Am I eligible?
To take part in the Camp Leaders program, you need to meet a few basic requirements:
Be at least 18 years old by June 1st of the year you are applying
Have a sufficient level of English to participate in the program and function day-to-day in the US
Be available for 9 to 11 weeks during the summer (depending on your role)
Be willing to obtain a valid police check
Be able to provide 3 professional references
If you are applying for a support staff role, you must also be a current student. Camp counselor roles do not require you to be a student.
What age do I need to be?
You must be 18 by June 1st of the year you are applying. There is no upper age limit for camp counselor roles.
Do I need experience working with children?
No. For camp counselor roles, as long as you are willing to work with children, you can apply. Any previous experience is a bonus, no matter how small.
For support staff roles, you will not be working directly with children, and no experience with children is needed.
If you do not have experience with children and want to build some before camp, volunteering is a great option. Even looking after younger family members counts.
What qualifications or skills do I need?
You do not need formal qualifications to be a great counselor. However, if you are applying for a specialized role (like lifeguarding or climbing instruction), having relevant certifications will strengthen your application and may increase your pocket money.
If you are passionate about an activity, whether it is sports, arts and crafts, drama, or anything else, there is a good chance you can teach or assist with it at camp.
Many camps also offer on-site training and certifications when you arrive, so you may leave camp with new qualifications.
Do I need to be from a particular country to apply?
No. Camp Leaders has 15 offices around the world, so we can likely help with your application. However, there may be some limitations for residents of certain countries based on US visa regulations.
Is camp welcoming for LGBTQ+ participants?
Camp Leaders works with many camps that are open to all people from all backgrounds. Camp can be one of the most inclusive, welcoming, and caring environments you will experience. That said, not all camps share the same outlook. Some camps have religious affiliations or cultural perspectives that may shape their environment differently.
The most important thing is to be honest on your profile and throughout the hiring process. This helps Camp Leaders match you with a camp where you will feel comfortable and supported. There is a camp out there for everyone.
What dates do I need to be available?
Camps start between early May and mid-June. Depending on your role, you will need to be available for 9 to 11 weeks after your start date.
The wider your availability dates in your application, the more placement opportunities you will have. Nearly half of all camp placements start before June 9th, so earlier and more flexible dates really make a difference. When choosing your start date, try selecting the Saturday before rather than the Monday, as those extra couple of days can open up more camp options.
If you are a student and do not know your exam dates yet, enter an estimated date based on previous years and let your country office know once you have your final exam date.
When is the deadline to apply?
The latest date to apply for the upcoming summer season is typically mid-April. This may vary from country to country. The earlier you apply, the more camps you will have to choose from.
Can I apply if I have been to camp before?
Yes. If you have been to camp before, whether with Camp Leaders or another agency, you can apply as a returning participant.
If you went with Camp Leaders before, log in to your existing profile to start your returner application. If you went with a different agency, create a new Camp Leaders profile and let the team know you have camp experience. They will switch your application to a returner profile and guide you through the next steps.
Returning participants often have different pricing, may negotiate pocket money directly with their Camp Director, and have a streamlined application process. Visit the Returning participants article for full details.