA with the confidence that you are many steps ahead of every other traveller looking to work in a summer camp in the USA. You’ll have more time to focus on you and planning your adventures around the USA!

With the hard work already done, you can relax into your summer camp, meet new friends and have a bunch of fun with the campers. Our in-country partner will guide you throughout the entire journey to ensure you feel confident knowing you are in the best hands possible.

When you work in a summer camp in the USA you become more than just a tourist. Spend your time having the summer of your life, while creating lifelong memories for not just your campers, but yourself as well.

After an amazing time at camp you’re free to explore the States for a whole month, ticking off those bucket list destinations with your new friends. Embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and work in the USA in an experience that will stay with you forever!

Requirements

To qualify for this trip you must meet the visa requirements. You must attend an in-person interview, usually in April, in Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, London or Dublin, as part of US Government regulations.

What extra costs will I have? 

Flights, optional travel insurance (your medical insurance is included), visa, criminal background check, souvenirs & spending money.

Accommodation & meals

All your living expenses are covered during the camp portion of your trip. 

Accommodation will be typical shared camp accommodation which varies from camp to camp. This could be tents, cabins, or even university dorm rooms. 

When it comes to meals, you’ll join in with everyone else. You’ll have full access to the dining hall with all your meals provided. 

Which means your camp stipend can go straight into your back pocket to keep your adventure going.

Trip itinerary

Before you leave

Confirm your camp counsellor position before you leave. This means getting a J-1 visa. But not to worry! We’re well-versed in helping travellers get this elusive visa, so we’ll help you get it fast and approved the first time.

Arrival

Once you arrive at the airport nearest your camp, a member from the camp team will be waiting for you. If this isn’t possible, you'll be given instructions on how to use public transport to get there and reimbursed for the cost. You’ll arrive at least a week before the campers. This gives you plenty of time to settle in, get to know your fellow counsellors, and get familiar with the facilities and your responsibilities. 

Weeks 2 - 8

Each camp is different. But here’s a comprehensive daily schedule that you could expect at a typical summer camp:  7:50am: Up and at ‘em! It’s time for flagpole – a summer camp ritual where everyone gathers around the flagpole to prepare for the day.  8:00am: Time to fuel up for a full day of activities! Share a bountiful American breakfast with the other campers in the dining hall.  9:15am: First group of the day! You’ll have a specialised activity you’re in charge of and will supervise the campers as they get involved.  10:30am: Round 2! Time for your second group to come through for their activity . 12:00pm: Lunch time. Take a break from the heat of the day and stock up on some hearty food to carry you through the afternoon activities.  1:00pm: But first, nap time! Daytime naps aren’t reserved for toddlers at summer camp.  2:00pm: It’s party time! Afternoons are for making the most of the sunshine for campers and counsellors. If you’re at a lake, this will turn into a wicked beach party every day!  3:15pm: Time to simmer down for the daily Cabin Activity Period. Campers will have downtime to do activities with their campmates. Which means you’ll have a chance to get to know your fellow camp counsellors better.  5:45pm: Gather around the flagpole for the second flagpole ritual of the day.  6:00pm: After a full day of camp activities, everyone is starving by 6pm. Making it the perfect time to feast!  8:30pm – 10pm: Round up the campers for lights out! 

Ongoing

This will be a busy few weeks packed with awesome activities from sun up to sun down. You will get around 6 days off during camp. Although you’ll probably want to take it easy on your off days and save your own adventures for after camp.  When camp’s over, the USA is your oyster. You’ll have at least $1,600 USD to spend on exploring and you get 5 nights free hostel accommodation at any hostel in the USA.  So you’re basically halfway to the American adventure of your dreams.  And if you’re looking for travel buddies, we can help with that, too.  Hop onto gWorld – our social app for Global Travellers – and link up with other travellers to explore the US together. You could even join a bucket-list Global Getaway with other Global Travellers. Whatever you choose to do, we can help make it easy.  We’ll be in touch with you throughout your stay. If you ever need advice or support our team is available to answer your questions. And our 24/7 emergency support line will help with urgent matters.  Don’t go alone. Go with Global.

Why choose us

We take care of pretty much everything so you don’t have to. You’ll arrive in the US totally prepared with a plan of action and trusted people helping you along the way.

Our Camp trips are designed to get you set up as a camp counsellor before you even leave home. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re on your side from the moment you get started. 

You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

We maintain relationships with a huge network of screened and vetted partner organisations all over the world. We know they’re trustworthy and that you’re in good hands because of all the successful trips Global Travellers keep having with our partners. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way. 

Join 80,000 travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true. 

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about being a camp counsellor in the USA, don’t delay. 

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates. 

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This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate au pair experience in Italy, complete with everything you need and 24/7 support.

Click the red button to check dates & prices.

Why Camp

For American children, summer camp is a pretty standard institution. Children spend a portion of their summer holidays in beautiful natural locations around the country. They’re there to get involved in confidence building activities in the great outdoors and having fun while making friends. 

That’s where you come in! You’ll help the kids do specialised activities in the morning and supervise arts & crafts in the afternoon all while getting to know your fellow counsellors and kids. 

These days, there are specialised camps that focus on one specific activity. Think surf camp, fishing camp etc. So if you have a special interest or skill in something, you could share your knowledge and experience with eager kids motivated to learn the ropes. 

Otherwise, there are plenty of general summer camps that focus on building confidence and having the time of your life in a beautiful setting. 

While you’re there, you’ll probably become something of a mentor to the kids. There’s nothing like a foreign camp counsellor to inspire the kids to chase their dreams!

Camp Counsellor Skills

With over 7,000 summer camps all across America, the types of camps are endless! Here are some of the skills that camps are looking for. If you have some experience in any of the following, you could find yourself coaching or assisting with these activities:

Team Sports

  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Football
  • Cricket
  • Obstacle courses

Water Sports

  • Swimming
  • Kayaking/Canoeing
  • Sailing
  • Lifeguard
  • Water Aerobics
  • Water Trampoline 
  • Snorkelling

Arts & Crafts

  • Drawing
  • Ceramics
  • Jewellery Making
  • Costume Design
  • Sewing
  • Murals

Outdoor Activities

  • Climbing
  • High Ropes/Low Ropes Course
  • Zip Line
  • Fire & Shelter Building
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Hiking
  • Forest Scavenger Hunts

Theater & Music

  • Performing
  • Acting
  • Improvisation
  • Film
  • Instruments (Guitar/Piano/Drums)
  • Singing
  • Music
  • Dance
  • Choreography

Other Sports & Activities

  • Stargazing
  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Martial Arts
  • Archery
  • Team Building Games
  • Horseback Riding
  • Computers
  • Graphic Arts
  • IT/Graphic Arts

Reviews

Joshua U
The service guide was extremely kind and helpful. So much useful information. I feel confident that my trip is going to be amazing and I am excited to be going to America soon!

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Frequently asked questions

Why go with Global Work & Travel?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we provide a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide. We assist with visas, pre-departure, flights, insurance, and tours. Our cool tech features support you throughout the journey. As a Global Traveller, access gWorld, our personalized app. Keep important documents and trip details handy. Enjoy exclusive Marketplace deals, a social network, language learning, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like all your favorite apps merged into one, but better! Our support doesn't stop there. With a 24/7 emergency team, 90+ staff, and ongoing assistance, we ensure you feel like a local. Join the 80,000+ Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us. We proudly boast the most & best reviews in the biz!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Do I need previous experience to do a summer camp?

Absolutely not! No prior experience is required. At our summer camps, we prioritise qualities such as maturity, responsibility, and a sense of fun. As long as you possess these attributes, you are more than welcome to join us and have an incredible summer camp experience. We believe in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can contribute and enjoy the fun-filled activities and adventures that await.

Do I get to choose where I will be placed?

While we do take location preferences into consideration, we also encourage our travelers to approach the experience with an open mind. Rest assured that all of our summer camps are exciting and designed to provide a lot of fun for kids. Each camp offers unique opportunities and experiences that contribute to your overall adventure. So, while we strive to accommodate preferences, we also encourage embracing new possibilities and being open to the fantastic experiences that await you at any of our awesome summer camp locations!

Will I have any free time at the summer camp?

During your camp placement, you will usually have at least 1 day off per week. This is a great opportunity for camp counsellors to come together, explore the area, and enjoy some time together. Additionally, after the camp placement is finished, you will also have the chance to do some exploring on your own. We understand the importance of balance and personal time, allowing you to recharge and make the most of your camp experience while also creating memories outside of the camp setting.

What is the staff accommodation like?

The staff accommodation varies depending on the specific summer camp you will be attending. However, you can expect to stay in shared accommodation with other camp counselors (and in some cases the camp dorm with the children) in a clean, comfortable, safe environment, conveniently right on site.

Why should I book now?

Covid-19 threw us a curve ball and pretty much halted all travel. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12 months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I want to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. 24/7 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

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Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/7.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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