Do you want to go to summer camp in America in 2025? Finding the right summer camp jobs abroad can feel like an overwhelming process. Between meeting international travel requirements, securing a job, and actually traveling to the states, there are a lot of things you have to check off your list before you can spend your dream summer abroad.
Enter AmeriCamp UK!
Navigating the visa process to work in the US as a camp counsellor and finding the right opportunity could be both challenges, but our summer exchange program smooths out the wrinkles by handling all the paperwork and acting as a liaison while you get ready to travel to America.
Our job simply is to build a bridge between young adults in the United Kingdom and the summer camp jobs abroad they want.
In this article, we’ll talk about:
- Summer camp jobs abroad in America
- How to get summer camp abroad jobs with AmeriCamp
- Why you should choose AmeriCamp for your summer camp jobs abroad
- Requirements for working summer camp jobs abroad
- Things to bring for summer camp abroad jobs
- Getting paid for summer camp abroad jobs
- Summer camp jobs abroad in other countries
Summer Camp Jobs Abroad in America
Whether you’re looking for a summer adventure camp, special needs summer camp, or anything in between, you can count on AmeriCamp to help you find your summer camp job abroad. We work with hundreds of camps across America, including:
- All girls/all boys camps
- Faith-based camps
- Special needs camps
- Traditional camps
Through your application and the interview process, our team will work alongside you to find the perfect fit for your skills and personality.
Popular Summer Camps in America
There are plenty of camps to choose from, and it can be hard to narrow down your options. Here’s a list of the most popular summer camps in America to get you started on your search:
- Beber Camp
- Breezemont Day Camp
- Camp Chipinaw & Silver Lake
- Camp Jaycee
- Camp Lindenmere
- Camp Loyaltown
- Camp Marimeta
- Camp Nock-A-Mixon
- Camp Starlight
- Camp Vacamas @ Hands in 4 Youth
- Camp Wicosuta
- Camp Wingate*Kirkland
- Cohen Camps
- Summit Camp
- Tamwood Camp
- Trout Lake Camps
- Windsor Mountain Summer Camp
Types of Summer Camp Jobs Abroad
Working summer camp jobs abroad can look different for everyone depending on what type of camp you choose and what your duty is once you’re there. Camp counsellors that are placed through AmeriCamp typically fall within two roles:
- General Counsellor
- Activity Leader
As a general counsellor, you’ll be with the kids 24/7, taking them to and from activities and residing in the cabins with them, too. You may also find yourself tasked with planning camp events, teaching a skill, and participating in activities yourself.
If you want to be an activity leader, be prepared to take on some extra responsibility. In addition to general counsellor duties, activity leaders will be in charge of planning and running camp activities. If you have a skill you want to share, or you’d simply like to be more involved, apply to be an activity leader!

A Day in the Life at Summer Camp
A typical day at summer camp can look different every day, but you’ll have a decent idea of what life at camp will be like once you’ve been placed. AmeriCamp can help you find the perfect camp that fits your lifestyle and guarantees you the perfect summer abroad! Typically, here’s what you can expect each day:



Day Camps vs. Overnight Camps
When it comes to choosing summer camp jobs abroad, you have some control over your hours. Namely, you’ll have the choice between day camps and overnight camps.
As the name suggests, day camps run during daytime hours only. Campers will travel to the grounds for daily camp activities and return home each night. Overnight camps, on the other hand, will have you spending uninterrupted days or weeks at camp with the campers.
Why Should I Look at Summer Camp Jobs Abroad with AmeriCamp?
AmeriCamp is a summer exchange program dedicated to placing young adults from the United Kingdom in camp counsellor positions across the United States. In addition to experiencing a timeless American tradition and exploring the US, you will earn a salary and bolster your CV with your new experiences.
AmeriCamp facilitates the process of finding the right camp, applying, and traveling to the states. We offer guidance and sponsorship for your J-1 visa and cultural exchange permits with up to 30 days of travel added on your visa after you’ve completed your camp placement.
Plus, we work diligently to ensure the process is as easy as possible for our applicants. Our job is to handle the heavy lifting while you prepare for your summer of travel!
How Do I Get Summer Camp Jobs Abroad with AmeriCamp?
Becoming a camp counsellor in America is simple and straightforward with AmeriCamp on your side. It all starts with you submitting a completely free application to register your interest and learn more about the AmeriCamp experience from one of our dedicated team members. Here are the steps you’ll take to work at a summer camp in America:
- Initial application
- Going live to camps
- Background check
- Health history form
- Visa process
- AmeriCamp orientation
The Application
From there, you’ll put down a £49 deposit to secure your spot and get full access to the AmeriCamp portal, so you can begin the official application process. This will include submitting a form to tell us about your skills, experience, and motivations as well as a virtual AmeriCamp interview with one of our brand ambassadors.
Our job is to place counsellors in the best camps, and we want to make that process as easy as possible. We offer a bunch of resources on how to bolster your camp counsellor resume, complete your AmeriCamp application, and answer common camp counsellor interview questions.
Going Live to Camps
After you submit your application and complete your interviews, you’ll put down your second fee installment of £242, which officially allows you to go live on our placement system, so we can match you with the perfect camp! Your program fees will cover:
- Processing your application
- Providing medical insurance coverage
- Your full camp experience once you’re in the states
Background Check
Your next step is to apply for a background check through our DBS service. To work through AmeriCamp’s program, you must apply through our system to ensure we can countersign your application.
The process itself is quick and easy, but you should allow yourself enough time to account for any potential delays once you submit your background check. Typically, you can expect to receive a physical certificate within two to four weeks, but it could take up to 10 weeks.
Health History Form
Upon applying to be a counsellor with AmeriCamp, you will receive a health history form that must be completed by your registered GP for Health & Safety. Some places may charge a small fee to complete this form, but it entirely depends on their policies.
J-1 Visa
Your final program fee paid to AmeriCamp will be to prepare your visa and get you ready to travel abroad. We’ll issue you a DS-2019 form that confirms your J-1 sponsorship, which you will take to your local US embassy to complete the visa process.
AmeriCamp Orientation
Before you head out for your summer at camp, you’ll come to one of our in-person orientations, so we can go over everything you need to know for your time in the states. We’ll go over any and all questions, reiterate important information, and prepare you for what to expect from camp life!
From there, you’ll be ready to book your flights. We recommend waiting until you have your visa before confirming your flight. Your camp will provide all your travel information, so you know exactly where to go and when to leave.
Are you thinking about becoming an AmeriCamp camp counsellor? Come see us at one of our summer camp job fairs to learn more and see what the AmeriCamp experience is really all about.
Requirements for Working Summer Camp Jobs Abroad
When you choose a summer camp job abroad with AmeriCamp, you’re choosing to spend between 9-12 weeks working in the United States. The average placement typically runs from mid-June to mid-August, and you have to be available by June 18 at the latest if you want to apply. The more flexible your schedule, the easier it will be to place you in your dream camp!
The J-1 Visa Process
Once we issue your DS-2019 form confirming your sponsorship, you will be eligible to apply for a visa. To do this, you will have to book an interview appointment with your local US embassy. All J-1 visa applicants must go in person for this part of the process.
After this appointment, the embassy will add your visa to your passport and send it back to you within 5-10 days. You can expect to pay about £146 to your local embassy. If you need assistance with any part of the visa process, we have a support team on call 24/7 to guide you.
Other Things You Need for Your Summer Camp Job Abroad
Beyond squaring away all the official documents, it’s important to have the right mindset to work a summer camp job abroad. The desire to travel should fuel your excitement for this experience, but it shouldn’t be the driving force. You should also enjoy working with kids, being outdoors, and being a leader. And those are just a few of the skills of a camp counsellor.
Through the application and interview process, our team is dedicated to discovering who you are and where you will thrive. Your passion is more important to us than your qualifications—although those are quite important, too!
What to Bring for Summer Camp Abroad Jobs
As you get ready to leave, you’ll start to wonder what things to bring to camp as a counsellor—especially as a counsellor overseas! Luckily, we won’t let you head overseas without checking our AmeriCamp packing list first. Every camp is different, which means your camp counsellor essentials may look a little different, too.
That said, here are some items you shouldn’t leave for camp without:
- Basic first aid kit
- Clothes
- Comfortable shoes
- Gear & camp accessories
- Hat & sunglasses
- Laundry bag
- Personal documents
- Rain gear
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Swimwear
- Toiletries
Getting Paid for Summer Camp Jobs Abroad
While getting to be a summer camp counsellor is exciting on its own, we’re sure you’re curious about that camp counsellor salary. When you partner with AmeriCamp to find summer camp jobs abroad, you get to earn money as well as a life-changing experience.
Through our program, we guarantee a salary of at least $2,250 for your time at camp. Additionally, you will enjoy:
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Free accommodation
- Free meals
- 24-hour customer support
Summer Camp Jobs Abroad in Other Countries
AmeriCamp works to place young adults in the United Kingdom in camps in America, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist elsewhere. In fact, we make it easy for you to camp around the world! Learn more about how AmeriCamp can get you the best summer camp jobs abroad:
- Camp Bali
- Camp EuroTrip
- Camp Maldives
- Camp Philippines
- Camp South Africa
- Camp Thailand
- Camp Vietnam & Cambodia
Explore Summer Camp Jobs Abroad in 2025 with AmeriCamp
Now that you know a bit more about the top paid summer camp jobs abroad, you can make this summer the best one yet. If you’re considering summer camp jobs abroad in America, reach out to our team at AmeriCamp for a streamlined process that gets you to your dream camp.
We know how to find American summer camp jobs for UK students and walk them through the process of getting placed. All that’s left for you to do is to start your 2025 application, and we’ll take care of the rest. Apply today and get ready for the summer of a lifetime!