Camp Chipinaw: Activities, Staff Life, and How to Work There

When you’re working as a counsellor, every day brings something new. At Camp Chipinaw, every day also brings an incredible 100 years of history. Since 1926, each summer has built on the last; the same pristine lake and the same hilarious traditions with a new generation of campers. When you arrive, you’ll feel it in the air; a legacy that’s been running for nearly a century.

AmeriCamp UK places camp counsellors at camps across the United States, and Camp Chipinaw is one of the most requested. If you're in the UK and wondering how to spend next summer, this guide covers everything you need to know: where Camp Chipinaw is, what the activities look like, how much you earn, what former staff actually say about the experience, and how AmeriCamp UK gets you there.

Where Is Camp Chipinaw? Location and How to Get There

Camp Chipinaw sits in Swan Lake, New York, in Sullivan County. The Camp Chipinaw address puts it roughly 90 miles northwest of New York City, within the broader Catskill Park region. That's over 700,000 acres of protected forests, rivers, and mountains.

Here's a quick snapshot of the Camp Chipinaw location:

• Town: Swan Lake, New York
• County: Sullivan County
• Region: Catskill Mountains
• Nearest major city: New York City (roughly 90 miles)

The camp sits on a private lake, so waterfront access is part of your daily life. If you've never experienced upstate New York, think dense forests, clear water, and actual mountain air. It's a proper escape from everything you know back home, and that's part of why it works so well.

For post-camp travel, Camp Chipinaw NY is perfectly positioned. You're within easy reach of NYC, the Adirondacks, Boston, and the entire East Coast. Your J-1 visa gives you 30 days to explore after camp ends, so that proximity really matters when you're planning your post-camp road trip.

Camp Chipinaw History: Running Since 1926

The Camp Chipinaw history goes back nearly a century. Here are the key milestones:

1. 1926: Camp Chipinaw was founded in Swan Lake, NY, during the growth era of American summer camping
2. Mid-20th century: The camp expanded its programme, adding specialist activities and upgrading its facilities
3. Partnership with Silver Lake: Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake became sister camps under the same ownership, creating a shared community for campers and staff
4. Today: Camp Chipinaw operates as a private co-ed camp for children aged seven to 16, hiring international staff each summer

The Camp Chipinaw owners have kept the founding values consistent throughout: personal growth, community, and genuine outdoor experience. That kind of continuity over 100 years says something about a place. Camps that last this long don't do it by accident. They do it because people keep coming back.

Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake: The Sister Camp Connection

You'll see references to Camp Silver Lake and Chipinaw or Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake because these two camps operate as sister properties in the same Sullivan County area. They share social events, staff networks, and traditions, which is great news for you as a counsellor.

What does that actually look like on the ground?

• Your social circle doubles. Inter-camp events connect you with staff from both Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake. That's twice the friendships, twice the fun on days off, and twice the people to travel with after camp.
• More variety in your role. Combined programming opens up a wider range of camp activities and specialist positions across both sites.
• Shared traditions. The Camp Chipinaw alma mater is part of a broader culture that ties both camps together. By the end of summer, you'll know every word.

The Chipinaw camp network stays active long after summer ends. Alumni connect through social media groups, reunions, and the Camp Chipinaw LinkedIn community. Former staff help each other with jobs, travel advice, and real friendships that last for years. You'll finish camp in August and still be hearing from your Chipinaw crew at Christmas.

Camp Chipinaw Activities and a Typical Day at Camp

A typical day at Camp Chipinaw runs from about 7 AM to lights out. The rhythm changes every hour, which is why counsellors who've worked office jobs before often say it's the most energising work they've ever had.

Here's what an average day looks like:

1. Morning wake-up and breakfast with your cabin group
2. Two to three structured activity periods where you lead or assist in your specialist area
3. Lunch and rest hour for refuelling and session prep
4. Afternoon activities including free swim and elective periods
5. Dinner and evening programme: campfires, talent shows, themed nights, all-camp games
6. Cabin time and lights out

The activity programme covers serious ground:

• Watersports: Swimming, sailing, kayaking, and kneeboarding on the private lake
• Land sports: Badminton, tennis, archery, gymnastics, fencing,  golf
• Creative arts: Acting, music, dance, photography, arts and crafts
• Outdoor adventure: Horseback riding, climbing, ropes courses, mountain biking

That variety means there's a role for almost any interest. Whether you're into sport, performing arts, or outdoor skills, Camp Chipinaw likely has a position that fits. Our guide to writing a camp counselor resume covers how to present your skills effectively.

Camp Chipinaw Reviews: What Staff Actually Say

When you read Camp Chipinaw reviews from former international staff, the same themes come up over and over:

1. The community is the real deal. Staff regularly highlight the family atmosphere at Camp Chipinaw. The camp places genuine emphasis on kindness, respect, and togetherness across all backgrounds. 
2. The setting shapes your summer. That Catskills lakeside location isn't just pretty, it changes the way your days feel. Former counsellors mention sunset swims and mountain views as highlights that stuck with them long after they left
3. The work is demanding but rewarding. You're engaged from early morning through lights out. The payoff is personal growth, friendships, and an experience that genuinely strengthens your CV. 

Reviews on camp directories and staff forums consistently rate Camp Chipinaw well for its supportive environment, strong traditions, and specialist activity programming. If you want firsthand perspectives, the Camp Chipinaw LinkedIn alumni network is active and open to questions from prospective staff.

Camp Chipinaw's Jewish Heritage

Camp Chipinaw was founded as a Jewish summer camp, and it maintains cultural traditions that many campers and families value. Shabbat is observed on Friday evenings, and Jewish holidays that fall during the summer are celebrated as a full community.

You do not need to be Jewish to work there. International counsellors of all backgrounds and faiths join the staff each summer. What matters is that you respect and participate in the camp's traditions. If you're interested in experiencing a different cultural perspective, that's a genuine benefit of working at a camp like Camp Chipinaw.

According to the American Camp Association, over 14,000 summer camps operate in the United States. Faith-based and culturally affiliated camps make up a significant portion of that number, and they actively recruit international staff. For many UK counsellors, working at a camp with a specific cultural identity adds a layer to the experience that makes it richer and more memorable.

How AmeriCamp UK Gets You There

AmeriCamp UK is a UK-based placement organisation that connects young people with summer camp positions across the US through J-1 visa sponsorship. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Programme is administered by the U.S. Department of State, and AmeriCamp UK handles the entire process so you don't have to figure it out yourself.

Here's what's included when you sign up with AmeriCamp UK:

• J-1 visa sponsorship handled for you
• Guaranteed minimum salary of $2,250+ paid by the camp
• Free accommodation and meals on-site at camp
• Medical insurance for the duration of your programme
• 30 days of post-camp travel in the U.S.
• 99% placement success rate

The programme fee is GBP 399 (or GBP 419 in three instalments, with a GBP 49 deposit to secure your spot). Check the what you pay page for the full breakdown, and see everything included under what you get.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Placed at Camp Chipinaw

Camp Chipinaw is an established camp with a strong reputation, so counsellor spots attract competition. Here's how to stand out:

1. Apply early. Camps start interviewing in autumn for the following summer. Waiting until spring puts you behind. Seriously, don't leave it until January.
2. Show relevant experience. Coaching, tutoring, babysitting, youth work, lifeguarding, or anything involving young people. Our camp counsellor interview questions guide helps you prepare for the chat with your camp director.
3. Highlight specialist skills. Camp Chipinaw runs dozens of activity areas. Swimming qualifications, drama experience, climbing certifications, or music skills make your profile much stronger.
4. Be enthusiastic and flexible. Camps want people who are genuinely excited, adaptable, and good in a team. If you can show you're the kind of person who says yes to things, you're ahead.
5. Confirm you meet the requirements. You'll need to be at least 18 and available for the full summer season.

Our camp counsellor salary guide covers earnings expectations in detail.

The Camp Chipinaw Logo and Identity

If you've seen the Camp Chipinaw logo, you'll recognise it. It's a classic American camp emblem (complete with a happy bear) that reflects the camp's heritage and outdoor setting. Alumni wear it on camp merchandise and reunion gear, and you'll spot it across social media profiles. Once you've spent a summer at Camp Chipinaw, that logo carries real personal meaning. You'll understand why people put camp stickers on their laptops and wear old camp t-shirts years later.

You can find Camp Chipinaw photos across alumni social media accounts and the camp's own profiles, which give you a strong visual sense of the setting, facilities, and what camp life actually looks like day to day.

Start Your Camp Chipinaw Application Today!

Reading about summer camp in America is one thing. Actually living it is another. Camp Chipinaw offers a summer in one of the most scenic parts of New York State, surrounded by a community that has been building traditions for nearly a century.

With AmeriCamp UK's 99% placement rate and the full application process handled for you, getting to a camp like Camp Chipinaw is more accessible than you'd think.

Ready? Apply now and get your summer sorted!

Frequently Asked Questions About Camp Chipinaw

Where Is Camp Chipinaw Located?

Camp Chipinaw is in Swan Lake, New York, in Sullivan County. It sits in the Catskill Mountains region, approximately 90 miles northwest of New York City. The camp occupies lakefront property surrounded by forests and mountains.

What Is the Connection Between Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake?

Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake are sister camps in the same region of Sullivan County. They share ownership, social events, inter-camp activities, and a combined alumni network. Staff at either camp benefit from a larger community and more varied programming.

Is Camp Chipinaw a Jewish Camp?

Camp Chipinaw was founded with a Jewish heritage and maintains traditions including Shabbat observance. The camp welcomes staff and campers of all faiths and backgrounds, and international counsellors do not need to be Jewish to work there.

How Can I Work at Camp Chipinaw From the UK?

The most straightforward route is through a J-1 visa sponsorship programme. AmeriCamp UK handles your visa, placement matching, insurance, and travel support. The programme fee is GBP 399 (or GBP 419 in three installments), and you'll earn a guaranteed minimum of $2,250+ with free accommodation and meals included.

What Activities Does Camp Chipinaw Offer?

Camp Chipinaw offers over 30 activities, including watersports (swimming, sailing, kneeboarding), team sports (hockey, basketball, baseball), creative arts (acting, Garage Band, leather craft), and outdoor adventure (mountain biking, climbing, ropes courses). 

How Old Is Camp Chipinaw?

Camp Chipinaw was founded in 1926. It has operated continuously for 100 years, making it one of the longest-running private summer camps in the United States.

What Is the Camp Chipinaw Alma Mater?

The Camp Chipinaw alma mater is a traditional camp song that ties together the Camp Chipinaw and Silver Lake communities. It's sung at key moments throughout the summer and is one of the traditions that make the camp experience feel personal. Former staff say it's the thing that brings everything together at the end of summer.