What is Camp Leaders?
Camp Leaders is a cultural exchange program that helps people from around the world spend their summer working at American summer camps. Since 1999, we have helped over 100,000 people have the summer of a lifetime in America.
We match you with one of over 650 camps across the USA, handle your visa sponsorship, provide health insurance, and support you from your first application to your return home.
How does the program work?
Summer camp is an American tradition where children go to develop, grow, and take part in activities during the summer. Camps hire local and international staff to create a fun, supportive environment for campers.
Here is how the Camp Leaders program works:
Apply and complete your profile
Interview with the Camp Leaders team
Get matched with a camp that suits your skills
Complete your visa and travel preparation
Spend your summer working at camp
Travel America for up to 30 days after camp
Your accommodation and meals are provided at camp, and you will earn pocket money for your time there.
Who is Camp Leaders for?
Camp Leaders is for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to spend a summer in America. Most of our participants are between 18 and 25, but there is no upper age limit for camp counselor roles.
You do not need experience working with children, formal qualifications, or any specific background. If you are enthusiastic, open-minded, and ready for an adventure, Camp Leaders is for you.
What makes Camp Leaders different from other providers?
Camp Leaders has over 25 years of experience matching people with the right camp. Here is what sets us apart:
A dedicated team who have all been to camp themselves
Relationships with over 650 camps across America
A platform that makes the application process fast and easy
24/7 support throughout your time in the US
Clear communication about costs, timelines, and expectations
Who will I be working with at camp?
Summer camps hire staff from all over the world. Most staff are aged between 18 and 25, but senior staff are often older. Some camps also have junior counselors in training who are typically younger.
Last summer, Camp Leaders camps welcomed people from over 17 countries. You will make friends from around the world, learn about different cultures, and build connections that last well beyond the summer.
Why do camps hire international staff?
Camp directors hire international staff to bring culture and diversity to their camp. Parents and campers love that camp exposes children to new cultures, languages, and perspectives from around the world. International staff also bring specialist skills and fresh enthusiasm that add to the camp experience. It's one of the reasons the cultural exchange program exists, and it's why camps actively choose to be part of it.
Where are the camps located?
We work with over 650 camps across the entire USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. The majority of our camps are in the Northeast, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Camp settings vary widely. Many are in natural environments like lakesides, mountain regions, or woodland areas. Most are designed as a retreat from everyday life, with natural surroundings where campers and staff can disconnect from technology and enjoy the outdoors.
What is the BridgeUSA program?
The BridgeUSA program (previously known as the Exchange Visitor Program) is a US government initiative that promotes cultural exchange between the people of the United States and other countries. It is run by the Department of State through their Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
To take part, you need a J-1 visa and a designated sponsor. Camp Leaders arranges this sponsorship for you as part of the program.