Camp Counselors USA

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The Adventure
The Details
Applying

The Adventure

The US Summer Camp Experience

Participating in the 8 to 11 week cultural exchange program as a Camp Counselor or Support Staff team member is a great way to experience this unique part of American culture.

The role can be challenging and demanding, but also highly rewarding, as you will be positively impacting the lives of American youth while sharing your own skills and culture.

If you’re ready to . . .

  • Be a positive role model.
  • Be outgoing and eager to share your skills and experiences.
  • Be an Ambassador for your country.
  • Create lasting memories while making friends from around the world

. . . then this program is for you!

Start your adventure here. APPLY NOW!

As a BridgeUSA J-1 Visa Designated Sponsor, CCUSA has been one of the leaders in the camping industry for close to 40 years. With CCUSA, you will receive the highest level of personal service and support throughout your participation in the program.

Camp Roles

When looking to go on the program, you can select between two different roles:  Camp Counselor or Support Staff

The primary role of a Camp Counselor is to ensure the safety and well-being of the campers. Additionally, you will be a leader, role model, friend, instructor, and hero to campers of various ages.

During the application and interview process, your skills and experience will be assessed to determine whether you will be suitable for a role as a General Counselor or Activity Counselor.

Camp Counselor

Are you interested in the summer camp experience but prefer a position outside of working directly with campers?

Support Staff keep camp running smoothly and efficiently. Your job will range from preparing meals and cleaning the kitchen, to office work, maintenance, or grounds work. Support Staff fill key roles that keep the camp running.

Support Staff

Camp Types

There is a camp type for everyone’s interests, abilities, and background. Below is a description of the various types of camps we work with. All camps share the same common goal  – to provide a safe, fun, and rewarding experience for every camper.

TRADITIONAL

Traditional Camps

Campers stay overnight for one-to-eight-week sessions and participate in typical summer camp activities. Many are boys-only or girls-only camps and some are co-ed. Many campers return year after year. Some traditional camps are privately owned and some are operated by agencies and community organizations.

UNDERPRIVILEGED / AT-RISK YOUTH

Underprivileged / At-Risk Youth Camps

These camps are usually operated by government and charitable organizations. Campers of many different ethnic, socio-economic, and ethnic backgrounds. For many children this is their first rural experience.

GIRL SCOUT

Girl Scout Camps

These camps are operated by the Girl Scouts of America and host local girl scouts and brownie troops throughout the summer for one-to-two-week sessions. These camps follow the traditional philosophies of the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.

DAY

Day Camps

Day Camps operate Monday through Friday, usually from 8am-6pm. Campers spend the day participating in camp activities similar to a traditional residential camp. Like all other camp types, day camps also provide housing and meals for staff.

FAITH BASED

Faith Based Camps

These camps combine a traditional summer camp experience with the values of the religious community they are organized by. Faith based camps vary by faith (Christian, Jewish, etc.) and in how the specific religion is presented and practiced by campers and staff.

SPECIALTY

Specialty Camps

These camps specialize in certain activity areas and help to teach, develop, and expand the skill level that campers may already have or wish to learn. Some specialty camps cater to entire families. For example, specialty camps may be geared towards Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Music, Land sports, Watersports, or other areas.

CAMPERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Camps for Campers with Special Needs

These camps serve children and/or adult campers who have physical and/or mental disabilities. Counselors help campers participate in a wide range of traditional camp activities as well as assisting campers in their daily living. Counselors do not need to have previous experience working with persons with special needs, as training will be provided at camp.

CAMPERS WITH SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Camps for Campers with Specific Requirements

These camps serve campers with a specific medical condition or impairment, which includes (but is not limited to): emotional/behavioral disorders, developmental challenges, diabetes, hearing/sight impairment, and autism. Activities are similar to those at traditional camps but are adapted to the ability of the campers.

Skills

Below is a list of some of the skill areas that camps are always looking to fill. If you can instruct or assist in one or more of these areas or a skill that is unique to you, then you’re a great fit for summer camp! An outgoing personality, positive attitude, and sense of adventure are also great characteristics for a successful summer.

Camp Counselor Skills

  • American Football
  • Aerobics Instructor
  • Archery
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Biking
  • Boxing
  • Dressage Riding
  • English Riding
  • Farm Animal Care
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Fitness Instructor
  • Golf
  • Horse Barrel Racing
  • Horse Jumping
  • Ice Hockey
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Boarding
  • Paintball
  • Riflery
  • Roller Hockey
  • Skateboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Stable Management
  • Tennis
  • Ultimate Frisbee
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Western Riding
  • Yoga Instructor
  • Zumba Instructor
  • Boat Driving
  • Canoeing
  • Diving
  • Fishing
  • Jet Ski
  • Kayaking
  • Kneeboarding
  • Lifeguard (Pool or Surf) 
  • Paddle Boarding
  • Sailing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Surfing
  • Swim Instructor
  • Wakeboarding
  • Water Skiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Batiking
  • Candlemaking
  • Cartooning
  • Ceramics/Pottery
  • Fashion Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Jewelry Making
  • Leatherwork
  • Model Making
  • Nature Crafts
  • Painting
  • Screen Printing
  • Sculpture
  • Sewing
  • Silversmithing
  • Stained Glass
  • Textiles
  • Tie-Dye
  • Woodwork
  • Acrobatics
  • Ballet/Dance
  • Chess
  • Choreography
  • Circus Rigging
  • Clowning
  • Comedian
  • Costume/Set Design
  • Culinary Arts
  • Diabolo/Fire Sticks/Juggling
  • DJ
  • Drums
  • Guitar
  • Hip Hop Dance
  • Jazz Dance
  • Lighting/Sound Technician
  • Magic
  • Mime
  • Modern Dance
  • Music Composing
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Technician/Producer
  • Newspaper/Yearbook
  • Orchestral Instruments
  • Piano
  • Recording Engineer
  • Rock Band
  • Singing/Voice
  • Stage Makeup
  • Stage Manager
  • Tap Dance
  • Tight Rope/Wire-walking
  • Trapeze triple /flying / bungie
  • Trumpet
  • Unicycle
  • Apple/PC Expertise
  • Audio Visual
  • Digital Imaging
  • Digital Photography
  • Electronics
  • Film Photography
  • Game Designer
  • Radio
  • Social Media
  • Video Production
  • Web Designer
  • Astronomy
  • ATV/Dune Buggy
  • Backpacking
  • BMX Bikes
  • Caving
  • Climbing Wall
  • Geocaching
  • Go Karts
  • High/Low Ropes
  • Motorbike
  • Orienteering
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Outdoor Education
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rocketry
  • Scouting
  • White-water Kayaking
  • White-water Rafting
  • Wilderness Trip Leader
  • Child Care
  • Disability Studies
  • Language Arts
  • Nature Studies
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Personal Trainer
  • Physical Ed Teacher
  • Physical Therapy
  • Religious Studies
  • Special Ed Teacher
  • Teacher (ages 11-16)
  • Teacher (ages 5-10)

Support Staff Skills

  • Camp Store/Canteen
  • Office
  • Mail Room
  • Phones
  • Data Entry
  • Building Repairs
  • Grounds Work
  • Handy Person
  • Landscaping
  • Facilities Manager
  • General Cleaner
  • Housekeeper
  • Janitor/Sanitation
  • Laundry
  • Food Prep
  • Chef/Assistant Chef
  • Dishwashing
  • Food Server

The Details

Eligibility

To participate in the Camp Counselors USA program, you must meet the following requirements:

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CCUSA Benefits

The benefits of going with CCUSA are endless, but here are just a few highlights.

Confirmed Placement

CCUSA works hard to find the perfect camp placement for your personality and skill set!

Insurance Coverage

As part of your program, CCUSA provides you with comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of your camp contract period.

Accommodation & Meals

All participants are housed at camp (e.g. cabin, platform tent, dormitory), and meals are provided to all staff at camp.

Visa Sponsorship

CCUSA is a designated BridgeUSA J-1 visa sponsor. By using CCUSA you will be sponsored and supported by a company that works directly with the US Department of State.

Pocket Money

You'll receive a stipend/wages for your work at camp.

24-Hour Support

Once you are in the USA, CCUSA is available to assist you 24/7! Our toll-free US number is answered by a trained CCUSA staff member at all times.

Pre-departure Orientation with CCUSA

Prior to leaving for the USA, you'll have an orientation meeting to prepare you for your summer adventure.

30-Day Grace Period to Travel after Camp

After you successfully complete your camp contract period, you're visa allows you to travel in the US for 30-days before retuning home.

Pocket Money

Wages

Your Pocket Money (wages) are determined by:

  • Position you are hired for at camp – Counselor or Support Staff
  • Which flight option you select. Please note with the ‘Own flight option’ you earn significantly more to compensate your purchasing your own flight.

 

The wages/pocket money is based on a 9-week contract at camp (11-weeks for participants placed at Day Camps) and is paid to you directly by your camp based on their pay periods (weekly, monthly or at the end of the summer in which case you may take pay advances). If you work longer than 9-weeks (11-weeks for Day Camps) you will be paid an additional amount per working day as follows:

  • $45 USD per day for Counselor positions
  • $49 USD per day for Support Staff positions

Fees and Costs

Total CCUSA FIRST-TIME fees as low as

425(without flights)
Application Deposit Fee = €65
(Upon submission of online application)
Acceptance Fee = €180
(within 14 days of acceptance)
Final installment = €180
(within 48 hours of placement)
We also offer a limited number of spaces on a ‘flights included’ option. Please contact us for further information.

Total CCUSA RETURNEE fees

395(without flights)

Additional Costs

Please note there are additional costs to consider as part of the program. These amounts are paid directly to the third party listed (not paid to CCUSA):
  • Embassy appointment fee = US$185 (roughly €170)
  • Police Check/ICPC = FREE
  • Health History Form = Free to complete. Pre-existing health conditions may require further information from your GP. This could incur additional costs.

Returning Staff

Why Return with CCUSA

  • Simple & easy application (if you’ve been to camp with CCUSA before, most of your application will already be complete).
  • No interview needed.
  • Lower fees.
  • Earn more at camp (you will negotiate your pocket money with your camp).
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Applying

The Application Process

FIRST TIME Application Process
Step 1
Are you ready for camp!? To begin your application, click the link below. You will need to complete the online application form.
Step 2
When we receive your online application, a CCUSA team member will contact you to set up your in-person or virtual interview. From there, CCUSA will guide you every step of the way from preparing for camp to preparing for your visa interview. We are the summer camp experts!
Step 3
Once you complete the online application form, upload a photo and a short intro video (one minute or less).

RETURNEE Application Process

If you have worked at camp before (regardless of which visa sponsor you used previously) and wish to return to camp, CCUSA can assist you!  Follow the link below to apply.

PRE-PLACED Application Process

If you have secured your own job offer with a camp, CCUSA can assist you with your visa. You will need to have a copy of your job offer to upload when you begin your CCUSA application online. Follow the link below to apply.

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