Spend your summer at an American camp. Work with children, join a cultural exchange, receive housing and meals, earn a stipend, get J-1 sponsor support and medical insurance, and explore the USA after camp.
Camp USA gives counselors and U.S. host camps a clear overview of eligibility, benefits, fees, placement steps and the support GEC provides before and during the summer.
For students, youth workers, teachers, athletes and skilled applicants who want a summer job with cultural exchange, child development, teamwork and travel.
For U.S. summer camps looking for international staff who bring skills, cultural diversity, language exposure and energy to the camp community.
The program combines paid camp work, cultural exchange, practical responsibility and travel. It is designed for applicants who enjoy children, outdoor activities and community life.
Camp USA is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students, youth workers, teachers, athletes, coaches and applicants with special skills who enjoy nature, activity and camper care.
From your first application to arrival at camp, GEC guides each required step: screening, camp matching, J-1 documents, orientation and SEVIS validation.
The fee section separates participant program options, host camp pricing and out-of-pocket costs so both audiences understand the next step.
Published counselor fee options
| Program type | Best for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full Placement | Profile added for partner camp consideration | $185 |
| Returning to Camp | Previous GEC partner camp counselors | $685 |
| Self-Placement | Applicants who already secured a camp job | $685 |
2026 fee overview
| Placement type | Who pays | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Placement | Camp | $1,350 |
| Direct Placement | Camp or participant | $685 |
Counselors supervise campers, support daily routines, lead activities, join events and help create a safe, fun community. Camps may be traditional, sports-focused, religious, gender-specific, themed, special-needs, scouting, fitness or day camps.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:30 am | Wake-up |
| 8:00 am | Flag rising |
| 8:15 am | Breakfast |
| 9:00 am | Cabin Clean Up |
| 9:30 am | Morning activities |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Rest period |
| 1:45 pm | Afternoon activities |
| 4:30 pm | Free time |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner time |
| 7:15 pm | Flag lowering |
| 7:30 pm | Evening activities |
| 9:30 pm | Lights out |
Participant and host camp experiences show how cultural exchange, camp work and strong preparation can create a meaningful summer for both sides.
Find quick answers about eligibility, English level, child experience, housing, insurance, travel after camp and cancellation rules.
The program is suitable for post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers, skilled athletes and applicants with relevant youth or activity experience. Final eligibility is reviewed during application.
Applicants should be able to function effectively in an English-speaking work environment, communicate with campers and staff, and understand safety expectations.
Yes. Camps look for applicants who have worked with children or youth through teaching, coaching, babysitting, volunteering, sports, scouting, arts or similar activities.
Yes. Food and housing are provided by the camp during the camp contract period.
Minimum salary for 9 weeks of camp is listed as $1900, with additional weeks at a minimum of $250 per week. Salary can vary by skills, experience and certifications.
Participants may have up to 30 days to travel around the USA after the camp program, subject to J-1 program rules and visa status.
Cancellation and visa denial outcomes depend on timing, DS-2019 status and visa status. Applicants should review the program fee page before payment.
GEC supports application processing, sponsorship review, host vetting, orientation, DS-2019 and SEVIS steps, medical insurance, emergency support and monitoring while in the U.S.
Explore practical guides on the J-1 Camp Counselor program, fees, camp life, counselor skills and the visa process.
Explain the visa category, cultural exchange purpose and summer camp setting.
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Step-by-step application, interview, matching, offer and visa process.
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Morning routines, activities, meals, rest periods, events and lights out.
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Childcare, leadership, sports, arts, outdoor skills and flexibility.
Read articleWhether you want to work at an American summer camp or hire international camp counselors, GEC can guide the next step.