American summer camps offer a wide variety of fun and exciting activities for their campers. With that in mind, they will seek staff who are able to teach those skills to their campers. Common activities include team sports, such as football, soccer etc.; water sports, such as canoeing, sailing; outdoor pursuits, such as zip-lining, climbing; as well as arts and crafts, horseback riding, theater arts, karate, computers and more. Prospective applicants should be able to speak to those skills they possess and their ability to teach those skills as well as their childcare experience. For a full list of camp activities, visit our camp counselor participants program information page.
How old are participants at AmeriCamp?
Camp counselor participants must be 18 or older by May 1 of the program year.
What is the level of English required to join AmeriCamp?
You must be proficient in spoken English. You should be able to communicate on your own. Your English level will help determine for which job positions you can apply.
What is the cost of AmeriCamp?
Your actual fees are determined by your local AmeriCamp partner representative. Fees will change by country, market, exchange rate and the level of service that a partner provides to the participant. Some partners offer different levels of service, including job interview skills, English classes, job training, etc. and therefore charge more for their services. Examples of typical fees are listed below. For more information visit our eligibility and fees page.
How long is the AmeriCamp camp counselor program?
Most camps run for an eight-week session, plus a one week orientation before camp. Participants are expected to remain at camp until their contract is complete. The camp season runs typically from June to August. Participants can travel after their program and must return home by October 31.
What is a J-1 visa and is it required to join AmeriCamp?
A J-1 Camp Counselor visa allows you to visit the U.S. and work during the summer. In order to participate in the Camp Counselor Program you will need to have the appropriate J-1 Visitor Exchange Program Visa. The purpose of the Visitor Exchange Program is to provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to participate in educational and cultural programs in the U.S. The Exchange Visitor Program includes 13 different exchange program categories, of which the Camp Counselor Program is a part.
