Summer camps USA

To work at an American summer camp, you need a J-1 cultural exchange visa. This allows you to work at camp for up to nine weeks between Jun-Aug (depending on your camp dates), plus travel for 30 days afterwards. (Honks loudly to the sound of a USA trip).

In order to apply for a J-1 visa, you need to have a US sponsor. That’s where JENZA and our US partner CIEE (the longest running non-profit sponsor in America) come in to provide all the necessary checks and paperwork.

The J-1 visa consists of an online application and an in-person visa appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. The visa cost is paid directly to the embassy – see 'What's not included' below for the current fee.

Most passport holders can apply for camp. You just need to be:

• Aged 18-30
• Able to fly to the USA before 20 June 2024
• Able to commit to the whole camp season, usually 8-12 weeks
• Be a fluent English speaker with no criminal history
• Must have some prior experience working with children or young adults. (Don’t overthink this – most people will have experience without realising, so make sure you talk to us)
• Must have a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay with a free double page for your paper visa
• Must have proof of an onward flight from the USA
• Must be able to provide proof of supporting funds, usually USD $800 in the form of a bank statement

Confused? Our JENZA Support Squad are here to guide you through it step by step.

Types of camps We work with 300 camps in 30 states, including Private Camps, Non-profit Camps, Disability Camps, Girl Scout Camps and Religious Camps. While each American summer camp has its own identity, what ties them all together is the sense of community and connection with nature. Living at camp, you’ll have a front row seat onto the some of the most breathtaking scenery in America – usually with 1-2 days off a week to explore.

Jobs at camp As early as November, camps will start recruiting for Camp Counsellors, Activity Specialists and Disability Camp Counsellors – or a hybrid role where you do a bit of everything. It’s an opportunity to grow your skills, turn your hobby into a paid job and spend the summer doing what you love – whether that’s teaching soccer, basketball, watersports, climbing, horseriding, gymnastics, theatre, art, drama, rock band and everything in-between.

Accommodation and food is included at camp. Plus, we have one of the highest first-timer salaries – at least USD $2,000 for the summer.

To give you enough time to get hired, get your visa and get out to the USA this summer - we suggest booking by 14 March.

1. Apply online First, check you’re eligible in the tab above, pay your deposit, and wait for one of our team to get in touch to set up a non-scary video interview. This is a visa requirement to assess your suitability for the J-1 cultural exchange program.

2. Land a job We’ll set you up on the Camp Connect portal where you’ll fill out a profile. Camp Directors can contact you for video interviews, and vice versa. Plus, we have regular virtual hiring events where you can connect face-to-camera with camps.

3. Sponsorship application Once hired, we’ll start the sponsorship process to secure your DS2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor status) which is needed to apply for your visa. This can take up to eight weeks. We’ll then guide you through the J-1 visa application process.

4. Embassy interview We’ll help you arrange and prepare for your in-person embassy interview. Be prepared for them to keep your passport for around two weeks. Once approved, you can collect your passport or have it couriered – depending on what you’ve arranged.

5. Living room dance Virtual high fives with the team and other Jen-setters going to camp on your pre-departure group call. We host a live FAQ to answer all your questions. Plus, loop you up with other travellers going to camp via our JENZA Discord group chats.

US Embassy fee This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $105 for Australia passport holders.)

Support funds You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800.

Travel insurance for camp We include medical insurance during your camp placement, but you must take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover against the rest of your trip. For example, flight delays, cancellation and curtailment, personal belongings, legal costs, adventure sports, and more.

Flights We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved.