International Applicant Faqs

What is the difference between a CAMP COUNSELOR and SUPPORT STAFF?

A Camp Counselor position is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in teaching, counseling, coaching, physical therapy, athletic training, sports psychology, etc., or for skilled athletes who love working with youth and want a summer job that feels like play. Summer camp counselors are responsible for ensuring campers’ overall well-being, keeping campers on schedule with activities, and leading camp activities. A counselor’s work includes assisting with camper management in classrooms, in bunks, on the sports fields, and in the dining hall. Counselors may lead daily activities, like crafts, outdoor games, musical performances, and so forth, and may perform other responsibilities, especially at smaller summer camps. Counselors supervise and manage campers at all times, except during scheduled breaks. Counselors may participate in whole camp activities and special events such as talent shows, camp competitions, the camp band, and/or an end-of-the-year musical. A summer camp counselor may accompany campers during out-of-camp events, including camping trips, hikes, theme parks, whitewater rafting, whale-watch cruises, and ball games. Themed camps, such as fine arts camps, computer camps, sailing camps, specific sports camps, etc., hire multiple specialty counselors every summer. No matter the venue, the summer camp counselor is primarily responsible for ensuring the campers are safe, having fun, and engaged in interesting recreational and educational activities.

Support Staff play a very important role at camp, helping to keep camp operations running smoothly and efficiently behind the scenes. Support Staff at US summer camps encompass all of the non-counselor areas of the summer camp operation.

Kitchen: chef, baker, cook, kitchen assistant, dishwasher and waiter/waitress
Office: secretary, programming, accounting and filing
Maintenance: general groundskeeping, handyman, security, and drivers
Cleaning: laundry, janitor, porter, garbage collection and housekeeping

Summer camp support staff roles and responsibilities vary depending on the position offered. Often, staff who work in the kitchen or in grounds and maintenance will regularly begin work at an earlier hour to prepare the camp for the day while staff who work in the office might work on a shift basis where hours vary. Support staff work as a team and may help in a variety of areas at times of need. Although support staff are not directly responsible for campers, all staff are usually encouraged to get involved in special events and all-camp activities such as talent shows and international days. During time off, camps typically permit staff members to enjoy the campus and the facilities, such as playing tennis, playing basketball, swimming, etc.

All jobs at summer camps are essential to its operation. Summer camps throughout the US hire domestic and international staff members to help fill various support staff positions.

How long is the Camp Counselor Program / J1 Visa?

The US summer camp season runs from late May, beginning of June through mid to late August, with average employment between 9-11 weeks. Some pre-camp and post-camp work opportunities are possible. This time frame is perfect for those who want to work and still have time to travel or to rest up for the upcoming school year.

How long is the Summer Work Travel / J1 Visa (for support staff)?

The typical US summer camp season runs from the beginning to mid-June through mid to late August, with average employment between 9-11 weeks. However, many support staff have opportunities to extend employment to encompass some pre-camp and post-camp work possibilities as long as the dates remain within your university dates and are within the acceptable summer work travel program dates for your home country. This time frame is perfect for those who want to work and still have time to travel or to rest up for the upcoming school year.

What is the purpose of the Cultural Exchange Program / J1 Visa / Summer Program?

The purpose of this program is to provide foreign college and university students with opportunities to interact with U.S. citizens, experience U.S. culture while sharing their own cultures with Americans they meet, travel in the United States, and work in jobs that require minimal training and are seasonal or temporary to earn funds to help defray a portion of their expenses. Employment is seasonal when the required service is tied to a specific time of the year by an event or pattern and requires labor levels above and beyond existing worker levels. Employment is temporary when an employer’s need for the duties to be performed is a one-time occurrence, a peak load need, or an intermittent need. It is the nature of employers’ needs, not the nature of the duties, that is controlling.

What does it mean when it says my contract will be “approximately 9 weeks?”

Summer camps run for seven to eight weeks but may also run pre-and/or post-camp events. In addition, staff orientation runs from 5 – 10 days before the campers arrive. Sometimes, there are a few days in between the sessions. The camp may also require help setting up camp before the rest of the staff and campers arrive, and campers may be closed once they leave.

Sometimes, the camp may ask you to arrive earlier to assist in the preparation for the summer or to go through training relevant to your position. In other cases, the camp runs programs or entertains groups after camp. For some positions, camp requires that staff be willing to come early and leave late. In these cases, the camp will pay you directly for time beyond your agreement.

How do I know if I am eligible for the camp counselor or support staff program?

Applicants for the Camp Counselor program must:

Be a mature adult over the age of 18.
Possess strong English language skills.
Be willing to work long hours with children and have some prior experience.
Possess two or more camp-related skills that you can teach or assist in teaching campers – the stronger your skills and application, the better the chance of placement at camp.
Be open-minded, energetic, flexible & prepared to work long hours!
Be in good health.
Have no criminal record.
Have sufficient funds to pay program fees, flights, and other additional costs.
Be independent and self-motivated. You are required to be proactive in the application process. It is important to understand that living and working in a new country will be challenging and is a learning and life experience, not simply a holiday.

Applicants for the Summer Work Travel program must:

Be a mature adult over the age of 18.
Be a bona fide post-secondary student currently enrolled in and actively pursuing a degree or a full-time course of study at an accredited post-secondary classroom-based academic institution physically located outside of the US AND have completed one semester or equivalent of post-secondary study.
Possess competent English language skills.
Be willing to work long hours in a team setting.
Have no criminal record.
Have sufficient funds to pay program fees, flights, and other additional costs.
Be independent and self-motivated. You are required to be proactive in the application process. It is essential to understand that living and working in a new country will be challenging and is a learning and life experience, not simply a holiday.

What salary can I expect while working at a Summer Camp?

Our structure offers some of the highest minimum pocket money. General Counselor and Support Staff Minimum Pocket Money: $2,250. Applicants with advanced skills & certifications receive additional pocket money.

What will my living arrangements be like at camp?

A typical arrangement for a camp counselor has 8-12 campers living with 2-3 counselors. The bunk conditions will vary on location and will range from wilderness cabins to modern college dormitories. Still, all staff must understand that they will, in most cases, be physically in the same room as a group of campers during the summer (privacy is at a minimum).

In most cases, support staff are housed together in a bunk-like or dormitory-like arrangement. The bunk conditions will also vary on location and range from wilderness cabins to modern college dormitories, but all staff must understand that they will, in most cases, have one or more roommates. (privacy is at a minimum).

What will my hours of work be like at a US summer camp?

Camp Counselors are responsible for their campers and their safety throughout the day and evening while they are at camp. While these may seem like very long hours, the days are filled with teaching and fun, and the time that the campers and counseling staff have together very often develops into strong friendships that last a lifetime. Counselors will have set breaks/days off to provide a break from the campers throughout their contracted times at camp.

Support Staff work schedules vary depending on the role and the camp. Most employees work up to 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, which, although long, is less than the counseling staff. The hours may vary, and there may be split shifts. On days off and time off, you will be able to get involved with the campers, take advantage of the facilities, or relax quietly and enjoy the beautiful landscaping and views.

There are so many skills listed for CAMP COUNSELORS. What skills are most important to highlight?

We want you to review the skill categories and specific skills and see what fits you the best. It is essential to be very honest in your application and express your experience with the skill chosen, the level of development chosen, and your desire to be hired by a camp for this specific skill. Details are very important in your application, and we strongly suggest that you take the time to fully review and fill in the application with as much detail as possible… after all, this is your first impression of the camping directors, and they are searching for staff. Show them what makes you stand out!

Popular skills that are requested season after season:

Waterfront Skills (Swimming, waterskiing, ski boat drivers, certified lifeguards, sailing, kayaking, etc.)

Land Sports Skills (Basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, cheerleading, gymnastics, hockey, horse-riding, lacrosse, etc.)

Special Needs (General desire to work with the special needs population for adults and/or children)

Performance Arts (Circus skills, dance, etc.)

Outdoor Skills (Wilderness tripping, climbing, high/low ropes, etc.)

Music (Guitar, piano, drums, etc.)

Media (Photography, etc.)

Arts & Crafts (Ceramics, woodworking, jewelry making, etc.)

As I review my application for SUPPORT STAFF, what skills are most important?

It is essential to remember while filling out your support staff application to choose jobs that are relevant to your experience and that are roles that you will accept if a job offer is made. Camps are more likely to hire you if you discuss your previous experience and level of achievement in the specific job you choose. You are also more likely to be chosen for a summer camp job if you have more than one relevant skill and experience.

Popular positions that are requested season after season:

Culinary (Head cook, assistant cook, food preparation, baker)

Dining Hall Services (Dishwashers, general dining hall services)

Housekeeping (Laundry, general housekeeping)

Maintenance (General maintenance, groundskeeping, landscaping)

Office Support & Security (General office, secretary, security)

Is a video introduction/YouTube video required?

While videos are not required, you should make a short introduction highlighting your skills, experience or personality. Videos give you an edge over applications without. This makes you stand out and offers camp employers a glimpse into your personality. For citizens of non-English speaking countries, it gives the camps a way of determining your English level. For counselors, the more creative the better. Show off your skills, awards, and experience through picture collage with explanations and samples of your teaching, or create a story to show your creativity.

Can I Change my password?

Yes, you can. If you have lost your password, go to www.campstaffusa.com to log into your account and click on the ‘lost password’ link to have a temporary password emailed to you. If you want to change your password, log into your account at www.campstaffusa.com and at the Applicant Home Page there is a link to the left to ‘Change your Password.’

** Please note: If you need to change your EMAIL ADDRESS or PHONE NUMBER, you will need to contact your Supervisor (listed on the Applicant Home Page) or [email protected] **