Every year, thousands of young people from the UK head across the pond to experience the sights and sounds of summer camp in the United States. There are many different jobs in America for Brits, but being a camp counselor comes with some unique perks! It doesn’t require a lot of prior work experience (just a positive attitude and a love of sunshine!), and it’s a great way to earn money while experiencing one of America’s greatest traditions.
Of course, working overseas also comes with some challenges. You’ll need to find a summer camp that’s a good fit for your skills and values, and you’ll need to make sure you have an approved visa to legally work in the U.S. That’s where we come in!
AmeriCamp works with hundreds of the best summer camps all across the United States to help them find top talent from overseas (that’s you!). We’ll help you find a job, then secure your J-1 visa for entry to the United States. You’ll even have a month to travel in the U.S. after your camp placement wraps up!
In this guide, we’ll tell you all about being a camp counselor and why it’s one of the best summer jobs in America for Brits. We’ll cover:
- What it’s like to work at a U.S. summer camp
- Why camp counseling is such a valuable experience
- How camp counseling compares to other jobs in America for Brits
- Why AmeriCamp is your perfect partner for locking in summer camp work
- How to apply for summer camp jobs with AmeriCamp
Let’s dive into why this summer job might just be the best decision you make. Or, if you’re ready to take the plunge, you can start your AmeriCamp application here.
What It’s Like to Work at a U.S. Summer Camp
Data from Gallup for the 2024 season showed that more than 30 million youth in America participated in summer opportunities, which represents over half of the K-12 students enrolled in U.S. schools.
So, camps are a very popular tradition, but what’s it actually like working at a USA summer camp? You spend your day leading exciting activities, hang out with a team of like-minded counselors from all over the world, and end the evening roasting marshmallows under the stars. It’s not your typical 9–5, and that’s exactly the point!
Working at a U.S. summer camp isn’t just a job, it’s a full-on lifestyle. It’s energetic, immersive, and deeply rewarding. Whether you're coaching football, teaching kids how to kayak, or simply being a role model and mentor, you’re part of something special that makes a real impact.
And as a Brit, it’s also your chance to dive into American culture head-first, and bring a little bit of the UK to camp with you, too. Here’s what you can expect when you step into the role of a U.S. camp counselor.
The Daily Life of a Camp Counselor
Every day at camp is packed to the brim with energy, activity, and unpredictability (in the best way). You’ll wake up early, grab breakfast with your bunk, and head straight into a full day of programming.
General counselors are assigned to a specific group of campers, joining them in all their daily activities, helping with cabin routines, and creating strong bonds. If you have a unique skill, you might be an activity specialist, leading or assisting in a specific area like:
- Archery
- Drama
- Arts and crafts
- Sports
- Swimming
- Rock climbing
Each day has a clear structure, but there’s never a dull moment. You’ll help organize games, lead songs, solve challenges, dry tears, and celebrate wins. You’ll be a coach, a mentor, a big sibling, and sometimes even a magician, all in one day! Evenings usually bring campfires, talent shows, themed nights, or group competitions, which are some of the most memorable parts of camp life.
Living at Camp: A True American Experience
When you work at a USA summer camp, camp becomes your home. You’ll live on-site, typically in cabins with other counselors and campers, giving you a built-in community from day one. It’s a little rustic, somewhat chaotic, and totally unforgettable.
Summer camps have evolved over the years, but one thing that’s stayed consistent is the sense of camaraderie and togetherness that flows through camp. Meals are eaten together in the dining hall (think waffles for breakfast, pizza Fridays, and the occasional food fight). Themed dress-up days, cabin challenges, and silly traditions keep the vibes high.
And yes, there are s’mores, and if you haven’t had them before, they’re as good as people say!
The Unique Culture of U.S. Summer Camps
Summer camps in America have their own quirky charm, and you’ll quickly become part of it. There are camp chants that echo across the fields, team color wars that get surprisingly competitive, and spontaneous dance parties in the mess hall.
There’s also a strong sense of tradition. Many campers return year after year, and you’ll find yourself stepping into a long-standing community. That community thrives on inclusion, spirit, and creating an environment where every child feels safe and celebrated.
And don’t be surprised if you find yourself becoming a little more American by the end! You’ll probably find yourself singing campfire songs, craving corn on the cob, wearing tie-dye, or getting overly excited about capture the flag.
Earning a Salary While Living a Dream
Let’s be real, most summer jobs don’t offer incredible memories, international friendships, career-building skills, AND a salary. But that’s the beauty of summer camp jobs abroad. You’ll earn money while all your main expenses (housing, meals, entertainment, and often laundry) are already covered.
That means you can actually save while you work, or put that money toward post-camp travel across the U.S. As well as the paycheck, you’ll gain:
- Leadership experience
- Problem-solving skills
- Global connections
It all looks fantastic on a CV, especially if you’re thinking about going into teaching, coaching, childcare, social work, or leadership roles.
Why Camp Counseling is Among the Best Jobs in America for Brits
Whether it’s your first time traveling solo, your budget’s a bit tight, or you’re looking for a role that actually helps you grow as a person, a summer camp job ticks all the boxes. Here’s why it’s one of the best jobs in America for Brits.
Accessible for First-Time Travelers
If you’ve never been to the U.S. before, the thought of moving across the Atlantic, even for just a few months, can be a little daunting. But the great thing about summer camp jobs in America is that they’re set up for people just like you.
You don’t need loads of travel experience, you don’t need to know anyone in the U.S., and you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Plus, with AmeriCamp, your visa, job placement, and other logistics can be sorted before you leave the UK.
You’ll arrive in America knowing where you’ll live, what you’ll be doing, and who’s meeting you. It’s a built-in support system that takes the stress out of traveling, especially for first-timers.
Lower Costs, Higher Value
Between international flights, visas, accommodation, and food, many jobs abroad start adding up before you even get paid. Summer camps in America do things differently, though. As a camp counselor, your room and board are covered, so there’s no rent, no food bills, and no worrying about where to stay.
You’re essentially getting paid to live and work in the U.S., with most of your basic expenses taken care of. You’ll also have the chance to travel after camp ends, using your saved wages to explore cities, road trip with new friends, or visit national parks without breaking the bank.
Personal and Professional Growth
Sure, camp life is fun, but it’s also full of real, meaningful challenges that help you grow. You’ll gain leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that employers love to see on a CV. And let’s be honest: if you can keep a group of ten-year-olds entertained without losing your mind, you can pretty much handle anything!
Working at camp is also a powerful confidence booster. Many Brits with American summer camp jobs say they return home more independent, adaptable, and socially confident. You’re working in a new country, meeting people from all over the world, and learning to thrive outside your comfort zone.
Adventure and Travel Opportunities
The U.S. is an incredible place to visit, and working at a camp gives you an authentic way to experience this iconic country. You’re not just passing through as a tourist; you’re living the culture, celebrating American traditions, and forming friendships that don’t end on the last day of camp.
Speaking of the last day of camp, that’s not necessarily when your U.S. adventure finishes! Your visa gives you a “grace period” of 30 days until you need to leave the United States, which means you have plenty of time for a post-camp adventure to explore more of the country.
Whether you’re keen to backpack the West Coast, visit iconic cities like New York or LA, or hit the theme parks in Florida, you’ll have the time (and the money) to make it happen.
How Camp Counseling Compares to Other Jobs in America for Brits
If you’re looking for jobs in America for Brits, you’ll quickly find that there are a few common routes to choose from: hospitality gigs, au pairing, internships, and, of course, camp counseling. While each has its perks, working at a summer adventure camp offers some unique benefits, which we’ll take a look at now..
Summer Camp Jobs vs Hospitality/Tourism Roles
Hospitality and tourism jobs (think working in restaurants, resorts, or theme parks) are often high-paced, customer-facing roles that can be fun but exhausting. Compared to camp counseling, these jobs:
- Might not offer the same level of income
- Often don’t include housing or meals
- Usually aren’t set on lakes, forests, and other stunning settings
- May offer little flexibility for travel or personal time
Being a camp counselor in America, on the other hand, blends structure with creativity. You get to work with kids and teens in the great outdoors, take part in exciting activities (like climbing walls or talent shows), and genuinely make a difference in someone’s summer. Plus, your accommodation and food are included, which means fewer expenses and more financial freedom!
Summer Camp Jobs vs Au Pair/Nannying
Working as an au pair or nanny can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy working with children, but it’s quite different from being a camp counselor. You're living in someone else’s home, following their household rules, and working one-on-one with the same kids, often for an entire year.
With au pair jobs:
- It can feel like you’re always “on call” in someone else’s home
- There’s little variety in daily tasks
- Exploring the U.S. can be harder to arrange
While working as an au pair could be a great choice if you like structure and routines, being a J-1 camp counselor offers a more social, balanced experience. You're part of a fun, active team, living among peers from all over the world, and working in an environment full of energy, creativity, and laughter.
Summer Camp Jobs vs Internships
Internships can be great for building a CV, but many in the U.S. focus mostly on office-based jobs. If you have a particular career in mind, an internship can be a valuable stepping stone in achieving your professional goals, but if you’re looking for an opportunity that gives you a skillset to help you with any career, camp counseling is a great choice.
How AmeriCamp Makes It Happen
From guiding you through the application to matching you with the right camp and helping you secure your visa, AmeriCamp has got your back every step of the way. Here’s how we make it all happen.
Our Eligibility Criteria
You don’t need to have any specific childcare experience or formal camp counselor qualifications, but positive energy, a willingness to learn, and a passion for helping others go a long way. Don’t worry if you feel like you don’t have all the skills of a camp counselor, as camps offer thorough training for staff before camp kicks off.
There are lots of American summer camp jobs for UK students, and we encourage students to apply, but you don’t need to be enrolled as a student to apply through AmeriCamp. If you’re a Brit aged 18 or over who’s enthusiastic, good with kids, and eager to spend your summer in the U.S., you’re already on the right track.
How to Apply
The first step toward the summer of a lifetime is completing your AmeriCamp application. All you need to do is fill out a quick form telling us a bit about yourself, your interests, and your experience. If you meet our eligibility criteria, we’ll set up a call to get to know you better and answer any questions you have about the program.
Our Incredible Camp Network
Next, we’ll circulate your camp counselor resume among our camp partners and help find you a job that suits your skills, experience, and values. We partner with hundreds of the best summer camps in the U.S., each one offering something unique. Whether it’s a traditional camp nestled in the mountains, a camp for kids with special needs, or one focused on adventure sports, we’ve got a huge variety of placements on offer.
Once a camp director is interested in hiring you, they’ll reach out for an interview, usually conducted over Zoom or a similar platform. This is your chance to answer (and ask!) camp counselor interview questions, explain why you want to be a camp counselor, and make sure you’re a good fit for that specific camp.
J-1 Visa Support
After you receive a job offer, we’ll help you obtain your J-1 visa. From issuing the DS-2019 form you need for your U.S. embassy appointment to providing detailed prep and support, we’ll support you every step of the way. We’ve done this for thousands of applicants, and we’ll make sure you’re good to go.
Answering Your Camp Counselor Questions
To help you feel more prepared, here are answers to some of the most common questions we get from Brits heading to camp.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
As a camp counselor through AmeriCamp, you’ll earn a guaranteed camp counselor salary of at least $2,250 before tax. Remember, your accommodation and food are taken care of, which means more money in your pocket for post-camp adventures.
Pay can vary depending on your experience, the specific role, and the camp itself, but even first-time counselors earn $2,000+ for the summer. If you have certifications (like lifeguarding or working with kids with special needs), you may earn even more.
What About Insurance?
When you apply through AmeriCamp, medical insurance is included as part of your program fee, so you’ll be covered for things like minor injuries, doctor visits, and emergency care during your time in the States. We don’t just cover you during your camp placement, we make sure you have medical insurance for your 30-day travel period as well.
What Should I Pack?
Packing for camp is its own little adventure! You’ll want to bring comfy clothes you don’t mind getting messy, good shoes, and all the summer essentials: swimwear, sunscreen, bug spray, and a reusable water bottle. You can use our AmeriCamp packing list to help you get started, and once you’ve committed to joining a specific camp, they’ll send you a detailed list of things to bring to camp as a counselor.
Can I Travel Afterward?
Absolutely! One of the best perks of the J-1 visa is the 30-day grace period you get after camp ends, which is your bonus time to explore the U.S. Whether you're into adventure, culture, or relaxing on a beach, your American summer doesn’t have to end at camp.
Get the Best Job in America for Brits with AmeriCamp!
Summers in the UK can be charming, but if you’d rather mix it up this year, why not step out of your comfort zone and try camp counseling on the other side of the world? You’ll gain valuable life experience, make global friendships, explore the States, and earn money, all while doing something that truly makes a difference.
And, with AmeriCamp guiding you every step of the way, you’ll feel supported from the day you apply to your final American road trip selfie. We’ll help you find an opportunity at one of the best summer camps in the USA, guide you through the J-1 visa process, and make sure logistics like health insurance are taken care of.
So, what are you waiting for?! Start your AmeriCamp application and dive into a summer that will stay with you forever.
