Camp and Travel
Camp and Travel America is a cultural exchange program for university students who want to spend the summer working at a summer camp in the United States. Participants work as camp counselors, looking after children under 18 and helping them with camp activities. Once accepted by a camp, you can legally work in the US for the duration of the program and then stay for up to one month after your camp ends to travel around America.
A Cultural Exchange Program in America
Applicants from different countries are evaluated by advisors of the official Camp program sponsors, who are formally authorized by the US Government, according to their interests and skills. Sponsors accept the applicants they consider suitable for the program and place them at camps that match their profile.
The program length depends on the camp you are placed at, typically between 9 and 15 weeks.
Application Requirements
- Be a university student
- Have at least an intermediate level of English
- Be between 19 and 23 years old
- Work in a profession involving young people (e.g. teaching) or have a specific interest or skill such as arts or sports
- Have no health problems
- Have no criminal record
- Be able to arrive in the US by 15 June at the latest
- Be able to spend June–August in the US
- Have a positive, flexible and confident attitude
Job Option 1: Camp Counselor
Camp counselors lead and look after children aged 7–16 who attend the camp. As role models, they help campers take part in activities and are responsible for running events throughout the camp.
Job Option 2: Support Staff
Support staff are responsible for the everyday tasks needed to keep the camp running. They work in the kitchen, in camp cleaning and in maintenance. Unlike camp counselors, support staff do not take on responsibility for the children at the camp.
Program Fees
You can find the fee details below. If you are returning to the same camp for a second time (returner), the program is more affordable – contact our advisors for details.
| Application Deadline | Pre-Registration | Camp Acceptance | Visa Approval | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 October 2026 | USD 150 | USD 100 | Min. USD 2,200 | |
| 30 November 2026 | USD 150 | USD 100 | Min. USD 2,200 | |
| 31 December 2026 | USD 150 | USD 100 | Min. USD 2,200 | |
| 31 January 2027 | USD 150 | USD 100 | Min. USD 2,200 | |
| 28 February 2027 | USD 150 | USD 100 | USD 850 | Min. USD 2,200 |
What Is Included in the Program Fee?
- Support preparing your profile on the website where camps contact and interview you
- Support with camp research and job placement
- Work permit document sent from the US (DS-2019 form required for the J-1 visa application)
- US visa application consultancy
- Accommodation and meals during the camp
- Support throughout the program
- Camp and Travel T-shirt
What Is Not Included?
- Pocket money to take with you to the US: USD 250 (for transport on arrival and other expenses)
- Visa application fee: USD 185
- SEVIS fee: USD 35
Program Duration
The program lasts between a minimum of 9 weeks (63 days) and 15 weeks, depending on the agreement between the camp and the participant. The minimum 9-week agreement can be extended if needed, and participants receive extra pay for the additional time.
Travel Period (1 Month)
Camp and Travel is a cultural exchange program offered by the US Government. Under the program, participants are given a legal period of one month to travel in America from the day they leave the camp.
How Much Can I Earn?
After about two months of work you will earn a minimum salary of USD 2,200. This amount can be higher depending on the camp or your experience – each camp sets its own salary.
What Are American Camps Looking For?
| Category | Target Positions & Roles | What Camps Are Looking For |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | General Camp Counselor Cabin Leader | Education & age: High school graduate and at least 18 years old (21+ preferred). Dates: Fully available between 28 May and 2 August (or longer). Adaptability: Respect for the values of faith-based camps. Flexibility: Open to working with children or adults with disabilities. |
| Waterfront & Outdoor | Swimming Instructor Lifeguard Boat Driver Adventure Leader | Critical need: Male swimming instructors aged 21+ are especially in demand. Certification: Able to obtain a lifeguard certificate before arrival. Activities: Sailing, kayaking, archery, climbing wall. Nature: Maturity to lead wilderness trips. |
| Sports | Team Sports Coach (Football, Basketball) Individual Sports Coach (Tennis, Horse Riding) Fitness & Dance Instructor | Teaching skills: Playing is not enough – you need to teach children patiently. Variety: Secondary hobbies alongside your main sport (e.g. a footballer who also mountain bikes). Age: Instructors aged 21+ have an advantage. |
| Arts & Creative | Workshop Leader Photographer / Videographer Arts & Crafts Instructor Kitchen Staff | Technical skills: Woodwork, ceramics, leatherwork, stone carving. Media: Darkroom experience is a big plus for photographers. Other: Specific areas such as culinary arts and jewellery design. |
| Music & Performing Arts | Musician (Guitar, Piano, Drums) Rock Band Coach Theatre Instructor | Male candidates: Male applicants with musical talent (especially if they also play sports) are placed fastest. Performance: Coaching camper rock bands and preparing them for the stage. Instruments: Command of guitar, drums, bass guitar and keyboard. |
| Leadership | Team Leader Coordinator | Mentoring: Enjoy working with and guiding children. Experience: Camp experience is not required for Team Leader, but leadership and crisis management skills are required for Coordinator roles. Confidence: Able to solve staff and camper issues. |
Ready for a Summer in America?
Fill in the form and our advisors will guide you through the Camp and Travel America application.
Apply Now