Your American Summer - But Better
Just £189!

Each summer, children and teens across the US attend residential camps for one to eight weeks. These immersive programmes help young people to develop their independence, learn new skills, and build lifelong friendships; all in an outdoor setting. Every year, camps hire international employees (aged 18–30) to join as Camp Counsellors, Activity Leaders, or Support Staff through the J-1 cultural exchange visa.

Camp is more than a summer job, it’s a chance to get a taste of real American life and culture – not as a tourist. You’ll support young campers, learn valuable leadership skills, and get to know yourself too. Meals, accommodation, and salary are included, which makes it a convenient way to do it. You'll leave camp with new friends from around the world, professional experience for your CV, and perhaps a new perspective too.

American Summer Camp placements usually last around eight to ten weeks between June and August, depending on your specific role and camp needs. Some camps may offer shorter or longer contracts. After camp, you’ll have the opportunity to travel around the US for up to 30 days on your J-1 visa.

Camps begin hiring early and prefer applicants who can arrive between May 15 and June 20. Most camps will ask that you arrive five to seven days before campers for staff orientation. Flexibility in your dates gives you the best chance of securing a placement. You must be available to work the full duration of the summer, with camps typically ending around mid-August.

Applications open in autumn and close once all placements are filled – this is typically by April. It can take three to five weeks to complete your application and gather references, so applying early (by January or February) gives you the best chance to be hired by your preferred camp.

No, this J-1 visa programme is open to UK citizens aged 18 to 30, whether you’re currently in school, taking a gap year, or already working.

You must be 18 by 1st June of the year you're traveling to the US. You can begin your application at 17 if you’ll meet the age requirement by that date.

You and a friend can both apply, but placements are based on individual applications, skills, and camp needs. Whilst we can’t guarantee the same placement, many applicants travel solo and quickly form close bonds with other counsellors.

Yes! Most camps provide at least one full day off per week, plus additional time off during the day or evenings. Time off gives you a chance to recharge, enjoy the local area, explore nature, all while you bond with other counsellors.

You'll live on-site at your camp, typically in shared cabins, platform tents, or residences with other staff or campers. It's a communal lifestyle that builds strong friendships and a real sense of family by the end of summer.

Your camp interview helps match you to a suitable role and is conducted via video call by CIEE or your host camp. Once placed, you’ll schedule a separate in-person appointment at the US Embassy in your home country to apply for your J-1 visa.

You can share preferences, but camp placements are determined based on your experience, skills, availability, and camp openings. We recommend staying open-minded to increase your chances of a timely placement.

Some form of childcare or leadership experience is highly valued. This could include babysitting, tutoring, coaching, youth mentoring, or something similar. It doesn’t need to be formal experience – just time spent around children, supporting them counts!

First-timers have never participated in a US summer camp programme. Returners are going back to the same camp and may qualify for discounted fees and an expedited process.

You will need a J-1 Camp Counsellor visa, which allows you to work at camp and travel in the US afterward. CIEE is an authorised sponsor and will help you at each stage in the process.

The DS-2019 form is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. You need this document to apply for your visa. CIEE will provide it to you, once you're hired and your programme fees are paid.

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the US government’s system to track visa holders. A $35 SEVIS fee is included in your programme cost and must be paid before your embassy interview.

If you choose to decline a job offer, you can roll your application over to the following year. If you cancel your application after declining a job offer, partial refund policies apply. We’ll provide full details at the time of application.

Programme fees cover your camp placement, visa sponsorship, insurance, and support. Additional costs include your J-1 visa fee, flights, and spending money. Check our website for up-to-date pricing in British £s.

Yes, travel medical insurance is included in your programme fee and provides coverage while you're in the United States. Additional top-up insurance is available if you'd like extended coverage.

Yes, you may be subject to US taxes, but most J-1 participants receive refunds when filing after the programme. That sounds serious – but don’t worry, we’ll help you with the paperwork.

Lots of companies can offer you camp placements, but we offer peace of mind. CIEE is a mission-driven non-profit with a commitment to global exchange, 24/7 support, and authentic camp experiences. More about us

Ask us! Reach out to our team or book a call for any questions we haven’t answered!