Ensure safety
Supervise campers in cabins, classrooms, sports fields, dining areas and activities.
For Counselors
Become a Camp Counselor in the USA
Join a J-1 cultural exchange program, work with children at an American summer camp, receive food and housing, earn a stipend, build practical leadership skills and travel in the USA after camp.
18+Minimum applicant age
9-11 weeksTypical camp season
$1900+Minimum 9-week stipend
Up to 30 daysTravel after camp
American summer camp tradition
Work, cultural exchange and outdoor camp life in one summer
Camp USA helps young people experience American culture in a camp setting. Counselors support camper safety, daily routines and activities while gaining confidence, communication skills and international work experience.
- Live and work at a vetted American host camp
- Share your culture with campers and local communities
- Develop leadership, teamwork and child supervision skills
- Add meaningful international experience to your CV
Program highlights
What you receive as a Camp USA participant
See the essentials at a glance: housing, meals, salary, insurance, J-1 support and travel time after camp.
Food and housing Camp provides meals and accommodation during the contracted camp period.
StipendMinimum stipend starts from $1900 for 9 weeks, with skills and certifications affecting final pay.
Insurance and supportJ-1 compliant medical insurance, 24-hour emergency support and program monitoring are included.
J-1 documentationGEC supports sponsor review, DS-2019, SEVIS fee payment and visa preparation steps.
Travel timeParticipants may have up to 30 days to travel around the USA after the camp program.
Career valueCamp work builds leadership, communication, responsibility and activity planning experience.
Who can apply?
Strong candidates enjoy children, activity and community life
Camp USA is ideal for students, youth workers, teachers, coaches, athletes and applicants with useful camp skills.
Basic requirements
- Be 18 or older
- Be in good health
- Have no criminal record
- Be flexible and energetic
Program readiness
- Available late May to late August
- Can work 9-11 weeks
- Ability to communicate confidently in English
- Comfortable in a camp environment
Child experience
- Teaching or tutoring
- Coaching or sports
- Volunteering or childcare
- Arts, outdoor or youth leadership
Helpful skills
- Swimming or lifeguarding
- Music, theatre or arts
- Outdoor activities
- Special-needs experience
Counselor role
What you will do at camp
Counselors are not only activity leaders. They help create a safe, structured and welcoming experience for campers.
Lead activities
Support sports, swimming, arts and crafts, outdoor programs and educational activities.
Support camp life
Help campers stay on schedule, build friendships and join daily routines.
Join events
Participate in talent shows, competitions, performances and whole-camp events.
Real camp life
Types of camps and a typical day
GEC participants are commonly placed in traditional camps, but camp types can include sports, religious, gender-specific, fitness, scouting, themed, special-needs and day camps.
- Every camp is different in location, activities and facilities
- All camps share a focus on camper safety, fun and development
- Daily life is active, structured and community-oriented
| 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 |
| 7:15 pm | Flag lowering |
| 7:30 pm | Evening activities |
| 9:30 pm | Lights out |
How to apply
From application to arrival
Follow each step from your first application to camp arrival, orientation and SEVIS validation.
Apply
Create your profile with skills, dates, experience and references.
Interview
GEC reviews your English, motivation and camp readiness.
Match
Partner camps review candidates or your self-placement offer is checked.
Offer
Camp confirms duties, dates, salary, food, housing and arrival details.
Visa steps
GEC supports DS-2019, SEVIS and J-1 visa preparation.
Orientation
Learn rules, insurance, safety, culture and camp expectations.
Arrive
Travel to camp, join onboarding and start the summer season.
Validate
GEC monitors the program and supports SEVIS validation.
Program fees
Choose the right counselor program type
Review the counselor fee options and see what is included in the GEC program fee before you apply.
Counselor program fee options
Published Camp USA counselor fees
| Program | Best for | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full Placement | Candidates seeking placement consideration by GEC partner camps | $185 |
| Returning to Camp | Previous GEC partner camp counselors returning for another season | $685 |
| Self-Placement | Candidates who already secured a camp job independently | $685 |
Included in GEC program fee
- Application review and sponsor interview
- Host vetting and pre-departure orientation
- J-1 compliant medical insurance
- SEVIS fee payment and DS-2019 form
- 24-hour emergency support and monitoring
Not included: visa application fee, flights, transportation, ticket changes and personal expenses.
FAQ
Common counselor questions
Short answers for the questions most applicants ask before applying.
No, but you must be able to function effectively in an English-speaking work environment and communicate clearly with campers and staff.
Yes. Food and housing are provided by the camp during the camp contract period.
Minimum 9-week salary is listed as $1900. Salary can vary by skills, experience and certifications
Participants may have up to 30 days to travel in the USA after camp, subject to J-1 program rules and visa status.
Ready for camp?
Start Your Camp USA Counselor Application
Create your profile and take the first step toward an American summer camp experience.