Work at an American Summer Camp this 2026

Last updated: 17th March, 2026 - Article updated to include information on the J1, nonimmigrant visa integrity fee.

How and Why You Should Work at a Summer Camp in the USA

Working at a summer camp in the USA can be one of the easiest ways for travellers to stay in America legally, earn money, and travel afterwards without spending thousands of pounds upfront.

Working at summer camps in America or elsewhere for summer season, offering accommodation, meals, a wage or stipend, and a social experience built around cultural exchange.

This guide explains how Camp America works, what jobs are available, how much you can earn, visa requirements, and which companies travellers use to get placed.

Camp America Summer 2026

What Is Camp America?

Camp America is a cultural exchange programme that places international travellers into US summer camps for around 9–12 weeks, usually between June and August.

Camps range from:

Traditional overnight camps with cabins and outdoor activities

Sports-focused camps

Arts, music and performance camps

Special needs camps

Day camps near major cities

You live on site, work full-time, and become part of a close-knit international staff community.

Who Can Apply?

While requirements vary slightly by provider, most programmes require that you:

Are aged 18–30

Hold a passport from an eligible country (UK, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and others)

Speak conversational English

Are available for the full summer season

Pass medical and background checks

You do not need to be a student for most placements.

Job Roles:

Camp Counsellor

These are the most common positions and involve:

Supervising a cabin group

Leading daily activities

Supporting camper wellbeing

Useful skills include:

Sports coaching

Swimming or lifeguarding

Arts, music or drama

Outdoor leadership

Teaching or childcare experience

Support Staff

Support roles suit travellers who prefer less direct childcare/higher wage/more time off.

Examples include:

Kitchen assistant

Maintenance

Housekeeping

Office or admin roles

Support staff often:

Earn hourly wages

Have clearer work boundaries

Get more personal free time

Do I Need A Visa for Camp America?

Yes, in order to participate in Camp America you will need to have a J-1 Cultural Exchange Visa.

With this visa you can legally work at a summer camp, and travel within the US after camp for up to 30 days.

Depending on the company you choose, they will sponsor the visa and handle the paperwork. You can check each of the major companies below.

I've Heard About A New Visa Integrity Fee: Do I Have To Pay It?

Not yet. The fee was scheduled to come into place around October 2025 for all those applying for nonimmigrant visas (most visa types except ESTA visa waivers) however to date, it has still not come into effect. It is proposed it will be by October, 2026 however could be sooner. It will cost $250 and providing you meet the terms of the visa, i.e. no unauthorised employment and do not overstay the visa, you will receive it back after the visa expires. This is in addition to the normal visa fee. For J1 Visas, this is currently $185. You will pay the fee only when your visa is issued; if it is denied you will not pay.

Will I Need To Give Access To All My Social Media?

There have been proposals by the authorities regarding this, however, until otherwise announced; giving social media information as part of an ESTA application at this time, remains optional. You can read more about the details in our Visiting the US? Social Media Please article.

How Much Can You Earn?

How much you can earn varies by the role and the company you choose to go through.

Camp counsellors can earn approx. between $1,200–$2,000.

Support staff can earn roughly $10–$15 per hour

Food and accommodation are included, so most of your earnings can be saved or used for travel after camp.

How Much Does Camp America Cost?

Most programmes charge a one-off participation fee covering:

Placement services

Visa sponsorship

Training and orientation

Basic insurance

US-based support

Typical fees range from £300–£800, depending on:

• Role type
• Application timing
• Provider
• Country of residence

Costs are outlined below for each company, with salary depending on if you choose own flights/flights included.

Main Companies Offering Camp America Jobs and Upcoming Recruitment Fairs 2026

These are the main companies for Camp America aimed at UK and EU travellers and date of upcoming recruitment fairs:

CIEE Bridge USA UK

Has the lowest programme fee of only £189.

Initial deposit is £49.

Minimum camp salary of $2200.

US Embassy Fee not included approx $185.

Flights not included

Travel insurance not included

Police Check £21.50

AmeriCamp

Popular with European applicants

Lower-cost options available

Suitable for returnees

Start application for free - pay in full on placement: £399

Start with £49 deposit, pay over 3 instalments, total cost: £419

Flights not included

Additional Fees:

Health History Form: £0-100

Background Check: £85

J-1 Visa Processing Fee - $185 USD payable to US Embassy for Visa Appointment

Ameri Camp Job Fairs on Website:

14th January 2026 - Edinburgh, UK

17th January 2026 - Manchester, UK

18th January 2026 - London, UK

Camp America

Largest placement network

Ideal for first-time applicants

Strong support systems

Higher upfront fee, high reliability

£489 - Book own flight required - Up to $2250 salary depending on role

£695 - Return flights included - Up to $1650 salary depending on role

Camp America Job Fairs

28th, February 2026 - London, UK

25th, January 2026 - Glasgow & Manchester, UK

24th, January 2026 - London, UK

Camp Counselors USA

Well-established

Wide range of camp types

Competitive pricing options for Do it Yourself (no-flight)

From £375 - Book own flight required

Pay: Own Flight:

CCUSA Flight: $2300

Camp Counselors: $1250

Support Staff: $1200

No CCUSA Job Fairs Listed on Website

USA Summer Camp

UK-focused support

Camp and seasonal placements

Flexible entry points

Pay: Minimum of $2300 if choose own flights.

£349 - Book own flight required

£549 - Return flights included

USA Summer Camp Job Fairs

7th, March 2026 - London, UK

24th, January 2026 - London, UK

22nd, January 2026 - Dublin, Ireland

You can also search for roles and contact Camp Directors directly on Camp Channel's website, providing you can obtain a J1 visa:

Can You Travel After Camp?

Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of working at a summer camp.

Many travellers enjoy the rest of their summer in the US before heading back to the UK/Europe and others continue on to Central/South America.

Top Tips to Applying for Camp America

Apply early for better camp options

Make a video application, this will help you stand out and show off your personality to camps more suited

Be honest about your skills

Budget for flights and post-camp travel

Treat it as a cultural exchange, not just a job

Plan your US travel route in advance