Sparkling lakes, lush forests, and a community that feels like family… That’s not paradise, it’s Beber Camp in Wisconsin, and it’s calling your name! If you’re looking for a next-level summer job, why not work as a camp counsellor in the U.S. at a stunning venue like Beber Camp?
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to Beber Camp and why it’s such an amazing place to work. We’ll also explore what it’s like to be a camp counsellor in general, and how AmeriCamp makes it easy for you to experience the summer of a lifetime.
An Overview of Beber Camp
Before you pack your bags for an unforgettable Wisconsin summer, it’s worth getting to know what makes Beber Camp so special. Here’s a closer look at its history, values, and what life is really like at this USA summer camp.
Camp History
Founded in 1976, Beber Camp has built a strong reputation as one of the Midwest’s most beloved Jewish summer camps. Over the years, it has grown from a small, close-knit program into a vibrant community that welcomes hundreds of campers each summer. Despite its growth, Beber has held onto its family feel.
The camp is guided by a mission to create a safe, inclusive, and values-driven environment where young people can learn, grow, and have fun. Generations of campers have returned year after year, and many former campers now send their own kids or return as staff!
Camp Values
Beber Camp is rooted in Jewish values that emphasise community, respect, and personal growth. These principles shape daily life at camp and help create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and supported. You don’t have to be Jewish to work at Beber Camp, but you’ll quickly come to appreciate the spirit of togetherness and kindness that defines the community.
Camp Location and Facilities
Beber Camp is located in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, about 35 miles southwest of Milwaukee and just under two hours from Chicago. The camp sits on more than 300 acres of beautiful countryside, complete with rolling hills, forests, and a sparkling private lake, which is perfect for swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding.
Facilities include:
- Comfortable cabins
- Modern sports fields
- A performing arts centre
- Well-equipped spaces for creative arts and music
- A spacious dining hall
Camp counsellors love the balance between nature and comfort. You get the true outdoor camp experience without sacrificing the necessities!
Camp Programs and Activities
Beber Camp offers a wide range of programs designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Campers can choose from dozens of activities, including:
- Team sports: Basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, ultimate frisbee, and more
- Other sports: Tennis, archery, biking, martial arts, and yoga
- Aquatics: Swimming, lake endurance swimming, aqua aerobics, and more
- Arts and crafts: Painting, ceramics, jewellery making, tie dye, woodwork, and more
- Outdoor adventure: Outdoor cooking, bird watching, hiking, survival skills, and gardening
- Out of camp trips: Visits to water parks, a renaissance fair, or the Wisconsin State Fair
- Lakefront: Water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, paddleboarding, and canoeing
The camp also hosts special events like Shabbat celebrations, themed nights, and colour wars. There’s never a dull moment!
Why Work at Beber Camp as an International Counsellor?
Through AmeriCamp, international counsellors get the incredible opportunity to spend the summer living and working in the United States, enjoying every day and building friendships that span the globe. Here’s why Beber Camp stands out as one of the best summer camps in the U.S. for international counsellors.
Experience a Real American Summer
If you’ve ever watched an American summer camp movie and thought, “I wish I could do that,” Beber Camp turns that dream into reality. You’ll spend your days canoeing on the lake and your evenings laughing around the campfire.
Being a camp counsellor, you’ll be part of the team that makes camp magic happen. You’ll help campers step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and make memories they’ll talk about for years to come. It’s also an authentic slice of American culture (think s’mores, songs, and spirit days).
Gain Some Essential Life Skills!
While Beber Camp is all about fun, it’s also an incredible opportunity for personal and professional development. When you work at a USA summer camp, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Cultural understanding
Those are all skills that look great on any CV! You’ll learn how to connect with people from all backgrounds and navigate challenges with creativity and confidence. By the end of the summer, you’ll have a stronger sense of independence and a fresh perspective on yourself and the world.
Incredible Travel Opportunities After Camp
As well as building up your camp counsellor resume skills, one of the biggest perks of working at Beber Camp through AmeriCamp is the freedom to travel after camp. Your J-1 visa gives you a whole 30 days to explore the United States after your placement ends, and most counsellors take full advantage of it!
From road-tripping down the California coast to exploring cities like Chicago, New York, and Miami, the possibilities are endless. A lot of counsellors choose to travel with their new friends from camp, as it’s often cheaper and more fun to explore the country as a group.
What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Beber Camp?
You’ll wear a lot of different hats at Beber Camp! Most counsellors find themselves being a mentor, activity leader, friend, and role model, sometimes all at once! Here’s what you can expect from daily life and the community you’ll become a part of at Beber Camp.
A Typical Day in the Life
A day at this summer camp in America starts bright and early. After breakfast and announcements, the day unfolds with a full schedule of activities, from sports and crafts to swimming, hiking, or waterskiing on the lake.
As a counsellor, you’ll lead or assist with these sessions, helping campers develop new skills and cheering them on along the way. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to join in the fun!
Evenings are a highlight at Beber Camp. After dinner, the camp gathers for big events like campfires, themed nights, or all-camp games. Once the campers are settled in their bunks, staff often unwind together and plan for the next day.
Staff Culture and Community
Beber Camp’s strong sense of community is what puts it among the best summer camps in the USA. Staff members come from all over the world, bringing a mix of cultures, experiences, and perspectives that make camp life all the more amazing.
The camp leadership team goes out of its way to create a supportive environment, with staff bonding nights, appreciation events, and plenty of opportunities for fun outside of work.
There’s also a big emphasis on teamwork in this summer camp job abroad. Whether you’re planning a special event, helping out with cabin duties, or supporting a camper through a tough day, you won’t be doing it alone.
The Camp Counsellor Role
At Beber Camp, all camp counsellors are responsible for a specific set of campers. You’ll follow them from activity to activity throughout the day, making sure everyone is participating safely and having a great time. You’ll often be responsible for leading games and activities, and will live in a bunk with a group of 12-16 campers and other co-cabin counsellors.
What Beber Camp Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors
Beber Camp is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, and that all starts with the people who work there. Every summer, the camp looks for enthusiastic, caring, and responsible individuals who can help create a positive and memorable experience for every camper.
Core Qualities They Value
Camp Beber is looking for candidates with these skills of a camp counsellor:
- Empathetic and caring: Campers look up to their counsellors for guidance and support. Beber values staff who can listen, encourage, and help children feel confident and included.
- Positive and enthusiastic: Camp life is full of high energy and constant activity, and counsellors who bring a smile and a “can-do” attitude help keep the fun alive for everyone.
- Responsible and reliable: Counsellors play an important role in ensuring campers’ safety and well-being. Beber looks for people who can handle responsibility and lead by example.
- Team-oriented: From cabin activities to all-camp events, collaboration is key. The best counsellors are those who thrive in a team setting and support their fellow staff.
- Open-minded and inclusive: Beber welcomes campers and staff from all over the world. Having an open mind and respect for different cultures, traditions, and perspectives helps foster the camp’s strong sense of community.
Ultimately, Beber Camp wants counsellors who care deeply about people and see this American summer camp job as a chance to make a meaningful impact.
Skills That Make You Stand Out
Certain skills and experiences can make your camp counsellor resume shine even brighter. You don’t have to be an expert, but having a background in one or more of the following areas can help you stand out:
- Leadership and mentoring: Any experience working with children or youth (like tutoring, coaching, or volunteering) shows that you can take initiative and inspire others.
- Activity expertise: Beber offers a huge range of activities, so skills in watersports, music, arts and crafts, drama, dance, or outdoor adventure are always in high demand.
- First aid or lifeguard training: These qualifications are valuable for roles around the pool or lake, and they demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility.
Even if you’ve never worked at a camp before, don’t worry! Beber Camp provides thorough training and orientation to help you succeed. What matters most is your attitude, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for working with kids.
How to Become a Beber Camp Counsellor
If you’re ready to make your dream of spending the summer at Beber Camp a reality, we can help! Here’s how to get a job as a summer camp counsellor through AmeriCamp:
- Meet the eligibility criteria
- Complete an AmeriCamp application
- Match and interview with a summer camp
- Apply for your J-1 visa
- Travel to the U.S. and start your adventure!
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Generally, to work at a summer camp in America, you should:
- Be 18 years or older by the time camp begins
- Have a good level of English communication skills to interact with campers and staff
- Demonstrate a genuine interest in working with children and young people
- Show maturity, responsibility, and enthusiasm for community living and teamwork
- Be available for the full camp season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-August
While previous experience in childcare, education, sports, or outdoor activities is a bonus, it’s not always required. Having the right attitude is more important, and you’ll do a lot of learning on the job!
Visa Requirements for International Applicants
If you’re applying through AmeriCamp, you’ll be working at Beber Camp under a J-1 Camp Counsellor Visa. This visa allows international participants to live and work in the United States temporarily while taking part in a cultural exchange program.
AmeriCamp helps handle all the visa logistics, including sponsoring your J-1 visa and guiding you through the paperwork, SEVIS registration, and embassy interview process. Once approved, you’ll receive a DS-2019 form, which officially confirms your placement at Beber Camp.
AmeriCamp’s Application Process
When you’ve confirmed you meet the eligibility criteria, you can start your AmeriCamp application. We’ll reach out to you for a quick, informal call, where we can learn a bit more about you and answer any questions you have about the program or being a camp counsellor.
After we approve your application, we’ll circulate it among our camp partners, including Camp Beber. When a camp thinks you’d be a good fit, they’ll reach out to you to schedule a video interview. Keep an eye on your inbox!
Whether you accept a role at Beber Camp or one of the other amazing summer camps we partner with, we’ll guide you through the visa application process and visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Once your visa is approved, it’s time to pack your bags!
Interview Tips
Interviewing with camp directors can feel a bit scary, especially if you don’t have a lot of job interview experience yet. You can prepare yourself by practising answers to these common camp counsellor interview questions, and by writing a list of your own questions to ask the camp director.
Just be yourself, let your personality shine through, and explain why you want to be a camp counsellor and what excites you about their camp specifically. Make sure you highlight your experience, whether you’ve coached sports, led youth groups, or volunteered.
Beber Camp FAQs
To help you prepare, here are some of the most common questions future counsellors ask before they arrive.
Do I Need Experience? Is Training Provided?
Don’t worry if you’ve never worked as a camp counsellor in America before; previous experience isn’t required. Before campers arrive, you’ll take part in comprehensive staff training, where you’ll learn everything from safety procedures and activity planning to how to handle homesickness or cabin management. The leadership team makes sure every staff member feels confident and supported before the summer officially begins.
What Should I Pack? Is There a Uniform?
You can use our AmeriCamp packing list to get started, and most camps send a specific list once you accept a role. You’ll need:
- Casual, comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a little messy
- Trainers
- Swimwear
- A few warmer layers for cooler evenings
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- A pair of sandals or flip-flops for around camp
There isn’t a strict uniform, but counsellors are expected to dress appropriately and modestly, reflecting Beber Camp’s inclusive and family-oriented environment. You’ll also receive a few camp-branded shirts to wear during special events or travel days.
What Happens if I Get Homesick?
It’s completely normal to feel homesick in the early stages of your summer camp job in America. The good news is that Beber Camp is an incredibly supportive community, and you’ll quickly find that your fellow counsellors become like family.
If you’re ever struggling, you can always turn to senior staff, the leadership team, or even your co-counsellors for support. They’ve all been there before and know how to help you through those first few weeks. Before long, you’ll be so busy having fun and making memories that homesickness tends to fade away.
Do I Get Time Off?
Yes! While summer adventure camp is full of energy and activity, counsellors do get scheduled time off to rest and recharge. You’ll usually have short breaks during the day, one evening off per week, and designated days off where you can relax, explore the local area and nearby attractions, or hang out with other staff.
What is the Food Like?
Meals at Beber Camp are one of the highlights of the day! The camp serves delicious, Kosher meals with plenty of variety to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Expect everything from classic comfort foods to healthy options, with dietary restrictions accommodated if enough notice is provided.
Enjoy the Summer of a Lifetime at Beber Camp!
Working at Beber Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that lets you grow, explore, and make a lasting impact. From leading campers through exciting activities to sharing stories around the campfire, every day brings something new and unforgettable.
Through AmeriCamp, becoming a counsellor at one of the best camps in America is easier than ever. You’ll receive full support with your application, visa, and placement, so you can focus on getting ready for an incredible summer in Wisconsin.
Apply with AmeriCamp today and take the first step toward your unforgettable Beber Camp adventure!
