Summer camp is as synonymous with the USA as the White House, yellow cabs and junk food.
There are more than 10,000 camps across the United States and each year around 10 million kids are packed off to spend the summer there.
Camps hire thousands of American and international staff, and this is one of the most popular ways to spend summer with students in the UK.
You can apply online whilst recruitment days are held at various European cities to fill positions for summer but there are so many things to know before you actually do sign up, including which company to register with.
Why Work at Camp?
Firstly, this is the opportunity of a lifetime!
Maybe you’ve never been to the States before, or you just like the idea of escaping your home town for summer, well working at camp provides the chance to experience living abroad, getting paid to do something fun, meet friends from all over the world and travel to iconic places like New York City and Los Angeles. Not to mention making all your friends and family jealous!
Are there any downsides? Well, it definitely won’t make you rich, but food and accommodation are included so it kind of balances out.
Best American Summer Camp Recruiters
Here’s the lowdown on six of the most popular companies hiring international students out there…
1. Global Work & Travel
Global Work & Travel offer the complete summer camp counsellor package and, most importantly, score you the perfect camp counselor position. Their team will help you with all the essentials you need to feel that summer loving from J-1 camp counselor visa application & sponsorship, airport transfer & accommodation, a US mobile number with credit, extra accommodation nights to use when you please, 24/7 worldwide support and so much more.
2. Camp America
Arguably the most famous of the bunch, Camp America has been sending Brits across the pond since the 1960s. As a counsellor or member of support staff you can get involved with a whole host of activities from aerobics and archery to weaving and weight training.
Next step? Go to their site and download their brochure. Once you’ve read the info, sign up.
3. BUNAC
As above, BUNAC offers a host of placements across a range of sectors and most participants are placed at camps in picturesque lakeside settings in the north east and New England. Having said that you could also find yourself in the south east, the Midwest, Texas, on the west Coast or even in neighbouring Canada.
Next step? Apply online to arrange an interview. If done before February 29 you’ll avoid paying late fees.
4. Americamp
With the slogan ‘work the American dream’ Americamp sells itself on its “friendly, fun-loving” credentials. It has also been named the best summer camp organisation by the popular youth website Save The Student due to its low fees. You can choose between activity counsellor, general counsellor or if you’d prefer, work behind the scenes.
Next step: Make sure you check out the site’s FAQs and you can apply online.
5. CCUSA (Camp Counselors USA)
The focus of CCUSA is to “secure the ideal camp to match your personality and skills”. They’ve got camps across the country and offer pretty much the same roles as above as well as the chance to travel for 30 days when the scheme ends.
Next step? Visit the site’s application centre for more details.
6. Camp Leaders
From Girl Scouts to special needs and inner city kids camps, you won’t be short of options with Camp Leaders. Roles vary from counsellors to support staff (i.e. working in kitchens or an office) but programmes run for nine weeks with the option to travel at the end – you just need to be aged 18 or over after June 1 and available for the summer.
Next step? You’ll need to register on their site and will then be contacted to arrange an interview.
Applying from outside of North America? The total cost of the application, visa, flights and placements is around £500.
Have you ever worked at an American summer camp or are you planning to this summer? Let us know your thoughts and tips.
Or if you like the idea of doing something like this but you aren’t sure camp USA is right for you find more jobs on these sites:
• Summer jobs
• Seasonal jobs
• Gap year jobs
• Work abroad programs