The United States of America is a country like no other and a summer spent between the sparkling waters of the Pacific, to the bustling and vibrant streets of New York is truly a life changing experience. We at USA Summer Camp pride ourselves on organising working holidays for thousands of individuals every year! The choice of roles and jobs available for a summer in the US is endless, and can seem rather daunting, especially for first-time applicants! We have compiled a synopsis of each of our programs to make your decision a little easier!
Working at an American summer camp is – in our opinion – one of the most epic ways to spend a working holiday! Eight weeks in the sun at a camp with facilities that rival even the most prestigious European universities, learning new skills, making lifelong friends, and earning money at the same time is an experience of a lifetime.
You will be hired either as a camp counselor or a specialist counselor, or as a member of the support staff. Camp counselors are essentially campers themselves. Their main role is to do all of the activities with the kids and have fun! Specialist counselors teach a specific skill or run an activity. They’re sports coaches, lifeguards, they teach art, drama, music, gymnastics, and the majority of camps now have insane elective centres where the kids learn 3D printing, photoshop, robotics, and videography.
Remember, as a camp counselor, you will be joining in on these activities with the kids too! Then, support staff members are the backbone of camp. They work in the kitchens, the office, landscaping, and ensure that camp looks beautiful and runs perfectly!
When you sign up to our summer camp program, you will be guaranteed one of the highest salaries in the camp industries – a minimum of $2,000, your accommodation and food is included, your visa sponsorship and paperwork (which you cannot work in the US without), access to online hiring fairs, pre departure support, a 24/7 hotline when you are in the US AND 30 days to holiday in the US after camp! Importantly, we at USA Summer Camp work with over 700 camps all across the US and we have a 100% placement rate, so you are guaranteed a job at camp once you sign up!
With your job, food, accommodation, and pocket money included in this program there is literally nothing to worry about and so much to enjoy! The eligibility requirements for the camp program are also amazing! You just need to be 18 or older by the time camp begins, and you do not need to be in full time education to be a counselor! However, if you see yourself more as a member of the support staff, then you will need to be in full time education.
Our USA Summer Jobs program is designed for those seeking to work in either the tourism or hospitality industries in dream locations all across the United States! If you see yourself in the pristine country clubs of Connecticut, the beach front seafood restaurants of Cape Cod, or in an ice cream parlor atop a golden Californian beach, then this program would be perfect for you!
This program offers an opportunity to see new places and make new friends, or travel with your friends from home! Year on year, our applicants travel from home in large numbers and have the most insane summer, making memories that will last forever. In order to participate in the J1 Summer Jobs program you need to be aged between 18-30 and you need to be enrolled in a 4-year University degree.
J1 Visa
Importantly, you cannot spend a working holiday in the US without first attaining the correct visa. The visa process can seem rather confusing, but at USA Summer Camp, we guarantee to make the process as simple and painless as possible!
We work with a visa sponsor designated by the USA State Department and ensure that your visa paperwork is organised in time for your Embassy interview. You will receive your DS2019 Certificate of Eligibility as well as your SEVIS Receipt – you cannot work in the US, and you cannot apply for your visa without these!
When it comes to the time that you need to book your Embassy interview, we are on hand every step of the way. You will have access to our helpful instructions and guidebooks, and we are only a phone call away throughout the process should you ever have any questions or need any assistance!
Applicants who hold American passports who will not need a J1 visa, will still have access to top paid positions at camp and will be supported in securing an amazing job at camp!
Embassy Appointment
Another element of the visa process will be your Embassy interview which will be conducted in person in Dublin for participants working with our Irish office, and in either Belfast or London for participants working with our UK office. With our support, the Embassy appointment is a super simple process.
Preparation is key for this step and with our support and instructions, you can secure your visa in less than 2 hours in total! We ensure that all of your documents are in order so that all you need to do on the day of your interview, is head into the Embassy and have your passport and documents stamped. After your interview, your passport will be sent back to you in the mail and your J1 visa will be printed inside!
We’re Here To Help!
If you’re finding it difficult to choose between the amazing programs that we at USA Summer Camp have on offer, please reach out to us! We all have years of experience working in the US in as many capacities as you can think of! We can set up an informal chat to learn more about you, and we will help you create a summer that you will NEVER forget!