Who are the counselors?
International exchange visitors interested in working with children, sharing culture and supporting camp activities.
Host camp FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions for Host Camps
A simple guide for camp directors reviewing GEC Camp USA: how hiring works, what candidates bring, what camps pay and how J-1 program support fits into the season.
RecruitingInternational candidates
ScreeningSkills and availability
J-1Program coordination
SupportMonitoring and emergency help
Quick overview
What camps need to know first
GEC helps U.S. summer camps recruit, screen and host international camp counselors through a structured cultural exchange program.
Who hires them?
Host camps review candidate profiles, conduct interviews and make final hiring decisions.
When should camps start?
As early as possible before the summer season so candidates have time for placement, sponsorship and visa steps.
What support exists?
GEC supports program coordination, monitoring and emergency communication during the counselor's U.S. program.
FAQ
Questions from host camps
The FAQ is grouped by topic so camp directors can quickly find the answer they need.
GEC recruits international applicants, reviews candidate readiness, supports program coordination and helps camps connect with candidates who match their staffing needs.
The host camp makes the final hiring decision after reviewing the candidate profile and completing its own interview or selection process.
Camps may request general counselors and candidates with skills in sports, arts, outdoor activities, swimming, performance, leadership, special needs support or other camp-relevant areas.
Yes. Camps should interview candidates to confirm skills, English communication, availability, expectations and fit with the camp community.
Host camp fees list Full Placement at $1,350 and Direct Placement at $685.
The $1,350 placement fee for each hired counselor is due within 10 business days after the counselor arrives at camp.
Minimum salary for 9 weeks of camp is listed as $1,900. Additional weeks should be paid at a minimum of $250 per week.
Yes. The placement fee is refunded if the applicant does not arrive at camp.
Yes. GEC supports sponsorship-related steps, documentation, orientation, program monitoring and emergency communication for participants.
No. Visa issuance is decided by the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. Camps should avoid final assumptions until the participant has completed the visa process.
Camps should provide clear job details, dates, salary, housing, meals, supervision structure, arrival location and contact information.
Yes. Counselors should have opportunities to share their culture and experience American camp and community life during the program.
Prepare arrival instructions, airport or bus pickup details if applicable, housing, meals, staff orientation, role expectations and emergency contacts.
The camp should address immediate safety or supervision needs and contact GEC promptly for program support, monitoring and next steps.
Yes. Camps should include international counselors in staff training, safety orientation, camper supervision guidance and role-specific preparation.
J-1 program participants may have a post-program travel period when eligible. Travel plans should be coordinated around program end dates and visa rules.
Ready to hire?
Request International Camp Counselors
Tell GEC what roles you need to fill and what kind of counselors would fit your camp community.