Work in the U.S. at Camp Vacamas [FAQs + Resources]

Sure, all summer jobs give you money, but some of them are painfully boring. Flipping burgers all weekend? Making a billion coffees for customers who all seem like they’re running late? It’s not exactly the experience you’ll tell your friends about years later, but here’s something that is: Working at Camp Vacamas as a summer camp counsellor!

Situated in picturesque New Jersey, Camp Vacamas is an authentic American summer camp, just like you see in the movies. Here, you’ll be getting paid to lead activities, coach sports, and help campers try new things. Plus, you get to do all of this with an international team of fellow counsellors who are just as excited as you are.

If that sounds like your kind of summer, here’s what you need to know to become a counsellor at Camp Vacamas, and how AmeriCamp can help you get there.

Getting to Know Camp Vacamas

Before you picture yourself leading an overly-competitive game of capture the flag, trying s’mores for the first time, or hanging out with other counsellors after a long day, it helps to understand what makes Camp Vacamas so special. Here’s what you need to know.

Camp History

Camp Vacamas is operated by Hands In 4 Youth, an organization that was formed over 100 years ago (originally named East Side Vacation Camp Association). The organization offers a range of programs for youth in the New York/New Jersey area, including overnight and day-camp options at Camp Vacamas.

Camp Values

Camp Vacamas is committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment. This USA summer camp places a strong emphasis on helping campers grow socially, emotionally, and physically, while making sure they’re having a great time along the way. You’ll see these values in action every day:

• Community and belonging: Creating a space where everyone feels welcome
• Respect and responsibility: Encouraging positive behavior and teamwork
• Personal growth: Helping campers (and counsellors) build confidence and independence
• Fun with purpose: Balancing enjoyment with meaningful learning experiences

Yes, you’ll be supervising activities, but you’ll also be a role model who helps bring these values to life.

Camp Location and Facilities

Camp Vacamas is located in New Jersey, offering the perfect mix of natural surroundings and accessibility to major cities. Set among trees, open spaces, and waterfront areas, the camp provides a beautiful outdoor escape while still being close to the bright lights of New York City. Facilities at Camp Vacamas include: 

• Outdoor and indoor sports fields and courts
• Lakefront areas for swimming and water activities
• Lakeside beach
• Hiking trails
• Climbing walls and rope courses (high and low)
• Outdoor and indoor stages
• Dining and communal areas where the camp community comes together

Camp Programs and Activities

Camp Vacamas has two main types of programs: 

1. Day Camps: Week-long, themed camps for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, where campers return home each night. 
2. Sleepaway Camps: Campers aged 6 to 17 live, play, and learn together at camp for 12 or 19 days (three different session lengths are available throughout the camp season). 

Each day at this summer adventure camp, campers move through a range of age-appropriate activities, including: 

• Team and individual sports (basketball, soccer, archery, volleyball, baseball, and more)
• Waterfront and swimming programs (both free swim and swim instruction)
• Creative and performing arts, woodworking, and arts & crafts
• Hiking, outdoor games, and group challenges
• Special events, theme days, and camp-wide celebrations

The variety of activities means kids never get bored, and they can try something new every day while also revisiting activities they enjoyed. 

Why Work at Camp Vacamas as an International Counsellor?

Choosing where to spend your summer in the U.S. is a big decision, but we have a feeling you’ll love Camp Vacamas! Here’s why it’s the perfect destination for a summer you’ll never forget.

Experience a Real American Summer

Working at Camp Vacamas means your days are packed with classic camp activities (think high-energy baseball games, cooling off in the lake, and campfire songs under the stars), lots of laughs, and shared traditions with fellow staff.

It’s also an easy way to immerse yourself in American culture, from everyday conversations with campers about school and hobbies to learning how summer camps in America operate, all while being surrounded by supportive staff from around the world.

Get Paid and Boost Your Resume

Believe it or not, you actually get paid to have this much fun! AmeriCamp guarantees a salary of at least $2,250 USD for your time at camp, and because you’re not paying for meals or accommodation, you can save almost all of that! 

Beyond the income, working at Camp Vacamas helps you build skills that set you up for future success. As a counsellor, you’ll take on real responsibility and learn how to lead, communicate clearly, and stay calm under pressure, sometimes all at once!

You’ll develop:

• Leadership and teamwork skills from working closely with other counsellors
• Communication skills, especially if English isn’t your first language
• Confidence and independence from stepping outside your comfort zone
• Problem-solving and adaptability when plans change (which they often do at camp!)

These are the types of soft skills that employers and universities genuinely value, making camp experience a great addition to your resume.

Explore the U.S. After Camp

To work at Camp Vacamas (or any summer camp in the U.S.), you’ll need a J-1 visa. One of the perks of being a J-1 camp counsellor is that your visa comes with a 30-day “grace period” from the time your camp placement finishes to the date you have to leave the country. This gives you a whole month to explore the U.S. before returning home! 

From New Jersey, you’re already close to major travel hotspots like New York City, Philadelphia, and the whole East Coast. Many counsellors choose to team up with friends they met at camp and explore the U.S. together, ticking off bucket-list destinations before heading home. You’ve travelled all the way to America, so you might as well make the most of it! 

What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Camp Vacamas?

Being a camp counsellor at Camp Vacamas is a mix of responsibility, energy, and fun. You’re there to keep campers safe, engaged, and supported, but you’re also a big part of what makes camp exciting. Here’s what’s in store for you at Camp Vacamas.

Different Camp Counsellor Roles Available

Most counsellors at Camp Vacamas are general counsellors, responsible for supervising the same group of campers (no more than eight) each day at camp. Tasks include: 

• Serving as a positive role model to all campers, especially in their bunks
• Assisting in programming activities and schedule development
• Planning, organising, and leading small group activities
• Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of campers
• Developing daily routines to maintain a clean and tidy living space
• Identifying and responding to (or escalating) camper behavioral issues
• Knowing and enforcing all emergency procedures and safety guidelines
• Working as an “on duty” evening camp counsellor from time to time
• Helping other departments or divisions as needed

The camp is also sometimes on the lookout for activity specialists and lifeguards, so if you have any specific skills or certifications, make sure you include those in your application! 

Typical Day in the Life

A typical day for counsellors at Camp Vacamas usually starts early, helping campers get ready and setting the tone for a positive day. From there, you’ll move through a schedule of activities, meals, and group time, working alongside other counsellors to keep things running smoothly. Your day might include: 

• Leading or assisting with scheduled activities
• Supervising campers during transitions and meals
• Encouraging participation and positive behavior
• Jumping in to solve small problems as they come up

Evenings often feature camp-wide events, games, or performances, followed by downtime with other staff once campers are settled in for the night.

What’s the Staff Culture Like?

Camp counsellors at Vacamas quickly become close, thanks to shared experiences, teamwork, and living and working together throughout the summer. You’ll be part of an international staff community where:

• Everyone looks out for each other
• Teamwork is encouraged and supported
• New friendships form quickly
• Staff traditions and social moments are a big part of camp life

For many international counsellors, the friendships they make with other staff are the best part of the whole experience. It’s not unusual to leave camp with lifelong friends and plans to catch up again.

What Camp Vacamas Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors

You don’t need to have grown up going to summer camp to work at Camp Vacamas. What really matters is your attitude, your willingness to get involved, and how you show up for campers and your fellow staff. 

Core Qualities They Value

Camp Vacamas looks for people who love working with kids and want to be part of a close-knit community. Some of the most important traits include:

• Enthusiasm, positivity, and energy
• Responsibility and reliability
• Patience and empathy 
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Being a team player

If you’re open-minded, motivated, and willing to learn, you’re already off to a strong start.

Skills That Make You Stand Out

While personal qualities are key, certain skills can help your application stand out and open the door to specific roles at Camp Vacamas. These don’t have to come from previous camp experience, but might include:

• Sports or coaching experience (team sports, fitness, or individual activities)
• Water skills, such as strong swimming ability or lifeguard certification
• Creative talents, including music, drama, dance, or arts and crafts
• Leadership or childcare experience, like babysitting, tutoring, or youth volunteering
• Strong communication skills

How to Become a Counsellor at Camp Vacamas

If working at Camp Vacamas sounds like your kind of summer, here’s how to get a job as a summer camp counsellor and what you’ll need to get started.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

First of all, you’ll need to meet some basic eligibility requirements. These are fairly standard across U.S. summer camps and are designed to make sure you’re prepared for the role.

In general, counsellors should:

• Be 18 years or older by the start of camp
• Have a good level of spoken English
• Be able to pass a standard criminal background check
• Be available for the full camp contract dates (usually mid-June to mid-August)
• Enjoy working with children and in a team environment
• Be willing to take on responsibility and follow camp policies

Remember, previous camp experience isn’t required, and many international counsellors are first-timers.

Visa Requirements for International Applicants

International counsellors working at Camp Vacamas do so on the J-1 cultural exchange visa specifically designed for camp counsellors. This visa allows you to work legally at a U.S. summer camp and then travel in the U.S. after camp ends. AmeriCamp supports you throughout the visa process, including:

• Providing visa sponsorship 
• Guiding you through the required paperwork
• Preparing you for your embassy interview
• Explaining travel periods and visa rules

If the idea of visas sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! We break it down step by step so you always know what to expect.

How to Apply

We partner with some of the best summer camps in the U.S. (including Camp Vacamas), and have a network of camp partners right across the country. Regardless of the type of camp experience you’re looking for, the application process is the same: 

1. Submit your online AmeriCamp application
2. Complete your profile and an application video
3. Meet with the AmeriCamp team for a quick, informal video interview
4. Wait while we circulate your application to our camp partners (it won’t take long!)
5. Interview with camp directors to find a camp that suits your skills and interests
6. Receive and accept your job offer 
7. Start the visa application process (with our help)
8. Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country
9. Pack your bags and plan your adventure!

Once you’re placed, we’ll continue to support you with pre-departure guidance, travel planning, packing tips, and arrival information.

Camp Vacamas FAQs

Do I Need Experience? Is Training Provided?

You don’t need previous camp experience to work at Camp Vacamas. Before camp starts, you’ll take part in staff training and orientation, where you’ll learn how camp runs, safety procedures and camper supervision, how to lead activities and manage groups, and what’s expected of you. You’ll also be supported by experienced staff throughout the summer, not left to figure things out on your own.

What Should I Pack? Is There a Uniform?

Most summer camps provide specific packing tips once you accept a role, but in general, you’ll want to bring comfortable clothes you can move around in, sturdy shoes, swimwear, toiletries, and layers for cooler evenings. Camps often provide staff shirts for work hours, so counsellors can be easily identified. You can check out our AmeriCamp packing list for more info.

What Happens if I Get Homesick?

Homesickness happens, and camps are very used to supporting staff through it, especially international counsellors who are far from home for the first time. Keeping busy, staying connected with your team, and giving yourself time to adjust usually makes a big difference.

Do I Get Time Off?

Yes, counsellors do get time off during the summer. Each camp works a bit differently, but you’ll generally get some free days, evenings, and weekends throughout your camp placement. You can either chill at camp (there’s nothing more relaxing than a good book by the lake!) or use your time off to visit nearby cities like New York. 

What Is the Food Like?

Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry! You’ll eat three full meals each day in the dining hall with your campers. Meals are served family-style, and vegetarian and vegan options are available. There’s also a salad bar, a fruit snack and a cold beverage in the afternoon, and milk and cookies before bed each night; a beloved camp tradition!

Ready to Spend Your Summer at Camp Vacamas?

If you want more from your summer than a repetitive job and a paycheck, Camp Vacamas offers something different. It’s a chance to work with kids, challenge yourself, make friends from all over the world, and experience a real American summer camp. 

Applying for a summer camp job in America doesn’t have to be complicated, either. AmeriCamp supports you through the entire process, from your application and interview to visa sponsorship, pre-departure prep, and arriving in the U.S. You’re never doing it alone!

Now’s the time to go for it. Summer spots fill up fast, and the earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have. Apply with AmeriCamp today and start planning a summer you’ll actually remember!