Special Needs Counsellors

As a Special Needs Counsellor, you’ll help campers with additional support needs enjoy the full American summer camp experience. Your role is all about encouragement, patience, teamwork and making sure every camper feels included, supported and ready to get involved.

From helping campers take part in activities to being a friendly, reassuring face throughout the day, this is one of the most rewarding roles at camp. If you’re caring, positive and ready to make a difference, this could be the perfect summer role for you.

What You’ll Do

As a Special Needs Counsellor, you’ll support campers with a range of additional needs, which may include physical, emotional, learning or developmental disabilities.

Your days will be filled with camp activities, daily routines, teamwork and plenty of unforgettable moments. You may support campers one-to-one or as part of a wider team, helping them enjoy camp life in a safe, fun and inclusive environment.

Expect to:

Support campers during daily routines and activity sessions.
Help campers take part in sports, arts, music, drama, swimming and camp traditions.
Encourage confidence, independence and friendship.
Work closely with other counsellors, specialists and camp leaders.
Adapt activities so every camper can get involved.
Bring energy, patience and positivity to every part of the day.

You don’t need to know everything before you arrive. Camps are looking for people with a caring attitude, a willingness to learn and the confidence to get stuck in.

Where You Can Work

We work with over 700 summer camps across the USA. You could spend your summer in New York, Washington, Boston, or California, with your days off giving you the chance to explore even more! After camp, you’ll have four weeks to travel and see even more of America.

Types of Special Needs Counsellor Roles

Special Needs Counsellor roles can vary depending on the camp and the level of support each camper needs. You could be helping campers with daily routines, supporting them during activities, encouraging social interaction or helping them build confidence throughout their stay.

You might get involved in:

One-to-one camper support
Group activities and camp games
Adapted sports and outdoor activities
Arts, crafts, music and drama
Swimming and waterfront activities
Mealtimes, cabin routines and evening programmes

Previous experience in care, childcare, volunteering, coaching, healthcare, education or supporting people with additional needs can be helpful, but it is not always essential.

The most important thing is that you are patient, kind, reliable and ready to help every camper have an amazing summer.

Perks and Salary

Free accommodation
Stay on-site in cabins, tents, or dorms.
Free food and drinks
Enjoy meals provided by camp.
Competitive salary
Earn a minimum of $2,300 for the summer, depending on your age and flight package.
Travel time
Explore the USA for 30 days after camp.

A Typical Day at Camp

As a Special Needs Counsellor, you’ll be part of your campers’ daily routine, helping them feel confident, included and ready to enjoy everything camp has to offer.

Every day is different, but your schedule might look like this:

Morning:
Wake up, help campers get ready, join breakfast and start the day with camp traditions.
Daytime:
Support campers during activities, meals, rest periods and group sessions.
Afternoon:
Help campers try new things, build confidence and take part at their own pace.
Evening:
Join in with campfires, talent shows, themed nights and other camp traditions.
Days Off:
Relax with friends, explore local areas or take day trips further afield.

Most activities focus on participation, confidence and fun. You’ll help campers achieve personal goals, whether that’s trying a new activity, making a friend or simply having a brilliant day at camp.

Skills You Need

You don’t need formal experience, just a caring attitude and a willingness to learn!
Key skills include:

Communication
Interact clearly and positively with campers and staff.

Empathy
Understand that every camper is different and may need support in different ways.

Patience
Stay calm, encouraging and supportive throughout the day.

Adaptability
Be ready to adjust activities and routines so everyone can take part.

Energy & Enthusiasm
A fun, caring and positive attitude goes a long way.

Who Can Apply?

Be at least 18 years old by June 1st.
Be available for at least 9 weeks over the summer.
Have a clean criminal record.
Be from the UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, or Iceland.
US citizens are also welcome to apply.

Previous experience supporting children, young people or people with additional needs can strengthen your application, but the right attitude is just as important.

To be a Special Needs Counsellor, you must:

J-1 Visa and Travel

To work at camp, you’ll need a J-1 visa. We’ll help you with the process, partnering with an official visa sponsor to get everything sorted.

After camp, you’ll have 30 extra days to travel, shop, or take part in events before heading home.

Apply Now!

Be part of an unforgettable summer experience and make a truly meaningful difference in the lives of campers as a Special Needs Counsellor.

No formal qualifications are needed – just patience, positive energy, a caring attitude and a real willingness to get stuck in.

Apply today and get ready for a rewarding summer adventure.

Apply Now

We’re here to help!

Speak with one of our experts

Talk to us now

Got questions? No stress – just give us a call! We’re here to help, no awkward chats, just friendly advice from people who’ve been to camp and know the deal.

0121 411 9165

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