Day Camps give children all the excitement of summer camp during the day — then send them home in the evening. Instead of living on site, campers arrive each morning (often in those classic yellow school buses you’ve seen in movies!) and head home after a full day of fun.

For you as a staff member, that means you’ll be in the heart of camp life, leading activities, guiding groups, and keeping the energy high, but with evenings and weekends free to relax, recharge, or explore America.

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What makes Day Camps different?

While residential camps run 24/7, Day Camps are built around shorter, action-packed days. Campers usually attend Monday to Friday

While residential camps run 24/7, Day Camps are built around shorter, action-packed days. Campers usually attend Monday to Friday, so your role has a slightly different rhythm. You’ll still deliver everything that makes camp special — team games, arts & crafts, sports, swimming, and talent shows — but once the last child is collected, the day is yours.

This balance makes Day Camps perfect if you want to combine a meaningful summer job with time to travel, socialise, and enjoy the USA outside of camp.

What skills do you need?

To thrive at a Day Camp, you don’t need to be an expert in every activity, but you do need the right personality. Camps look for people who are:

  • Energetic and enthusiastic – kids mirror your attitude, so bring the positivity.
  • Organised – with busy timetables, being on top of schedules is essential.
  • Patient and supportive – every camper is different, and some may need extra encouragement.
  • Adaptable – plans can change quickly, so flexibility is key.
  • A clear communicator – you’ll work with campers, co-counsellors, and often parents too.

If you’re the kind of person who can inspire confidence and keep things fun, you’ll fit right in.

A day in the life

From the moment campers arrive, the day is go, go, go. You could be starting with group games, helping with arts & crafts, leading a swim session, or cheering campers on in a relay race.

From the moment campers arrive, the day is go, go, go. You could be starting with group games, helping with arts & crafts, leading a swim session, or cheering campers on in a relay race.

There’s usually little downtime — the schedule is packed and fast-moving — but the variety keeps things exciting. Some days bring special events, like camp-wide competitions, themed dress-up days, or performances that you’ll help organise and run.

Your role is part leader, part role model, and part big brother or sister, helping kids grow in confidence, make new friends, and discover their talents.

Evenings and time off

One of the biggest perks of a Day Camp is the time you get back. When the campers head home, your responsibilities finish for the day

One of the biggest perks of a Day Camp is the time you get back. When the campers head home, your responsibilities finish for the day.

Evenings might be spent chilling with fellow staff, grabbing dinner in town, or joining social activities organised by camp or your host family. With weekends usually free too, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel, sightsee, or simply recharge.

Why choose a Day Camp?

Working at a Day Camp offers the same rewards as any summer camp — plus some unique advantages:

  • Personal growth – you’ll gain independence, resilience, leadership skills and confidence.
  • Professional development – your experience will stand out on your CV, showing employers you can problem-solve, adapt, and work with young people.
  • Balance – you’ll have time off to explore or relax, helping avoid the burnout of 24/7 camp life.
  • Travel opportunities – free weekends mean you can take short trips, or use your visa to travel more widely once camp finishes.
  • Friendships for life – you’ll be part of a close-knit team with staff from around the world, bonding through shared experiences and adventures.

Is Day Camp right for you?

If you want all the energy, fun, and impact of camp life, but also value your own space and time off, a Day Camp could be the perfect fit. You’ll still make a difference in children’s lives, gain valuable skills, and enjoy an unforgettable summer — just with a little more freedom built in.

Apply today

Whether you’re leading a sports game, organising a craft project, or belting out camp songs, you’ll play a huge part in giving kids the best summer ever. At the same time, you’ll create memories, friendships, and experiences that will stay with you forever.

So — ready to dive in? Day Camps are waiting for people just like you.