If you are an international worker looking to spend your summer working as a camp counselor in the USA, then let me help you get started.
Photo credit: Leon Contreras
What to Know
Do you need to go with a program/placement organization?
To work at a summer camp in the USA you need a sponsor that is designated by the US State Department. The programs on this list 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 camp on your own, accept a job, and then go through one of these programs in order to have the necessary sponsor.
What is the application process like?
Most programs have the same process when it comes to placing counselors in summer camps. First you apply to their program and have and interview with them. 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!
How much does it cost?
Program costs vary by organization and program 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 a 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.
How do you know if a 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. You should be able to tell that this by viewing the actual summer camp's website and social media platforms. Lastly, you can look into reviews from third party websites written by others who have experience with the program.
Why are you paying to work?
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.
What are the VISA requirements?
To work as a camp counselor in the USA you will need a J1 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, and 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, ect...
What should you 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.
What is your compensation?
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.
How do taxes work?
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.
Programs & Placement Organizations
Disclaimer: As a USA citizen I have not needed to use any of the organizations below. This is simply a list of programs for you to look into. Please do you research before applying or paying for these services. The information below is derived directly from the organization websites as of January 2024.
Program Fees: £459.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $1,600-$1,950.
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.
Program Fees: £250.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements and have experience working with children.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Program Fees: £399.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $1,900.
Program Fees: €450.
Eligibility: Have a high school diploma and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $2,000.
Program Fees: $450.
Eligibility: Ages 18-28 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Program Fees: $489
Eligibility: Ages 18-30, have experience working with children, and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $2,000.
Program Fees: $595.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $1,750 but up to $2,000.
Program Fees: $195 registration fee. Contact them for other fees.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Ages 18-27 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Not stated.
Program Fees: From AU$699 (Australian Dollars).
Eligibility: Ages 18-35 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Between $1,500-$2,000.
Program Fees: Not stated, must contact organization.
Eligibility: Meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Not stated.
Program Fees: $585.
Eligibility: Have experience working with children and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $1,900-$2,400.
Program Fees: £379.
Eligibility: Ages 18-30 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: Minimum $2,000.
Note: JENZA and USIT are affiliate companies.
Program Fees: €299.
Eligibility: Ages 18-30 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $2,000.
Note: JENZA and USIT are affiliate companies.
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.
Program Fees: €300.
Eligibility: Ages 18-26 and meet the J1 VISA requirements.
Compensation: $2,000.
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.
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. Hundreds of international workers come to the USA each summer to have a memorable camp experience and hopefully next summer you will be one of them!