How to Work at Summit Camp and Travel as a Camp Counsellor

Summit Camp and Travel isn’t your average summer camp. Located in scenic Pennsylvania, it’s a haven for kids and teens with social, emotional, and learning difficulties, providing a warm, inclusive environment where they can grow, laugh, make friends, and try new things. 

If you’re looking for a short-term job with a difference, why not spend a life-changing summer with AmeriCamp supporting these kids at camp? We help international camp counsellors land paid positions at incredible summer camps in the U.S., just like Summit Camp and Travel! 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn your summer into an experience that’s as rewarding as it is unforgettable.

Summit Camp and Travel: What’s It All About?

Summit Camp and Travel is a well-established U.S. summer camp that combines the fun of a traditional residential camp with a strong focus on social development, personal growth, and inclusion. 

This ACA-accredited camp features several different programs, including travel tours and weekender trips, but for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on their 1-9 week Sleepaway Summer Camp, which serves 150-280 kids per session. 

Camp History

Summit Camp and Travel has been running since 1968 and has built a strong reputation as a leader in therapeutic and socially focused summer camp programs. It’s designed for individuals aged 8 to 21 with social and emotional learning challenges. 

Over the years, the camp has continually evolved its approach to better support participants, while maintaining the structure, routines, and traditions that make summer camp such a fun experience. 

Camp Values

Summit Camp and Travel’s values are centred on inclusion, respect, empathy, and personal growth. The camp is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where every camper feels understood and capable of success. 

Working as a camp counsellor at Summit Camp and Travel, you’ll be encouraged to model patience, teamwork, and positive communication, helping campers build confidence, independence, and meaningful social connections. 

Camp Location and Facilities

Summit Camp and Travel is located in Pennsylvania (but not far from New York City, either!), surrounded by natural scenery that provides the perfect backdrop for a residential summer camp. The campus includes: 

• Comfortable cabins
• Activity spaces
• Sports areas
• Outdoor facilities 
• Swimming pools

Its peaceful setting allows campers to focus on building skills and friendships while enjoying the outdoors in a safe, well-supervised environment.

Camp Programs and Activities

Campers are grouped in cabins of eight per bunk with three counsellors, divided based on age: 

1. Summer Camp for ages 8-14 years
2. Upper Camp or “Super Teens” Program for ages 15-21 years

Each age group participates in a program that suits their social and developmental needs. The Summer Camp program for ages 8-14 includes a highly structured schedule of:

• Arts: Ceramics, visual arts, woodworking, performing arts, dance, and music
• Nature/science: Computers, video arts, discovery, and nature
• Waterfront: Swim lessons, boating, banana boat, canoeing, and kayaking
• Adventure: Low ropes, high ropes, climbing wall, trust games, and mountain biking 
• Athletics: Soccer, basketball, baseball/softball, kickball, archery, martial arts, and go-karts

Campers also participate in a social skills development program and a program to improve executive functioning skills as part of their regular weekly program.

The Upper Camp or “Super Teens” Program for ages 15-21 includes a similar selection of programs, but participants have more freedom, such as selecting between a variety of arts programming areas rather than having a set schedule for a music or ceramics class. 

As a special treat, campers at this USA summer camp also have a “Trip Day” during camp, often to a local theme park. The U-15 campers return to camp the same day after having a special buffet dinner at the park, while Super Teen participants get to stay in a nearby hotel and go shopping and to the movies the next morning. 

Why Work at Summit Camp and Travel as an International Counsellor?

Working at Summit Camp and Travel is so much more than just a summer job! It’s a chance to learn what summer camp is all about, make new friends for life, and truly impact young people’s lives. Plus, you’ll earn a salary, develop important life skills, boost your resume, and get the opportunity to explore another country! 

Experience a Real American Summer

From campfires and cabin life to team sports and all-camp events, Summit Camp and Travel offers the full American summer camp experience. You’ll live and work at camp, forming close bonds with your campers and fellow staff from around the world. It’s an immersive way to experience everyday American culture while being part of a tight-knit community that soon feels like home.

Gain Some Valuable Life Skills

When you work at a USA summer camp like Summit Camp and Travel, you’ll develop skills that go far beyond the summer. You’ll gain hands-on experience in: 

• Leadership
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Teamwork

Working at a special needs camp, you’ll also discover different learning styles, communication methods, and other transferable skills that will support you throughout life and appeal to employers in a wide range of fields.

Incredible Travel Opportunities After Camp

One of the biggest perks of working as a camp counsellor in America is the opportunity to travel in the U.S. once camp ends. After completing your camp placement, your J-1 visa gives you 30 days to explore iconic cities, national parks, and everything in between! 

With your accommodation and meals paid for at camp, you’ll find you can mostly save your salary, which comes in handy when you’re travelling after camp. Many counsellors choose to explore the U.S. with some of the other staff members (AKA new friends!) they’ve made at camp. 

What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Summit Camp and Travel?

As a camp counsellor in America at Summit Camp and Travel, you’ll play a hands-on, meaningful role in shaping each camper’s summer experience. No two days are exactly the same, but that’s part of the fun!

Typical Day in the Life

A typical day at Summit starts with morning routines and getting campers ready for the day ahead. After breakfast, you’ll support and encourage campers as they move through three morning session activities. After lunch and a rest hour, you’ll supervise campers through three more afternoon activities. 

Then, it’s time for shower hour, group dinner, free time, and a fun evening activity (often out around the campfire) where the whole group comes together. You’ll then help your campers get ready for bed and retire to your cabin for the night to get some rest before another action-packed day!

Staff Culture and Community

Summit Camp and Travel is known for its strong sense of community among staff. Counsellors work closely as a team, supporting one another and sharing responsibility throughout the summer. 

You’ll be surrounded by experienced leaders, fellow international staff, and returning counsellors who help create a welcoming, inclusive environment. Many counsellors describe Summit as feeling like a second family before too long.

Different Camp Counsellor Roles Available

At this summer camp in America, most of the counsellors are “Special Needs Counsellors” and act as general camp counsellors. In this role, you’ll be responsible for a group of campers with special needs and supervise them as they move through their activities each day. 

The camp also looks for camp counsellors with skills in specific areas, who lead activities at camp. Some of those specialised skills include: 

• Lifeguards and waterfront instructors
• Rope course instructors
• Specialists in ceramic arts, music instruction, nature instruction, or computer/video arts
• Athletics instructors with prior coaching or teaching experience

Anyone is welcome to apply as a general Special Needs counsellor, but make sure any specialised skills/hobbies are listed on your camp counsellor resume, as they can help your application stand out.

What Summit Camp and Travel Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors

Summit Camp and Travel looks for counsellors who are not only enthusiastic and reliable, but also genuinely committed to supporting campers in a positive, inclusive environment. Because of the camp’s focus on social development and personal growth, the right attitude and mindset are just as important as previous experience.

Application Criteria

AmeriCamp and the J-1 program have their own set of eligibility criteria (more on that soon), but Summit Camp and Travel does have some specific preferences for their applicants: 

• General counsellors should be 21 or older
• Specialist instructors or assistants should be 19 or older
• General counsellors should have experience working with youth who have social or learning challenges, special needs populations, or at-risk youth
• Specialist instructors/assistants should have a skill set that can be directly instructed or instructed with support (sports coaching, arts, etc.)
• Waterfront/lifeguard staff should be aged 19+ with a current lifeguard certification from their home country (and able to re-certify through the American Red Cross once at camp)

While previous camp experience is helpful, it’s not required. 

Skills That Make You Stand Out

Camp counsellor resume skills that really help candidates stand out include: 

• Experience working with children or teens with special needs
• Backgrounds in education, psychology, social work, coaching, or youth leadership
• Any exposure to supporting at-risk youth

For international counsellors, flexibility, cultural awareness, and a willingness to learn are qualities that can truly set you apart during the application process.

How to Become a Summit Camp and Travel Camp Counsellor

At AmeriCamp, we help international camp counsellors secure jobs at incredible summer camps like Summit Camp and Travel. Here’s how to shape your journey:

1. Meet the eligibility criteria
2. Complete an AmeriCamp application
3. Match and interview with a summer camp
4. Apply for your J-1 visa
5. Pack your bags and travel to the USA!

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

As well as meeting the specific eligibility criteria from Summit Camp and Travel (outlined above), AmeriCamp applicants are required to: 

• 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

Don’t worry if you don’t have prior summer camp experience, as all camps provide an orientation period for new staff to get you up to speed before the campers arrive!

Visa Requirements for International Applicants

International counsellors work at Summit Camp and Travel on the J-1 Camp Counsellor Visa, which allows participants to live and work at a U.S. summer camp for a limited period. The visa also includes a 30-day travel window after camp, giving you time to explore the U.S. 

AmeriCamp acts as your visa sponsor, guiding you through the logistics, paperwork, embassy interview, and compliance requirements so the process is smooth and stress-free.

AmeriCamp’s Application Process

Applying through AmeriCamp starts with an online application where you’ll share your experience, skills, and availability. From there, you’ll have an interview with our team, just so we can learn a bit more about you, answer your questions, and make sure you’re a good fit for the program.

We’ll then circulate your application among our camp partners (including Summit Camp and Travel if you’re a good fit), and camp directors will reach out to interview you if your application stands out. 

Once you receive a job offer, we’ll help you secure your J-1 visa, travel insurance, and everything else you need for an incredible summer as a camp counsellor. 

Interview Tips

When interviewing for Summit Camp and Travel (or any summer camp job abroad), focus on your motivation and mindset as much as your experience. Be ready to talk about times you’ve worked with children (especially those with special needs), handled responsibilities, or supported others through challenges. 

Showing patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn (especially if you can provide specific examples of these at school or a part-time job) goes a long way. It also helps to demonstrate your enthusiasm for camp life, teamwork, and the unique opportunity to support campers in a positive, inclusive environment.

Summit Camp and Travel FAQs

It’s normal to have questions about what life is really like as a camp counsellor. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common questions, so you know what to expect before your adventure begins.

Do I Need Experience? Is Training Provided?

While previous experience working with kids or in camp settings is helpful, it’s not always required. Summer camps provide thorough training before and during camp, covering camper support, safety procedures, activity guidance, and teamwork strategies. 

What Should I Pack? Is There a Uniform?

Counsellors need comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, as well as casual clothing for evenings and travel. Many camps provide camp-branded shirts for certain activities or events, but most everyday clothing is your own. 

Bring athletic wear, layers, comfy shoes, and essentials like sunscreen, a water bottle, and everything you need for pool or lakeside living. Check out our AmeriCamp packing list for more tips!

What Happens if I Get Homesick?

Homesickness is pretty common for international staff, but you won’t face it alone. Counsellors are supported by experienced staff and a strong team environment, and camps encourage open communication if you’re struggling. Many staff find that bonding with campers and fellow counsellors (and staying busy) helps ease the pangs of missing home.

Do I Get Time Off?

Yes! While camp days are full and active, counsellors typically have scheduled breaks, evenings off, and occasional days off depending on their role and the camp’s schedule. This gives you a great chance to rest, connect with other staff, or explore the surrounding area.

What is the Food Like?

In a word, delicious! Summit provides nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day, designed to keep campers and staff energised for a busy schedule. The dining hall accommodates common dietary needs, and meals are served family-style, making it a great place to connect with campers and fellow counsellors over shared meals.

Enjoy the Summer of a Lifetime at Summit Camp and Travel!

Working at Summit Camp and Travel is a chance to make a real difference in campers’ lives, gain invaluable skills, and experience the excitement of an American summer from the inside out. As an international camp counsellor, you’ll enjoy a supportive community, hands-on experience, and even the opportunity to explore the U.S. after camp, turning your summer into an unforgettable adventure.

With AmeriCamp by your side, the process of applying, securing your visa, and preparing for camp is smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on making the most of every day at Summit. Start your journey today and get ready for a summer that will stay with you for a lifetime!