A Guide on Working at the Best Summer Camp Jobs in the US [Examples & Resources]

Working at a USA summer camp not only fills your days with fun activities, but allows you to: 

• Earn money
• Develop valuable life skills
• Make new friends 
• Gain work experience  

AmeriCamp makes the process as stress free and simplified as possible, allowing you to enjoy your summer instead of worrying about travel planning and visa applications. We take pride in supporting you through the entire process, from your application and interview, to your camp placement, travel, and program end.

Read below to learn more about working at the best summer camp jobs in the US!

Why You Should Choose a Summer Camp Job

Working at a summer camp in America will not only fill your summer with adventure, but also allow you to participate in a wide variety of fun activities, connect with campers and other staff, and build a work experience that looks great on your resume/CV. 

Personal Growth Opportunities While Working at Camp

Working at a summer camp is a great way to meet new people, and forge lasting friendships. At an AmeriCamp sponsored summer camp, you’ll meet campers and counselors from all sorts of different cultures and backgrounds.

Working at camp can also give you a sense of purpose and stay active.

Each day at camp will be packed full of various active events to attend. You’ll participate in a bunch of physical activities that will make you fit, like:

• Team sports
• Outdoor adventures
• Team building games

Build Work Experience While Working at a Summer Camp

You can build great professional skills while working at camp that look great on your resume, regardless of your original skill set or your college major. Some of these skills that help you develop a great work ethic include:

• Management skills
• Problem solving skills
• Relationship building skills 
• Adaptability

Depending on the type of summer camp job you decide on, and the camp you’re placed at, you may also have the opportunity to learn things like administrative support, housekeeping, or cooking skills. 

What Pay and Benefits Look Like at an AmeriCamp Summer Camp Job 

AmeriCamp provides extensive support and compensation throughout your entire summer camp work experience. For example, when you work as a camp counselor with AmeriCamp, you’re guaranteed to: 

1. Earn a minimum of $2000
2. Be covered with comprehensive medical insurance for the full duration of your summer camp contract 
3. Have all your meals and accommodation covered by AmeriCamp
4. Be placed at one of our amazing summer camps in the USA
5. Have access to a 24 hour helpline in case of emergency 
6. A J-1 visa sponsorship 

Summer Camp Job Opportunities 

When you think of summer camp jobs, chances are the most popular one that comes to mind is camp counseling. And while AmeriCamp camp counseling jobs are extremely fun and rewarding, there are other summer camp job positions out there too. 

Summer Camp Support Staff

Even the best summer camp can’t run without its team of talented support staff members. Support staff workers ensure your camp is run efficiently. Some examples of support staff positions are: 

• Camp security 
• Administrative roles or support
• Maintenance personnel 
• Housekeepers 
• Cooking staff 

Some camps in different locations might have different positions available depending on location. For example, camps with a pool or body of water available for watersports will need lifeguards. 

Summer Camp Counseling Jobs

While support staff keep summer camps running, camp counselors are responsible for planning and participating in activities, and acting as good role models for their campers. Counselors may be in charge of a specific group of campers, or assist with general supervision. 

Some camp counselors act as specialty counselors, and tend to lead a specific activity that they’re skilled in.  Some of those skills include

• Outdoor activities: like hiking and rock climbing
• The performing arts: like theater or dance
• Arts & crafts: like ceramics or sewing

Camp counselor and support staff responsibilities 

While camp counselor job responsibilities may vary from camp to camp, general duties for camp counselors usually entail:

• Organizing and participating in camp activities 
• Assisting at mealtimes
• Managing and acting as a role model for campers
• Setting up and putting away camp equipment 

Summer camp support staff responsibilities depend on job type. So if you’re working somewhere like the kitchen, you may be responsible for keeping the mess hall clean or helping with meal preparation. 

How to Apply to a Summer Camp Job

Interested in an AmeriCamp summer camp job like camp counseling? We assist you through the entire process, which can be broken down into five easy steps:

1. Completing your application
2. J-1 visa sponsorship
3. Submitting your required documents
4. Camp placement
5. Your summer camp job interview 

With AmeriCamp, you’ll be assigned a team to help make your camp experience as stress free as possible, and to ensure you have an amazing summer! 

If you’re trying to get a summer camp job from the UK, read our full guide here.

Your Summer Camp Job Application and Program Requirements 

In order to qualify for a summer camp job position like counseling at AmeriCamp, you have to meet these requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years old by June 1st of your summer program year
• You need to be available from early-June to mid-August
• You must be able to pass a background check
• You must have no criminal history
• Be able to supervise and interact with children 
• Be proficient in English 

When it comes to your application, AmeriCamp is here to support you! Applying generally takes around 60 minutes, making the process simple and easy. 

If you have any questions about the application process, can check out our FAQ, or contact us here! 

J-1 Visa Sponsorship 

Also known as The Visitor Exchange Program, J-1 visas allow foreign nationals to experience educational and cultural programs in the U.S. If you choose to become a camp counselor with AmeriCamp, you’re required to get a J-1 visa to qualify for the program. 
While it depends on your home country, getting your J-1 visa usually includes

• Filling out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS 160)
• Providing a photo (which must meet specific requirements) 
• Attending an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country 

There’s no need to worry about your J-1 visa application process. While it may seem like a lot, we’re here to help

Required Documents for Your Summer Camp Job 

Besides your application and J-1 visa, you’ll also need some additional documents to obtain a summer camp job in the United States. You’ll need to provide AmeriCamp with:

• A local background check
• Your medical history
• A medical background check

Your references

Any related certificates (like safety or CPR)

Once your application and documents are submitted, you’ll be ready to be placed at one of the best summer camps in the U.S. 

Summer Camp Job Placement Process 

After you complete your application, AmeriCamp will send it to our affiliated summer camps.

To help you find the perfect fit, we have a team of specially trained placement-coordinators and camp directors who personally search through the applications to pair counselors and staff with camps. 

We encourage our applicants to keep an open mind when they’re placed. Once your summer camp job placement is over, you get a 30-day grace period to travel anywhere in the United States! This way, you can travel if you choose to.

Your Summer Camp Job Interview 

There’s a good chance that a camp director will want an interview with you once a potential placement is found. And while the idea of a job interview may seem intimidating at first, AmeriCamp has your back! Your AmeriCamp team will help you prepare for your interview if you’d like some assistance. 

Some questions you may be asked during your interview may be similar to these:

• What are your greatest strengths?
• Do you have any related work experience?
• How would you handle conflict between campers?
• Can you give an example of a problem you solved successfully? 

Preparing For Your Summer Camp Job 

Besides preparing for your interview, completing your application, and gathering up your required documents, you need to start getting ready for things like traveling abroad, adapting to a summer camp routine, and understanding your program costs and fees. 

Travel Preparation

The whole process of traveling abroad can be stressful. With AmeriCamp, you’ll be provided with a team of experts who will help you find and schedule your flight at the best price. AmeriCamp also provides:

• An emergency hotline available 24/7
• A pre-departure orientation to ensure you’re ready for camp before your flight 
• Comprehensive health insurance for the full duration of your camp contract

What to Expect on a Summer Camp Workday  

To schedule as many activities as possible into every day, most summer camps run on a schedule or routine. Your own days will vary depending on the job you choose or the camp you’re placed at, but a general day at summer camp will look something like this: 

Mornings - 6am to 12pm

• Wake up
• Breakfast
• Morning activities 

Afternoons - 12pm to 6pm

• Lunch 
• Free time
• Afternoon activities 

Evenings - 6pm to 10pm

• Dinner 
• Evening activities 
• Preparation for the next day
• Bedtime 

General responsibilities can include assisting with setting up equipment, cleaning up, entertaining campers, or helping out in other areas of your camp if need be. 

Understanding Program Costs and Fees 

Your program costs cover your meals and accommodation for your summer camp job, as well as essential services like:

• Your application process
• Medical insurance
• Your DS-2019 form
• Your interview fees

It’s important to note that the AmeriCamp partner representatives decide your actual fees. Fees also change depending on your country, exchange rate, market, and the types of services your AmeriCamp team offers.

Some teams offer job training and English classes.

Work at the Best Summer Camps in the USA

With the opportunity to travel, meet new friends, explore new cultures and build important skills, working at a summer camp is the ultimate summertime experience. And to help make your summer the most memorable one of your life, AmeriCamp supports our counselors through their entire journey, from application to the end of their program. 

Interested in having a summer adventure in the U.S. and making $2000 minimum? Fill out and submit an application here, or check out our blog to read more about camp counseling and summer camps.