Frequently Asked Questions

If you want to work as a Camp Counsellor or Specialist Camp Counsellor at Summer Camp in America, you don’t need to be a student at University.

Find out more about becoming a Camp Counsellor or Specialist Camp Counsellor.

If you’re looking for a Support Staff role then you need to be a student currently enrolled in a Degree length course with a minimum duration of two years.

Find out more about Support Staff jobs.

Any experience you have working with children will be a bonus – from voluntary groups, sports clubs, or work experience – but it’s not totally necessary. Even having a younger sibling can help your profile stand out!

Camps typically hire people based on their personality and their skills. So if you’re an expert football coach, trainable or qualified lifeguard, or you have another specialist skill then Summer Camps will be interested in
hiring you.

There’s more information about the activities on offer at Summer Camp Activities & Roles.

Amazing! Of course, we welcome applicants with US citizenship. Ultimately we still get you a summer in America, a camp placement, complete our pre-departure orientation and get our expert service. You won’t need a visa to go over to the US, so you’ll save money by not needing a US Embassy appointment!

You need to be at least 18 years old by 1st June in the year that you’re looking to go and work at Summer Camp in America.

If you’re between 18 and 30 years old then we can definitely help you get out to America this summer.

We work with more than 700 Summer Camps in America, and they all start on different dates, so there’s no one right answer to this question.

Generally, if you’re available between June and September then you’re likely to be able to go and work at Summer Camp. The earlier you’re available the better!

The absolute latest date you must be available by is 20th June as this is the latest date that camps we work with get started. Similarly, you need to be able to work in America until at least the 15th of August.

Camps run for 9-12 weeks, and you need to be available for the full duration.

We get asked this question a lot, but it’s something that we simply can’t guarantee will happen.

Ultimately, hiring decisions are left to the camps and who they hire is down to the positions that they’re recruiting for and the skills that applicants highlight on their profile. This means camps normally hire individuals rather than pairs or groups of people.

In most cases, friends will end up working at different Summer Camps and then meet up to travel together during the 30 day grace period after camp finishes.

There’s more information about travelling after camp.

When we call you for your first telephone interview, we will discuss these issues with you if you do have a criminal background or health conditions. Depending on your situation, we will be able to discuss this case by case and assess the best plan of action.

Once your profile is completed and reviewed by our team, it becomes visible to over 700 camps across the USA. Camps looking for your skills may shortlist you and reach out to arrange a video call interview.

Placement time varies for each person. It depends on when you apply, how strong your profile is, whether you’ve uploaded a video, and if your documents are in order. Attending a Placement Fair can help speed up the process dramatically.

Camp interviews are usually done via video call. They’re relaxed and friendly – a chance for you to showcase your personality and talk about your experience, interests, and why you’d make a great camp staff member.

Once your camp confirms you, you’re officially hired! We’ll guide you through the next steps, including visa preparation, flight planning, and getting ready for camp life.

If you chose the ‘flights included’ package, we’ll book your flights and send you the itinerary. If you picked the ‘own flights’ option, you’re responsible for booking your own return ticket and uploading the details to your account.

Potentially – just give us a call and we’ll look into it for you. Changes may incur additional fees, depending on the airline and ticket type.

Call us on 0121 411 9165 if there’s a delay of 90 minutes or more. If your flight is cancelled, contact our 24-hour emergency number (available in your account) and we’ll support you from there.

This depends on your airline. Your flight itinerary should include baggage details, but if not, check the airline’s website directly.

No – you must book a return flight that clearly shows your exit from the USA after your visa ends.

Your camp will provide arrival instructions, and many arrange airport pickups. You’ll receive this information before flying.

Yes. Like any cultural exchange programme, there are fees involved. These cover support, placement, visa paperwork, insurance, and more.

The first instalment of £150 is due within 7 days of paying your £49 deposit. This is taken automatically from the same card unless you tell us otherwise.

These are essential costs outside our control – such as your DBS check and U.S. Embassy visa fee. We list them clearly on our pricing page.

There’s a £49 deposit to secure your place, paid once you’ve had a call with our team and are ready to move forward.

We accept all major credit and debit cards, plus Apple Pay. All payments go through our secure system for peace of mind.

You’ll earn more by going with USA Summer Camp than with most other providers. You’ll be paid a minimum of $2,300. We strive to provide higher salaries than other summer camp providers, which means more travel money after camp ends.

Fees paid are non-refundable, as outlined in our Programme Agreement.

Yes! We offer flexible payment plans to help break down the cost into manageable monthly instalments.

No – your total pay is given at the end of camp in one or two payments, depending on the camp.

You’ll have 30 days after your final day at camp to travel around America. This is the perfect chance to go sightseeing, visit friends, or just relax after a busy summer.

It’s up to you! Explore iconic cities, chill on the beach, road trip with new camp mates or explore travel experiences offered by companies such as Intrepid Travel, Contiki or Exodus Travels.

If you need to change your flight after arriving in the USA, please let us know the reason for the change. We need to confirm that you’re still complying with your grace period restrictions. To make any changes, you’ll need to contact your airline directly to reschedule and pay any applicable fees.

No, you can only change your return date. Your departure airport must stay the same.

We recommend taking at least $300. How much you need depends on where you’re going, how long you’re travelling, and your personal budget.

No, but it’s good to have an idea. Many people wait until they arrive to make solid plans, often teaming up with others they meet at camp.

No – your visa is single-entry only. Once you leave the USA, you can’t return under that visa.

Yes – your medical insurance provided as part of the programme typically covers the full duration of your stay, including travel days. Double-check your policy details in your profile.

Contact your insurance provider using the emergency details provided in your policy. If it’s serious, call 911 and seek immediate help.

No. Staying past the 30-day window breaches your visa and could affect future travel to the USA. Make sure your return flight is booked before your 30 days are up.