Candidate sourcing
GEC recruits applicants interested in working as camp counselors in the United States.
For U.S. Host Camps
Hire International Camp Counselors
GEC helps U.S. summer camps recruit skilled international counselors who bring language, culture, activity skills and global perspective to the camp community through the J-1 cultural exchange program.
Screened candidatesSkills, dates and fit
J-1 supportProgram guidance
$1,350Full placement fee
$1900+Minimum 9-week salary
Camp USA for camps
International staff can strengthen your summer camp community
The Camp Counselor program allows exchange visitors to spend the summer working and traveling in the U.S. while sharing language, culture and customs with American campers and local communities.
- Recruit motivated international counselors
- Add global perspective to your camp team
- Fill activity, childcare, sports and specialty roles
- Work with a team familiar with J-1 program requirements
Why work with GEC?
Support for recruitment, screening and compliant placement
GEC helps camps connect with prepared international counselors, review candidate fit and move through the J-1 program steps with clear coordination.
Screening and fit
Applicants are reviewed for skills, experience, availability, English and camp readiness.
Cultural diversity
Counselors bring language, culture and global perspective to campers and staff.
J-1 process support
GEC supports required sponsorship steps, documentation and program monitoring.
Vetted host camps
Host placement review helps align camp roles with program rules and participant safety.
Emergency support
Participants receive program monitoring and 24-hour emergency support while in the U.S.
Candidate profile
What types of counselors can camps hire?
GEC candidate profiles can support general counselor needs and specialty activity areas. Camps can review applicants for daily camper supervision, sports and coaching, arts and performance, outdoor activities and other role-specific skills.
General counselors
Support cabin life, supervision, camper routines, group activities and daily camp operations.
Sports and coaching
Applicants with athletic, coaching, training or team leadership experience.
Arts and performance
Music, theatre, dance, visual arts, crafts and creative program support.
Outdoor and specialty
Swimming, hiking, scouting, fitness, special-needs experience and other camp skills.
How to hire
A clear path from staffing need to camp arrival
Move from staffing needs to candidate review, confirmed offers, J-1 steps, arrival planning and in-program support
Share needs
Tell GEC your camp dates, roles, required skills and staffing priorities.
Review candidates
Evaluate candidate profiles based on skills, availability and camp fit.
Interview
Interview selected applicants and confirm role expectations.
Offer
Provide position, dates, salary, housing, meals and arrival details.
Host vetting
GEC reviews the initial primary site of activity placement.
J-1 steps
Participant completes sponsorship, DS-2019, SEVIS and visa steps.
Arrive
Coordinate travel, onboarding, housing and camp training.
Support
GEC supports monitoring and emergency communication during the program.
2026 pricing
Camp fees and salary expectations
Review host camp placement fees, minimum salary expectations and payment timing in one place.
Host camp placement fees
Current 2026 fee overview
| Placement type | Who pays | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Placement | Camp | $1,350 |
| Direct Placement | Camp or participant | $685 |
Salary and payment notes
- Minimum salary for 9 weeks of camp: $1900
- Additional weeks should be at least $250 per week
- All prices are listed in USD
- Full placement fee is due within 10 business days after counselor arrival
- Placement fee is refunded if the applicant does not arrive at camp
Host camp responsibilities
Set international counselors up for a successful season
A strong host camp experience starts with clear expectations, safe housing, meals, supervision, timely communication and a welcoming onboarding process.
Basic requirements
- Provide accurate job details
- Confirm dates and salary
- Provide housing and meals
- Support camp orientation
Child experience
- Maintain safe supervision
- Communicate travel details
- Report concerns promptly
- Support cultural exchange
FAQ
Common host camp questions
Concise answers for camp directors evaluating the program.
GEC recruits, identifies and screens applicants based on camp needs and supports J-1 sponsorship-related program steps and monitoring.
Host camps make the final hiring decisions after reviewing candidates and completing their own interviews.
Minimum salary for 9 weeks is listed as $1900, with additional weeks at a minimum of $250 per week.
The $1,350 placement fee for each hired counselor is due within 10 business days after the counselor arrives at camp.
Need camp staff?
Request International Camp Counselors
Share your staffing needs and GEC can help identify candidates for your summer camp.