The original summer camp experience
Program Length
9-12 weeks
Age Requirement
Aged 18 by June 15th
Registration Deadline
March 31st
Remuneration
Earn up to $2,495 USD (amount varies by age, role and camp location)
Accommodation
Provided at camp
The original summer camp experience
Every summer, thousands of kids and young adults from around the world attend summer camps across the USA. To make sure these kids have a summer they’ll never forget, Camp Directors search far and wide for fun and friendly staff who will share their camp’s values and create an inclusive environment. This includes making new friends, sharing new experiences, developing new skills and being outside!
To learn more about Camp America on our dedicated website, follow the link below.
Friends for Life
A Summer of Adventure
Paid Overseas Work
Experience the USA
Make Unforgettable Memories
Boost Your Confidence
Camp America is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. It’s a chance to try something completely new, create unforgettable memories, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
- Tia, placed at Camp Blue Star
What to Expect
Discover the opportunities waiting for you in a summer at camp!
New Friends: Meet amazing people from all over the world
Camp Life: Dive into all the activities that make life at camp unique
Travel: See a side of the USA you've never seen before - where will you go?
Fees & Costs
Know exactly what you'll pay and when - with no surprises - The earlier you apply the better!
First Timer: $899
Returner: $699
First Timer $899 (if interviewed by 15 December; from 16 December the fee is $999)
Returner $699 (for applications submitted up to 4 January; from 5 January the fee is $915)
How to Apply
Ready for the best summer ever? Find out more about our application process.
Register: Complete your application to start the process
Interview: Meet with your chosen interviewer and tell us more about you
Placement: Find your camp, apply for your visa and book that important flight!
Camp America
Latest Events
11
Nov
Online | 7PM - 8PM
Camp America Info SessionRegister for our upcoming CA Online Information Session to learn more about Camp America 2026.
Register
13
Jan
Online | 7PM - 8PM
Camp America Info SessionRegister for our upcoming CA Online Information Session to learn more about Camp America 2026.
Register
The Experience
Why Choose Camp America?
Working at a US summer camp with Camp America is one of the most rewarding jobs out there. It’s a unique environment where kids and young people can truly be themselves – and where you can too. Whether you’re a general counsellor, support staff, or a specialist in sports, arts, drama and more, there’s a role to match your skills. Build your CV, give back, and create unforgettable memories.
Since 1969, Camp America has sent thousands of participants to hundreds of camps across the USA. We work with more camps, place more people, and offer more opportunities than anyone else. If you’re ready for the ultimate American adventure, we’ll help you make it happen.
Travel & Adventure
Discover the Real USA
Once your epic summer at camp ends, your J-1 visa gives you up to 30 days of adventure across the USA! The choice of what you do is entirely yours: climb mountains, explore iconic cities, chill on beautiful beaches, or discover hidden gems in each and every state you can.
The best part? You’ll be travelling with the amazing friends you made at camp, swapping insider tips and discovering the coolest spots only locals (and seasoned Camp America returners) know about. It’s your route, your pace, your summer.
Need help with something?
Frequently Asked Questions
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01How do I apply for Camp America?
All applications are completed online using our ‘My Camp America’ application system. For a step-by-step guide through the application process click here.
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02Do I have the skills to apply for Camp America?
When filling in your online application, you will be asked to select your skills from a list of over 150 skill areas that can be applied to various roles at camp. We encourage you to select as many skills as possible. After selecting your skills, you need to tell us about your experience and qualifications for each skill in as much detail as possible.
If you can teach children skills from a number of these areas, a camp might place you as an advanced skills specialist. Conversely, you could be placed as a general counsellor, yet it is important to note that there are limited positions available for general counsellors.
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03When should I be able to depart for the USA for summer camp?
Summer camps in the United States start between May 1st and June 25th and run through mid-to-late August. Each of the 50 U.S. states has a different schedule for their school year. So, some states will start their summer break in May, and some will do so in June. Hence, the specific start and end dates of a camp depend entirely on individual programs. You will be made aware of your camp’s unique start and end dates once a placement has been offered.
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04What happens if I don’t receive a successful placement?
If a placement is not found by the end of the placement season (mid-June), a full refund of the payments made to Camp America will be issued.
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05Can I choose which camp I go to?
Generally, a Camp Director will hire you based on your skills and the position they are looking to fill. However, if you do your research and find a camp you really want to go to, we can push your application to that camp. There are no guarantees they will have a place for you, but we always try!
AIFS Australia
Our Mission & Values
Our Values
Committed to care, respect and honesty
Our mission can only be achieved through exceptional support and care for our program participants to ensure their safety and wellbeing. We always provide honest, equitable and non-discriminatory treatment of program participants, our partners and employees, safeguarding teamwork and collaboration both within our organisation and with our partners.
Our Mission
Leading cultural exchange opportunities since 1964
The American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS) provides the highest quality educational and cultural exchange programs to enrich the lives of young people throughout the world. Since 1964 we have been the leading provider of such opportunities, helping more than 1.8 million young people increase their global understanding in our diverse world.
Our Support
24/7 emergency support for all participants
Our support starts from the moment you apply. Our experienced team will help you through the application process and give you tips to make your application stand out so that you can find the summer camp job of a lifetime. Once you start your adventure, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing there’s 24/7 in-country support there for you if you need it.
The AIFS difference
Since 1964, the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) has been providing life-changing cultural exchange and educational opportunities to young people around the world. Now with 10 global office locations, each year we help over 55,000 people from over 60 different countries to participate in programs designed to improve global understanding and enrich lives. You can chat to us at any time during the process to get help on your application or ask us questions. Feel free to drop by our office, located near Sydney’s Hyde Park, or meet one of our team located across the country.
