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FAQ

How old do I have to be to work at a summer camp?
You must be at least 18 years of age by June 1st in the year in which you wish to travel.

What time period do summer camps run?
Usually 9 weeks to four months.

What company should I apply with?
We recommend the following companies:

BUNAC
Travel programmes offering anyone aged 18+ a unique opportunity to work abroad.

Camp America
Spend your summer in the U.S.A. living & working at summer camps.

CCUSA
CCUSA has been a summer camp specialist since it was established in 1986.

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How do you know what camp life is like?
Why not read past participant diaries:
Read CCUSA Staff Diaries
View Camp America Staff Diaries
Browse a BUNAC counsellor's experience

Do I have to undergo a criminal record check?
Yes, everyone who wants to work at a summer camp needs to be vetted. If you have a criminal record you will not be eligible to go.

Should I find myself a camp or leave it to the company?
Although you can leave it to your company to find you a camp, we recommend you independently find a placement prior to leaving for the USA. Find a summer camp job in the USA and Canada.

How long after your application was sent to the camps until you got a place?
It depends, you be be placed that day, or even have to wait until you arrive in the USA. Contact your company for more details.

What is the latest date I can depart for camp?
You need to be flexible with your dates around June and July. Anytime later and you would need to contact your camp or company you are going with.

Can I apply to go to the same camp as my friend?
We recommend that you do not go to camp with a friend or partner. Hiring companies can not guarantee that you will be placed with another person. Summer camp directors hire staff who have specific skills and so it is not always possible to send two people to one camp. If you apply early, and find a camp the chances will be higher. Apply to camps in the USA now.

Do I have to arrange my own flights, insurance and visa?
If you apply with one of the companies we listed, e.g. BUNAC, Camp America or CCUSA, no. Once you have been accepted they will deal with all your summer. it's time to get excited about your summer ahead as they will organise your insurance and visa, although you will be required to go to the US Embassy to have you visa application approved.

Is there a fee for the visa interview?
Yes, the US Government have introduced an interview fee which you will be expected to pay to them when you go to the Embassy.

Will working at a summer camp improve my employment opportunities?
Definitely. It shows that you are an independent and flexible.

How do I find a summer camp job in the USA?
Browse our summer camp jobs in the USA. Or visit our partner website and apply to work at thousands of summer camps in the USA, UK, Europe and worldwide.

Can I incorporate working at a summer camp as part of a gap year?
Yes, every summer participants choose to travel around the world, and being based in the USA is a perfect gateway to the world. Please visit our partner gap year website for more information

I have signed up to go to camp but still haven't got a placement...help!
Do not panic, there are thousands of people in your situation. Your hiring company may even fly you over to the destination without a placement.

Can I travel in the US after camp?
Yes, you have the option of staying in the US until your Visa runs out. A large number of counsellors take up the opportunity to travel around America and then go West to explore the world, please visit our travel section

What if I want to find out more?
All of the general information you require should be listed on the website, but if you can not find it or if you have a specific question that is not answered you can e-mail us. Or ask a question on the Message Forum. Our resident summer camp expert Matt Evans who attends Eagles Nest Camp in North Carolina will help with any questions you may have on our forum.

FAQ Forum Topics

Past Counselor Feedback

"I'm going to hopefully be a counsellor this summer, but don't have any experience with children, but really want to go. Will it really matter when it comes to the interviews?" Kate, Birmingham

"Being a camp coordinator, i've passed a lot of person in interviews. What's important: be yourself and please, participate! You have to show us that you have some caring skills, that you are responsible and will not take stupid risk. We like to see some leadership, but no overstepping on other's ideas. We like energetic people, but no "over-doers". What we really want is to see your personnality, your talents (music? art? storytelling? sports?) and your love of kids and outdoors." Rose, Canada

"As a director, I look for at least one of two things: a strong skill (for example: lifesaving) or child care experience (babysitting will do) If you have both- great, if you have neither- you are not looking so favorable. Remember, there are thousands of applicants just like you, you have to stand out in some way or you will not get hired. You don't need tons of experience but you are not going to get very far with none." Litchfield, Conneticut

"Can anyone tell me in general what the food on camp is like? I'm quite a healthy eater and I'm a bit worried it might all be pizza and junk! I don't mind a bit of junk, but I'm not too keen on eating it all day every day for 9 weeks!!!!" Rebecca England

"Don't worry there are usually lots of options, at my camp some of the food was very deep fried ala fish sticks & the chicken slop option is bizarre!!! But lots of salads, fruit, fresh drinks, yogurts, vegtables etc." Paul, England

"We generally had a lot of choice. fruit was available all day, salad bars at lunch and dinner. Breakfast is cereals, yoghurt, and a variety of typical american things: bagels, pancakes etc... Lunch is very high energy food, occasionally going towards junk (burgers etc) to keep the kids going all day but tends to be potato, pasta, chicken based... Dinner is a proper meal, with vegetables for nutrituon What you've got to remember is the camps are responsible for the kids' health so they won't ply them with fatty foods all day, which makes it easier to bribe them with candy hehe" Richard Small, Reading

For more information please visit our Message Forum

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