Got questions about working at Summer Camp in America? We’ve got all the answers you need!

In the USA Summer Camp office, we get asked a lot of the same questions – and we totally get it! Whether you’re still deciding if a summer at camp is right for you, or you’ve got your first camp interview coming up, it’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide covering the most common Summer Camp questions – so you can feel confident, informed, and excited about the summer of a lifetime.

Let’s dive in…

Quick links

  1. How old do I need to be to work at a summer camp?
  2. Do I need to live in a specific country to apply?
  3. Is experience with children essential?
  4. Where are the camps based?
  5. What kind of jobs can I do at camp?
  6. How does the placement process work?
  7. How can I prepare for a camp interview?
  8. When will I fly to America?
  9. How much will I get paid?
  10. How long can I travel after camp?
  11. When is the deadline to apply?

1. How old do I need to be to work at a summer camp?

You need to be 18 or older by 1st June in the year you’re heading to camp to qualify for the J1 Visa. Most of our participants are aged 18–30, but we do occasionally send people over 30 too – it just depends on visa approval. If you’re unsure, drop us a message and we’ll chat it through.

2. Do I need to live in a specific country to apply?

Yes – to join the USA Summer Camp programme, you need to be living in one of these countries:

🇬🇧 UK
🇮🇪 Ireland
🇳🇴 Norway
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇫🇮 Finland
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇩🇪 Germany

We can sometimes support applications from other countries like Spain – just ask!

3. Is experience with children essential?

Nope! While experience with children is a bonus, it’s not essential. Camps love to see things like volunteering, school placements, or babysitting, but they’re really looking for people with enthusiasm, energy, and great skills – from sports to arts to outdoor adventure. No experience? No problem – we’ll help you find the right fit.

4. Where are the camps based?

All across the USA! We work with over 700 camps in incredible locations – from New York to California, Alaska to Florida. Whether you’re in the mountains, lakeside, or near the beach, every camp offers a unique, unforgettable experience.

5. What kind of jobs can I do at camp?

There’s something for everyone! You could be:

  • A Camp Counsellor (working directly with the kids)
  • An Activity Specialist (teaching sports, performing arts, swimming, and more)
  • A Support Staff Member (helping behind the scenes in the kitchen, office, or maintenance team)

We even offer trainable lifeguard roles, so no qualification = no problem.

Explore all our roles on the Summer Camp Jobs page.

6. How does the placement process work?

Once you’ve signed up and been accepted onto the programme:

  1. You’ll be assigned a friendly National Support Team member.
  2. We’ll help you build an awesome profile.
  3. Your profile goes out to 700+ camps.
  4. Camps view your skills and contact you directly via email for interviews.
  5. Interviews usually happen online – and if it’s a match, you’re hired!

Top tip: Check your inbox and junk folder daily so you don’t miss anything.

7. How can I prepare for a camp interview?

  • Read through your application to make sure you are ready to answer any questions they ask you
  • Research the camp (their website is a goldmine!)
  • Be enthusiastic and prepared with questions
  • And most importantly – smile and be yourself!

Camps love confident, friendly applicants who show they’re excited about camp life.

8. When will I fly to America?

Start dates vary by camp, but we need you to be available from 15th June to 15th August. Some camps start as early as May, others later in June. Camps run for 9-12 weeks, and you need to be available for the full duration. Your camp will confirm your exact dates once you’re placed – but the more flexible you are, the better your chances!

9. How much will I get paid?

We offer some of the best wages in the industry – and the lowest fees, so 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.

Your exact pay depends on your role and experience.

10. How long can I travel after camp?

You’ll get up to 30 days after your visa ends to explore the USA – and trust us, you’ll want to make the most of it! Whether it’s a road trip across the West Coast, theme parks in Florida, or chilling on California beaches, America is yours to explore.

Need inspiration? Check out our Travel America section.

11. When is the deadline to apply?

Applications usually close in early spring, but don’t wait – some roles fill fast! Follow us on social media for deadline announcements, and apply early to get the best pick of roles and plenty of time to sort your documents.

Ready to go?

We hope this blog has answered all your burning questions – but if not, we’re always here to help. Got a question? Drop us a message! Or see our FAQs page for many more answers.

Click the button on this page to apply now and make this your best summer yet.