Skip to main content

Applications open now for work and travel opportunities – find your adventure!

Save $100 AUD when you combine Camp America with Winter Work Japan or Canada

Looking for gap year or extended travel advice? Contact us.

D Program Banner Camp America 1920 X640 M Program Banner Camp America 800x800

Camp America

How to Apply

An image of a clock icon

Program Length

9-12 weeks

An image of a gift icon

Age Requirement

Aged 18 by June 15th

An image of a calendar icon

Registration Deadline

March 31st

An image of a dollar icon

Remuneration

Earn up to $2,125 USD

An image of a home icon

Accommodation

Provided at camp

Start your adventure

As the original summer camp experience organisation, and with over 60 years’ experience in providing worldwide cultural exchange and educational opportunities, you can be sure that applying for Camp America is safe, secure and straightforward. Just follow the step-by-step guide below

1

01.

01. Complete your application

Fill in our online application form to create your profile. The application form is broken down into simple steps and bitesize chunks – it’s up to you if you do it all at once or one step at a time.

2

02.

02. Choose your interviewer

Once you’ve started your application, you can select your Camp America Interviewer, and your preferred interview date and time. You’ll also make your first payment at this step.

3

03.

03. Pre-interview

Get a head start and apply for your Australian Federal Police Check (AFP). You may also need to complete a Medical Disclosure Form for any pre-existing conditions (if applicable) before the interview. You will be advised if this is the case.

4

04.

04. Attend an interview

Interviews aren’t scary! Just be your lovely self. If your interview is successful, you will then need to log into mycampamerica.com and follow the post-interview instructions. After that, we’ll share your application with Camp Directors!

5

05.

05. Placement

As soon as your Camp America application is marked as 'Ready to Place,' Camp Directors will be able to view it, and they may want to interview you via a video call.

6

06.

06. Visa

Congratulations, you’ve been placed! Now it's time to apply for your visa. We’ll guide you through the steps to book your appointment at one of the three Consulates in Australia: Sydney, Melbourne or Perth.

7

07.

07. Flights & travel

Once your visa is sorted, it’s time to book your flights and plan travel arrangements. Not sure where you want to travel yet? Don’t worry! Companies like Intrepid offer group tours, or you can wait to see who you meet at camp to plan your adventures with.

8

08.

08. Pre-departure

Our online and in-person pre-departure events prepare you for camp and are an opportunity to connect with other participants, and have your questions answered. Dates will be sent to you closer to the time.

9

09.

09. Travel to camp

Your camp will provide you with a pick-up location in the United States. If you're not arranged to be picked up the day you arrive, we recommend booking accommodation near your camp’s pick-up point.

10

10.

10. Arrive at camp

You’ve finally arrived! Have the best summer ever, though remember your main responsibility is to care for the children, making sure they are safe while having fun.

Tips for success:

Image of blue tick

Apply Early – Spots fill quickly, and the earlier you apply, the more choice you’ll have in camp placements. Plus, it shows camps you’re organised and committed.

Image of blue tick

Showcase Your Skills – Highlight your passions—whether that’s sports, arts, drama, lifeguarding, or childcare. Camps love seeing unique talents, so make your application stand out by showing what you can bring to camp life.

Image of blue tick

Be Open Minded – Every camp is different, and flexibility is key. Being willing to try new roles or environments gives you the best chance of being placed and sets you up for an unforgettable summer.

Message circle 3 1

Have Questions?

Take a look at our frequently asked questions below or if you've still not found the answers you need, get in touch. We're always happy to chat to you.

Need help with something?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 01
    How 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.

  • 02
    Do 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.

  • 03
    When 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.

  • 04
    What 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. 

  • 05
    Can 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

Linville jun24nat 09813 1mob Linville jun24nat 09813 1

Travel with AIFS

Explore a
world of travel
possibilities