Camp Types
In your Program Preferences you will choose at least 4 types of Camps you would be interested in working at, but we always recommend selecting as many as possible as this will broaden your hiring opportunities.
You can find a description of each Camp Type below to assess if you think it might be a good fit for you!
We think the best way to know whether a Camp might be for you is to hear about other people's experiences. A great resource for this is our podcast Around the Camp Fire with AmeriCamp where we have spoken to alumni of the program from every different Camp Type represented in our pool of Camps.
You can access the podcast:
We work with hundreds of Camps across the US, that are all totally unique! To help you understand what type of Camp you may work at, we break these down into several Camp Type categories:
Traditional Camps
Most of our Camps come under this bracket. They will have a huge variety of activities and will typically be nestled by a beautiful lakeside. Campers live in cabins or tents by age group with their counsellors. Most Traditional Camps run overnight with children who stay for several weeks at a time. Blended Camp types are common, so traditional Camps can also be:
- Religious
- Single gender
- Speciality etc.
Specialty Camps
A Speciality Camp is built around one main passion. As well as offering a little bit of everything like a traditional Camp, specialty Camps will have a specific focus that they offer at a higher level such as Performing Arts, Sports, Equestrian etc. Speciality Camps will also have traditional activities such as swimming, Campfires and sports, the campers just spend more time training in their chosen discipline.
Underprivileged and Non-Profit Camps
Camps run by non-profit organisations or the YMCA focus less on luxury facilities and more on inclusion, personal growth, and positive role models for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Activities are often very similar to traditional Camps, with swimming in the pool or lake, Campfires, outdoor adventure, and team sports. Underprivileged Camps are often more diverse, and may support children facing challenges at home or in foster care.
Day Camps
At Day Camps, campers arrive in the morning and head home in the afternoon, rather than staying overnight. During the day, you will still support campers through a range of Camp activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, sports, and more. These Camps are often based nearer major cities, meaning great access to attractions on your days off. You will live with your fellow counsellors in shared staff housing or accommodation arranged by the Camp.
Single Gender Camps
Single Gender Camps are for either all boys or all girls, but can fall into any of the other categories. Many single gender Camps have a brother or sister Camp across the lake or down the road, and they often do Camp-wide events together. These Camps may only hire people of the same gender, but some hire both male and female staff to support their programs.
Girl Scout Camps
Girl Scout Camps are rooted in the values of the Girl Scouts of America. They focus on leadership, confidence, outdoor skills, and empowering girls to discover who they are and what they’re capable of. They may be more rural, with activities including watersports, mountaineering and outdoor adventure.
Religious Camps
The majority of faith-based Camps are for campers from Christian or Jewish backgrounds. They will provide the Traditional Camp experience with an emphasis on religious principles or traditions. Religious Camps are also not all the same - some may focus more on faith, while others may have very minimal religious traditions.
Do I need to be religious to work at a religious Camp?
You do not necessarily need to be religious to work at a faith Camp. Your role is to support campers and respect their faith.
Special Needs Camps
Special Needs Camps cater to campers with a range of additional needs and disabilities. Their goal is to provide the same fun and adventure as a traditional summer Camp, but with the support and specific care campers need to take part safely.
Do I need specific experience to work at a Special Needs Camp?
No, you don’t need specific experience for these roles, just a willingness to learn, patience and compassion.
Will I be provided additional training at a Special Needs Camp?
The majority of Special Needs Camps will provide full and comprehensive training to their staff, so you will be equipped to take on this role.
What will my role involve at a Special Needs Camp?
Special Needs Camps will vary in the levels of care required, but will clearly outline the level of support you will be expected to provide before you accept a role.
At some Special Needs Camps, campers with disabilities will need a certain level of personal care that goes beyond what is expected of counsellors at a more traditional Camp. However, we also work with Camps for neurodiverse campers, where the main expectation is helping manage behaviour and supporting campers with emotional and sensory needs.
Overall, your role is to assist with daily routines, help create an inclusive environment, and ensure camper safety, just like at any other Camp.
How do I know if I am a good fit for a Special Needs Camp?
Special Needs Camps can be physically and emotionally demanding, but many counsellors who choose this type of Camp describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences they've had.
If you are considering this Camp type but you are not sure, you may be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy helping others achieve their goals
- Are patient and compassionate
- Have a positive attitude and strong resilience
- Have a willingness to learn and take on new challenges