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5 Reasons Why You Should Work at a Summer Camp in the USA

8 April 2024

Working Holiday

Summer is approaching quickly, and it’s time to plan what to do with your break. Have you considered heading over the pond to work a Camp America summer experience? 

Working in an American summer camp is more than just your regular job. It’s an opportunity to experience the USA and meet new people from all over the world. You get to impact people’s lives, level up your CV, and explore some of the most beautiful parts of America while earning money.

Join us as we explore five reasons you should consider working at a US summer camp. You never know what may be just around the corner on your adventure! 

Life Changing Experience

As you’ve probably already gathered, working a summer at camp in America is not an everyday thing. It’s an opportunity to expand your horizons and discover a world of travel and possibilities—time to level yourself up and have a blast.

Working at a US summer camp allows you to grow and develop. Here are just some of the skills you can expect to nurture:

  • Leadership
  • Independence
  • Social skills
  • Problem solving

Whether you’re organising watersports activities, running arts and crafts sessions, or holding space as a camp counsellor, you are pretty much guaranteed a “wow-factor” trip. Are you ready to create memories to last a lifetime?

Make A Difference

Working at a summer camp in the USA offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of campers. As a camp counsellor or staff member, you become more than just a supervisor – you become a mentor, a role model, and a source of inspiration for the kids on camp. This is gratifying work.

You will witness the transformation as campers develop confidence, resilience, and self-esteem. By providing a supportive and nurturing environment, you can empower campers to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and discover their strengths and abilities.

It’s all about making a positive impact on young people’s lives. Whether you’re teaching valuable life skills, instilling core values such as teamwork and respect, or simply providing a safe and nurturing environment for campers to thrive, your contributions as a camp staff member leave a lasting impression that extends far beyond the campgrounds.

Lifelong Friendships With People Around The Globe

Going to a US summer camp alone can be nerve-wracking. But as soon as you arrive, you will quickly realise that you are never alone! 

Dive right in and forge friendships with people from around the world. When you arrive at camp, you become part of a tight-knit community bonded by shared experiences, mutual passions, and a collective commitment to creating memorable summer moments. There is a sense of camaraderie and community unlike any other. You will connect by collaborating on activities and sharing meals. These bonds formed within the camp last a lifetime.

You might leave with a whole new bunch of best mates. It may be pen pal level, perhaps attending each other’s weddings, or maybe taking trips together in the future!

A group of friends enjoying a camp fire

Get Outdoors & Travel

America boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, and here’s your chance to experience them firsthand! Working and living in the US for an extended period allows you to immerse yourself in these iconic destinations, transforming you into a local by the end of your trip.

Use your days off to embark on exhilarating road trips and discover the charm of the local area. Extend your stay beyond camp to fully utilise your visa and delve deeper into the wonders of US travel. No matter your path, you’ll immerse yourself in the refreshing American ambience.

At our core, we’re passionate about exploration. A summer camp experience liberates you from screens, technology, and gadgets, allowing you to reconnect with the great outdoors. Embrace each day spent under the open sky, surrounded by nature’s beauty.

Roles of a Camp Outdoor Counsellor

Want to know more about what job you could have for the summer? Here are just a few of the roles a camp outdoor counsellor leads and teaches.

  • Rock Climbing & Mountaineering
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Zip Lining
  • Kayaking/Canoeing
  • Lifeguarding
  • Horse Riding

Remember, you will need suitable travel insurance for whatever activity you lead. Our Working Holiday Policy is a specialist policy offering comprehensive travel insurance benefits. You can add a specific work pack to cover you for a particular role.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your travel insurance options.

Professional Development and CV Building

Finally, working at a summer camp offers more than just a memorable summer experience—it’s also a valuable investment in your future! Employers and academic institutions worldwide highly regard these American camp experiences. This summer break will significantly enhance your CV and set you apart from others.

Participation in these sorts of programmes showcases your initiative to pursue unique opportunities. It demonstrates and highlights qualities like independence, responsibility, and ambition.

Throughout your time at camp, you naturally develop into a role model, leader, and team player (practical skills for various professional settings). What’s more, these abilities are cultivated in an environment unlike any other, making your summer camp experience an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. You’re not just enjoying an incredible summer adventure. You’re also actively enhancing your employability and laying the groundwork for a successful future.

Working Holiday Insurance

Make sure you’re covered. Whether you plan to take paid work or volunteer while overseas, have peace of mind so you can focus on your time away. 

  • Covers you to do a wide range of jobs whilst away – make sure that you choose the suitable Work Pack for your plans
  • Can cover you to be away from the UK for up to 2 years
  • It has the comprehensive benefits of a standard travel insurance policy whilst also covering you to work

So, why work on a USA Summer Camp?

Working at a summer camp in the USA offers a multitude of rewarding experiences unlike any other. The benefits of being a camp staff member are abundant, from personal growth and making friends to immersive outdoor adventures and professional development. 

Why not consider applying for a camp staff position and experiencing these benefits firsthand? Whether seeking personal growth, meaningful connections, or professional development, a summer at a US camp offers an unparalleled opportunity to thrive.

If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey, numerous resources are available to help you find summer camp job opportunities. Camp America, CoolWorks, and the American Camp Association provide information on available positions and how to apply.

So, why wait? Start your adventure today and discover the countless rewards of working at a summer camp in the USA. Your future self will thank you for it. 


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