Working at a summer camp in the USA is an amazing experience for people who want to spend a summer in America. To work at a summer camp in the USA, you will need to get a job through a sponsor organization and obtain a J1 work visa. While the application and visa process can take a long time, it is worth the experience you get. This post will provide a quick guide on how to work at a summer camp in the USA on a J1 visa.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Job at a Summer Camp in America
Finding a Program or Placement Agency
To work at a summer camp in the USA you need a sponsor that is designated by the US State Department. The programs on the list below are run by designated sponsor organizations. Many USA summer camps only hire their international staff through programs like those on this list.
You can also find and apply to a summer camp on your own, accept a job, and then go through one of these programs in order to have the necessary sponsor.
The Application Process
Most programs have the same process when it comes to placing international staff at a summer camp. First you apply to their program and have and interview with their organization. Once accepted they will connect you with camps that they believe are a good match for you based on your skill sets. You will interview with these camps and be offered a job. Next, you will complete all the necessary documents and apply for your visa. Finally you will head off to the USA for the summer!
Cost to Apply
The summer camp programs that are offered by these sponsor organization cost money. These costs vary by organization and often depend on what country you are from, if you are a new or returning staff member, and the kind of assistance they provide. All of the programs on this list provide work placement, VISA sponsorship, medical insurance, and 24-hour in country support, unless otherwise stated.
What is not usually included are your flights, US Embassy fees, medical checks, police background checks, VISA Fees, travel insurance, and SEVIS (student and exchange visitor information) fees. Always check to see what is included in the program fees before providing payment.
Purpose of Program Fees
You are not technically paying to work. What you are paying for is the sponsorship for the VISA and the VISA fees that allow you to legally work in the USA. Both are mandatory. You are also paying to be connected with various summer camps across the USA, medical insurance while working abroad, and emergency assistance while abroad.
Ensure the Program is Legitimate
You can tell if a program is legitimate in a few different ways. First, they will send you over on a J1 VISA. There are currently no other VISAs that allow you to work at an American summer camp and if they tell you otherwise then look for a different program.
Second, they are accredited by the ACA, The American Camp Association and are a sponsor designated by the US State Department. Third, they work with American summer camps that are clearly legitimate. Finally, you can look into reviews from third party websites written by others who have experience with the program.
J1 VISA Requirements
To work as a camp counselor in the USA you will need a J1 work visa. The current qualifications are as follows;
- Have a sponsor organization that accepts you into their program.
- Be over the age of 18.
- Have enough knowledge of the English language to interact with the campers.
- Be either a college or university student, youth worker, teacher, or specially skilled individual.
- A specially skilled individual is someone who has skills related to the type of job a summer camp needs, such as; a lifeguard, swim teacher, archery experience, boat driver, experience with kids who have special needs, etc…
What to Expect of a USA Summer Camp
Summer camps in the USA are usually open for campers between June and August. However, your contract can range from 8-15 weeks between late-May and early-September as you may be working the pre-camp season to help set up and post-camp season to help close things down.
There are many different types of summer camps such as; overnight camps, day camps, non-profit camps, special needs camps, religious camps, themed camps, sports camps, and more. Your daily routine will depend on what type of camp you work at and what your specific counselor role is. Typically you will be teaching activities, running group games, and helping create safe and memorable moments for the campers. For the most part you can expect a very busy and active summer with long days under the sun and lots of go go go.
Money You Make
Almost every summer camp provides housing and meals for their staff members for the length of their contract. You also receive a work wage that ranges between $1,700-$2,100 USD for the full summer. Your wages will be based off your age, skills, and qualifications. You will also have about 30 days after camp ends to explore the USA thanks to the regulations of your J1 visa. You won’t make a ton but you should be able to save enough to travel with state for a bit once your contract ends.
Taxes
Your VISA allows US Federal, State, and local taxes to be withheld from your paycheck. You will need to file a tax return via a W-4 form. The program you work with can assist you with these steps at the end of your summer.
Sponsor Organizations
Camp America
Program Fees: £459.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $1,600-$1,950.
USA Summer Camp
Program Fees: £449.
Eligibility: Ages 18-30, meet the J1 VISA requirements, and live in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland.
Compensation: $2,000-$2,400.
American Summers
Program Fees: £250.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements and have experience working with children.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
AmeriCamp
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
CHI Camp Leaders
Program Fees: £399.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $1,900.
Intrax
Program Fees: €450.
Eligibility: Have a high school diploma and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $2,000.
InterExchange
Program Fees: $450.
Eligibility: Ages 18-28 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
BUNAC
Program Fees: $489
Eligibility: Ages 18-30, have experience working with children, and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $2,000.
Note: JENZA, BUNIC, and USIT are affiliate companies.
Alliance Abroad
Program Fees: $595.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $1,750 but up to $2,000.
Life Traveled
Program Fees: $195 registration fee. Contact them for other fees.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
CIEE
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Ages 18-27 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Not stated.
CCUSA
Program Fees: From AU$699 (Australian Dollars).
Eligibility: Ages 18-35 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Odyssey Camp
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Between $1,500-$2,000.
United Studies
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Not stated.
Global Educational Concept
Program Fees: $585.
Eligibility: Have experience working with children and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $1,900-$2,400.
JENZA
Program Fees: £379.
Eligibility: Ages 18-30 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Note: JENZA, BUNIC, and USIT are affiliate companies.
Upper
Program Fees: MXN$15,000 (Mexican Pesos).
Eligibility: Ages 19-28, one year of work experience, and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $1,500-$1,750.
OVC
Program Fees: R4700 (South African Rand) admin fee, placement fees vary.
Eligibility: Ages 18-30 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $1,500-$2,000.
American Camp Co
Program Fees: COP$2,260 (Columbian Pesos).
Eligibility: Have a job offer from a camp and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Negotiated by you when applying for your camp.
Note: This program will sponsor you but does not place you. You must have a job offer from a camp in order to join their program.
Conclusion
Working at a summer camp in the USA is a very memorable experience and not as difficult of a dream to achieve as one may think. There are a lot of small details to applying and getting the job, but these programs make it easy and walk you through each step. Have you worked at a summer camp in the USA as an international staff? What was your experience like? Please let me know in the comments below!
