Picture this: You wake up to the sound of birds chirping in the stunning Pocono Mountains in Effort, Pennsylvania. You smile, because you know you’ll spend the day surrounded by amazing people, fun activities, and 185 acres of beautiful scenery. That’s a day in the life of a counsellor at Camp Jaycee!
Every summer, Camp Jaycee comes alive with eager summer campers (adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities) and support staff from all over the world. The camp is always on the lookout for enthusiastic, dedicated camp counsellors to join their team, and this is your chance to experience the summer of a lifetime!
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about Camp Jaycee, and how you can work there as a camp counsellor. We’ll cover:
- The camp’s history, values, facilities, and activities
- The benefits of working as a counsellor at Camp Jaycee
- The role of Camp Jaycee’s counsellors
- How to make your application stand out
- How to become a Camp Jaycee counsellor with AmeriCamp
Whether you're studying education, social work, special needs, or just want to make a difference, Camp Jaycee offers an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build lifelong friendships, and be part of something truly impactful. And, with AmeriCamp, you’ll have all the visa support, application guidance, and help you need to make it all happen.
Start your AmeriCamp application here to work at Camp Jaycee or one of our other incredible camp partners next summer!
An Overview of Camp Jaycee
Camp Jaycee is a thoughtfully designed residential summer camp in Pennsylvania serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Located in the scenic Pocono Mountains, it’s packed full of fun activities, boasts a supportive community atmosphere, and is run by a team of dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure every camper thrives.
Camp History
Camp Jaycee was founded in 1975 as a joint initiative of the New Jersey Jaycees and The Arc of New Jersey. Since then, it has grown into a cherished nonprofit institution serving hundreds of campers each summer, many of whom return year after year. Camp Jaycee is one of the best summer camps in the U.S., and is accredited through the American Camping Association.
Camp Values
The camp is grounded in values of inclusion, dignity, support, and growth. Its mission centres on promoting social development, self-esteem, confidence, physical wellness, and meaningful relationships for adults with disabilities. This summer camp in America is a community where everyone is cherished, everyone is important, and everyone is entitled to have fun.
Camp Location and Facilities
Camp Jaycee sits on 185 acres of lush forests, gentle fields, and bubbling streams, just a short drive from the New Jersey border. Its scenic grounds include:
- A two‑acre spring‑fed pond ideal for swimming and paddleboating
- A modern, air‑conditioned dining hall, serving as the camp’s central hub
- A stage-equipped rec hall, arts & crafts building, and music pavilion
- Full athletic fields including basketball, tennis, and volleyball
- Comfortable cabin clusters, air‑conditioned and equipped with private bathrooms
This USA summer camp also features a well-equipped infirmary staffed 24/7 by camp nurses, with consulting physicians on call and connections to nearby hospitals
Camp Programs and Activities
Every day at Camp Jaycee brings something new and exciting! The day is broken up into three morning activities, two afternoon activities, and an evening activity. All activities are tailored to each camper’s abilities and performed in a safe, supervised environment.
Some of the daytime activities on offer include:
- Sports and games: Soccer, dodgeball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and more
- Arts and crafts: Including painting, pottery, and other projects
- Swimming: Supervised in the 3-ft deep spring-fed pond, sectioned off from the main lake
- Dance and movement: Fun group dance sessions to encourage fitness and coordination
- Boating: Supervised paddleboating and rowboating on the lake
- Nature and sensory: Sensory garden and petting zoo with llamas, rabbits, pigs, and more
Then, in the evening, all the campers come together to participate in a fun group activity. It might be a dance, theatrical performance, themed “Olympics,” campfire activity, or movie night. Whatever’s on the schedule, there’s always lots of laughs!
Why Work at Camp Jaycee as an International Counsellor?
Every year, Camp Jaycee welcomes international counsellors from around the globe who come to share their time, energy, and heart with campers. Here’s why it’s such a special experience for international staff to work at this USA summer camp.
Experience a Real American Summer
Summer camp is a quintessential American activity, and Camp Jaycee offers a truly authentic slice of American summer life. You'll live and work on the beautiful campgrounds in Pennsylvania, complete with cabins, bonfires, and lakes. You’ll work alongside American staff and other like-minded internationals who help make camp feel like a second home.
By the end of summer, you will have formed unforgettable bonds around s’mores, campfire sing-alongs, and the thousands of laughs you’ve shared. You’ll return home not just with memories, but with new perspectives on American culture, disability inclusion, and the importance of community.
Gain Some Valuable Life Skills
Being a camp counselor at Camp Jaycee means learning to adapt, communicate clearly, and lead with empathy. You’ll gain real-life experience in:
- Supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Working in a team environment under structured and dynamic conditions
- Problem-solving and managing responsibilities
- Maintaining a positive attitude even in challenging moments
This kind of hands-on experience is invaluable for careers in education, healthcare, social work, psychology, and more. But even if your goals lie elsewhere, the personal growth you’ll experience (greater patience, resilience, confidence, and leadership) will benefit you in any path you choose.
Incredible Travel Opportunities After Camp
One of the biggest perks of working as a camp counsellor in America is the opportunity to explore the country after camp ends. Participants arrive on a J-1 cultural exchange visa (AmeriCamp can help you with that!), which includes a 30-day “grace period” after your job finishes. That means once your camp duties are done, you're free to travel within the U.S. for up to 30 days before returning to your home country!
Whether it’s visiting iconic cities like New York, Washington D.C., or Chicago, road-tripping along the East Coast, or hiking through national parks, many J-1 camp counsellors take full advantage of this window to see more of the U.S. before heading home. You might also find that some of the other counsellors you’ve met are excited to be your travel buddies!
What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Camp Jaycee?
You’re probably wondering how you’ll actually spend your days at Camp Jaycee. Just like at any summer camp job in America, counsellors spend their time supervising campers. You might find yourself helping to run a soccer game, setting up for a craft session, making sure everyone is participating, and generally supporting campers in whatever way they need.
You also need to understand that all positions at Camp Jaycee require staff members to assist campers with personal care, which may include toileting, dressing, and showering.
Typical Day in the Life
Here’s what an average day might look like for a counsellor at Camp Jaycee:
- 7:30 AM: Wake-up and help campers get ready for the day
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast with your cabin group in the camp dining hall
- 9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Lead or support the morning activity sessions
- 12:30 PM: Lunch and rest period
- 2:00–4:30 PM: Lead or support the afternoon activities
- 5:30 PM: Dinner in the dining hall, often followed by prep for the evening
- 7:00 PM: Evening activity to bring everyone together at the end of the day
- 9:00 PM: Wind-down and bedtime routine
You’ll usually have scheduled time off throughout the week to rest, recharge, or explore your stunning surroundings.
Staff Culture and Community
One thing that makes summer camp jobs abroad at Camp Jaycee really special is the culture. The entire staff is there to make a difference and enjoy a rewarding summer in the most beautiful setting imaginable. Because you’ll be working with adults with disabilities, there’s lots of support and training for new counsellors to make sure everyone’s on the same page and working toward the same goals.
Many counsellors love coming back to this summer camp in America year after year, as you can see from these testimonials:
“9 years ago I worked at Camp Jaycee for the first time and discovered what a magical place it was. It allows everyone to be the truest version of themselves and to feel accepted and celebrated for everything that makes them unique. It allows us to form bonds that will last a lifetime and have more fun than you could ever imagine packing in to one summer. Camp Jaycee changed my life and drew me back time and time again and I know it won’t be long until we are counting down the days to another amazing summer!”
- Heather, Camp Jaycee Counsellor
“The moment you walk into camp, you feel its welcoming spirit. This is my second year as a counselor and I absolutely love it. Jaycee has a real sense of community, inclusion and fun.”
- Annie, Camp Jaycee Counsellor
What Camp Jaycee Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors
Sure, being a counsellor at Camp Jaycee is about supervising campers, but it’s also about building relationships, creating moments of joy, and supporting people with disabilities in meaningful ways. If you’re considering applying, it’s helpful to understand what Camp Jaycee looks for in its counsellors and how you can stand out as a strong candidate.
Core Qualities They Value
Camp Jaycee looks for counsellors who embody a spirit of inclusion, patience, and genuine care. While previous experience with people with disabilities is helpful, it’s not always required; what matters most are the personal traits you bring to the role. Some of the core camp counsellor qualities they value include:
- Empathy and compassion: You’ll be working closely with campers who may need emotional support or extra guidance. Being able to connect with kindness and understanding is essential.
- Maturity and responsibility: Camp life is structured and requires you to show up consistently for your group, both emotionally and physically.
- Positivity and humour: A cheerful attitude goes a long way. Whether you’re dancing at an evening event or helping a camper tie their shoes, bringing energy and encouragement matters.
- Patience and flexibility: Each day at this summer adventure camp brings new challenges. Counsellors need to adapt on the fly while keeping their cool.
- Team player mentality: You’ll be part of a tight-knit team. Collaboration and a willingness to help wherever needed are vital to a smooth and supportive camp environment.
Jaycee staff often describe the role as “challenging but incredibly rewarding”, and the right counsellors embrace that dynamic with open hearts and open minds.
Skills That Make You Stand Out
While attitude and heart are most important, certain camp counsellor resume skills and experiences can make your application especially strong. Camp Jaycee looks for:
- Counsellors who have studied or are studying in the field of human services (including education, psychology, social work, or related areas). You don’t necessarily need to have a degree, but some studies are preferred.
- Program specialists with specific skills in music, arts and crafts, dance and movements, sports and games, and nature. These specialists are responsible for planning and leading activities in their field, and are also assigned to assist cabins.
- Lifeguards, who are responsible for supervising the swimming and boating programs in the beautiful two-acre lake. Lifeguards are also assigned to assist cabins.
If you have experience working with people with disabilities, that’s a big bonus. Be sure to mention any other skills of a camp counsellor or certifications, like CPR, First Aid, or leadership roles you’ve held.
Interview Tips
Whether you’re being considered for a camp counsellor position at Camp Jaycee or another American summer camp job, part of the hiring process is interviewing with the camp’s director. This is your chance to showcase your qualifications, enthusiasm, and motivations behind becoming a camp counsellor. If you want to ace the interview:
- Be yourself: Summer camps value authenticity. If you’re interviewing at Camp Jaycee, be honest about why you want to work with people with disabilities and what draws you to this type of camp experience.
- Highlight your relevant experience: Even if you haven’t worked at a summer camp before, mention any leadership, volunteer, or caregiving roles you’ve had. Be specific, and explain what you liked and where you feel your strengths are.
- Demonstrate flexibility and positivity: Share examples of how you’ve adapted to new environments or worked in a team. You might be asked about how you handle conflicts, your communication style, and so on.
- Ask questions: As well as answering camp counsellor interview questions, this is your chance to learn about the camp and their values. Show that you’re invested by asking thoughtful questions about daily life at camp, camper support, or training.
Most importantly, let your enthusiasm shine through! A big part of being a successful counsellor is showing up with energy and commitment, so don’t be afraid to let your passion show during the interview.
How to Become a Camp Jaycee Counsellor
For international applicants, figuring out how to get a job as a summer camp counsellor in the U.S. can be tricky, especially when it comes to navigating visa and entry requirements. Lucky for you, that’s where AmeriCamp comes in!
We help prospective camp counsellors overseas secure jobs at some of the top camps in America. You just need to submit one application, and we’ll circulate it among our camp partners to find the best fit for you. So, if you’re eager to work at Camp Jaycee or one of the other incredible summer camp partners, here’s how to make it happen.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
As well as the values and skills that Camp Jaycee looks for in its counsellors (mentioned above), there are a few specific AmeriCamp criteria you need to meet in order to apply:
- Be at least 18 years old by the time camp begins
- Be available for the entire summer season, typically mid-June through mid-August
- Be comfortable living and working in a residential setting with campers and staff
- Have strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Be willing to assist campers with personal care and daily routines (training is provided)
- Pass a background check and complete relevant training sessions
You also need to be able to provide two references who know you within a professional or educational capacity, like teachers, coaches, employers, supervisors, or parents you have babysat for.
Visa Requirements for International Applicants
All applicants from outside the U.S. need a J-1 cultural exchange visa to work legally at Camp Jaycee, or any other camp in the U.S. AmeriCamp acts as your visa sponsor and helps you navigate this process. Once you’ve secured your summer camp placement, our team will let you know the steps you need to take and will issue your DS-2019 form, the document that confirms your eligibility.
We’ll send you step-by-step instructions on how to apply for the visa itself, and guide you through the visa interview at your closest U.S. Embassy. We’ve helped thousands of applicants navigate the process and successfully become camp counsellors in the U.S., and you’ll have our support and guidance every step of the way.
AmeriCamp’s Application Process
To become a counsellor at Camp Jaycee or another one of the best summer camps in the U.S., you’ll need to:
- Complete your AmeriCamp application
- Join a casual 30-40 minute video interview with AmeriCamp staff to get to know you
- Provide your camp counsellor resume and references for us to circulate among U.S. summer camps
- Interview with camp directors who are interested in hiring you
- Accept your offer and complete a background check
- Apply for your J-1 visa and undergo the visa interview (all with our help)
- Book your flights and pack your bags!
Enjoy the Summer of a Lifetime at Camp Jaycee!
If you're looking for adventure, purpose, growth, or just some sunshine, working as a counsellor at Camp Jaycee might be exactly what you need. You’ll discover strengths you didn’t know you had, form friendships that span the globe, and return home with unforgettable memories of your time in the U.S.
If you're ready to make a real difference this summer while experiencing the magic of camp life in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Camp Jaycee is waiting for you. And with AmeriCamp, you’ll have all the support you need along the way.
Apply now, and take the first step toward a summer that will stay with you forever!
