Where are the camps?
Camp Leaders works with over 650 camps across the entire United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. The majority of camps are located in the Northeast, particularly in New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. However, camps are spread across every region of the country.
Will I get to choose where I go?
You cannot choose your exact camp location, but you do have control over the process. At hiring fairs, you decide which camps to request interviews with, and it is always your choice whether to accept an offer. Outside of hiring fairs, camps may put you On Review if they are interested in hiring you, and you will have the chance to chat with the Camp Director, ask questions, and get a feel for the camp before making a decision.
The Camp Leaders team is also on hand to help match you with camps that suit your skills and personality.
What are typical camp settings like?
Most camps are set in natural environments designed to give campers a break from everyday life. Settings include lakeside locations with waterfront activities like swimming and boating, mountain regions with hiking trails and outdoor adventure, woodland areas with nature programs and wildlife, and rural countryside with wide open spaces for sports and recreation.
The setting often shapes the activities on offer. A waterfront camp will focus more on water sports, while a mountain camp might lean into hiking and outdoor adventure. Many camps are remote, and that is part of the experience.
Are camps different depending on the region?
Yes. Camps often reflect the geography and culture of their part of the country.
Northeast camps tend to be the most traditional, with many dating back 75 years or more. Southern camps often incorporate local traditions and may have longer seasons thanks to warmer weather. Western camps frequently lean into outdoor adventure and wilderness experiences. Midwest camps tend to feature wide open spaces and strong community values.
Summer weather varies a lot by region too. In the Northeast (New York, Maine), expect hot days and cooler nights, often around 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). In the South (Texas, Florida), it can be very hot and humid, regularly above 35°C (95°F). Out West (California, Utah), it is often hot and dry, especially during the day.
What kinds of facilities do camps have?
Camp facilities vary widely, but most include a dining hall, recreation spaces, sports fields, and arts studios. Many camps also have adventure elements like climbing walls or ropes courses, and waterfront areas for swimming or boating if they are near water.
Indoor spaces typically include storm shelters, activity areas, and a health center. Housing ranges from rustic cabins to more modern buildings, though luxury accommodation is rare. Bathroom facilities can be anything from centralized washhouses to in-cabin bathrooms.
Most camps are surrounded by beautiful natural settings with open green spaces and wooded areas.
Something worth knowing about location
Some of the best camp experiences happen in places you have never heard of. Camps in lesser-known states often give you a more authentic taste of American culture than big-name destinations like New York or California. After camp, you will have up to 30 days to travel wherever you want in America, which is the perfect time to visit those famous spots.