American Camp Crew
- Up to 4 months
PLEASE NOTE – RECRUITMENT FOR THE SUMMER 2024 SEASON IS NOW CLOSED.
Summer camp is a cherished U.S. tradition! Each year, thousands of children and teenagers head to summer camps across the country to experience cabin life, campfires, hikes, sports, arts and crafts, new activities, water fun, and to meet new friends. Camps need qualified, friendly, caring staff members who love working with children to support their campers, facilitate activities, and ensure a positive, safe experience.
That’s where you come in!
The Camp Crew Experience lasts approximately 9 weeks, (depends on the camp) typically between the months of May-August. Whether you have prior experience or are looking to try something new, the Camp Crew Experience welcomes those who LOVE working with children and are eager to learn, work hard, challenge themselves and create lasting memories.
This may be the hardest job you ever challenger yourself with, but you’ll also discover yourself, become more resilient, and make friends that will last you a lifetime. A true-life changing experience.
the last 3 months are an experience I'll never forget
A great two months working at the camp
Lifeguard
Ropes Course Counselor
What the program includes
Camp
Placement
Up to a 4-month* full-time placement in one of our amazing summer camps across the USA if hired through interviews with both Alliance Abroad’s Camp Crew staff as well as the Camp Director.
Compensation
Guaranteed allowance - minimum 1,750 USD, which can offset the program's costs and support your travel adventures afterward. See below for more details.
Housing
& Meals
Traditional Host Camps provide housing and meals. These details will be outlined in your host camp offer letter.
Program Readiness & Regulations
We work with you in advance to prepare you for your adventure and provide you with an orientation about what to expect. We will also have virtual info sessions you can attend to learn more about camp life and ask questions.
Sponsorship &
J-1 Visa Support
All necessary documentation and professional guidance so you can apply for your J-1 Visa to the United States.
Emergency
Support
24/7 emergency support from our participant support team. Access to Alliance Abroad’s Participant Portal with program guidance and helpful tools.
Medical
Insurance
Medical insurance coverage for the duration of your program for health emergencies or sickness.
You may be eligible to participate in this program if:
- At least 18 years of age.
- One of the following: teacher, youth worker, student, or someone with special skills that are needed at camp (i.e., sports, ropes course, boat driving, ceramics, etc.)
- Proficient in English (excellent conversation and comprehension skills)
Step 1
Fill out your Application & Meet Your Sponsor
Have a relaxed chat with one of our Camp Crew team members. We’ll review your application, video, eligibility, answer questions, and find out how you fit into this exciting opportunity. There is a $50 USD non-refundable application fee which will be applied to your $595 fee with successful interview.
Step 2
Matching
We work to find you a placement with a host camp that suits your skills, personality, and participation dates. Our available positions are updated frequently. While you’re waiting for this opportunity your profile will also be available for our registered camps to review.
Step 3
Interview with Host Camp
Participate in a friendly host camp interview with Camp Director once a match is made. This is your time to shine and make a great impression on your future employer!
Step 4
Complete Your Application
Congratulations! Now that you’re hired, you need to complete your application and submit all remaining required documents and final fees to Alliance Abroad. Your camp employer will also have an application for you to fill out.
Step 5
Schedule Your Visa Appointment
Once you have received your visa paperwork from Alliance Abroad, you may schedule your J-1 visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy in your home country. It’s an important step, and we’re here to help if you need it!
Step 6
Start Planning Your Summer
Once your visa is approved, it’s time to start planning. You can purchase your flights once you receive your visa. Be sure to let Alliance Abroad and your host camp know when you are arriving!
Step 7
Pre-Departure Orientation
Attend one of our many virtual and in person pre-departure orientations. Ask questions about your program, get all the need-to-know information, and meet other Alliance Abroad Camp Counselors just like you! Now you’re all set for an enjoyable and unforgettable summer, filled with new friendships, and learning experiences. Enjoy the journey!
FAQ
A lot of the process depends on you – how quickly you complete your tasks, paperwork and follow directions. We have placed highly motivated applicants in as little as one week with the right timing of an available position; some applicants have taken up to 3 months.
We work with camps throughout the United States. You can request your preferred areas; however, we cannot guarantee placement. We recommend being open to the possibility of having an amazing summer at any camp we find suitable for you and enjoy traveling through the USA during your 30-day travel period after your program ends.
Pay depends on your skills and experience. Camp counselor salaries may be referred to as “pocket money” or “stipend.” You will also receive housing and meals with your total package living at the camp during the summer.
You may be offered more for your position; below are our required minimums:
- Overnight / Sleep-away camps: $2000 for 9 weeks (including orientation)
- Day camp: $1750 for 9 weeks (including orientation)
It is very important that you do not book your travel until you have an approved visa in your possession. Your host camp will provide you with a day / time to arrive at a specific airport where they will meet you and provide transportation to your new home for the summer. If they do not provide transportation, they will offer travel instructions to follow.
You are responsible for the purchase of your flights. This keeps our fees lower and gives you control of your travel plans.
Once you are hired at a summer camp, they will send you a list of suggested items and do their best to prepare you for your summer experience.
Our policy is not to interview or hire people in relationships. If you apply with your partner your application will be treated as an individual and we will not allow you to be hired as a couple at the same summer camp. We will consider friends applying however we do not guarantee placement at the same camp. All applicants are treated as individuals.
Please disclose all requests on your Alliance Abroad application and discuss in your initial intake with a Camp Crew team member. We will do our best to make sure your requests are met to the best of our ability.
Alliance Abroad is responsible for ensuring your health, safety, and welfare while on the Camp Crew program. We provide 24/7 emergency support while in the USA and help for all concerns that are not emergencies during business hours. We also provide mandatory medical insurance coverage as part of your program fee.
Please read our Program Terms and Conditions carefully prior to signing; it explains all the rules and regulations for the Camp Crew program. Alliance Abroad requires you to check-in with us upon arrival as well as at least twice while you are at camp, to let us know you are doing okay.
We hope that you intend to apply and complete your program, but understand life happens. If you need to cancel the program after your DS-2019 has been issued, you will receive a refund of the $595 paid to Alliance Abroad minus the $50 application fee and a $50 cancellation fee. We are not responsible for any additional fees incurred for this process including but not limited to background checks, doctor visits, Embassy fees, SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee and/or any items purchased.
Please read our Program Terms and Conditions carefully prior to signing; it explains all the rules and regulations for the Camp Crew program. Alliance Abroad requires you to check-in with us upon arrival as well as at least twice while you are at camp, to let us know you are doing okay.
Ready to take a leap?
Your next adventure starts now…
