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Didn't we all want to go to an American summer camp as a kid? For all of us that lived outside the US, it was something that just existed in movies: the cabins, the bonfires, and of course the lake.
If you’ve come across the job advertisements on social media, or elsewhere, we’re sure you’ve considered them, either for your inner child, a J1 summer, or for the job in and of itself. But how do these programs really work? Are they really the holiday they are advertised as?
Summer camps in the US can be found in the East Coast, where they originated, as well in the Midwest and the West Coast, with each location having different types of activities, traditions and even camp cultures; there are sport-themed, art-themed, and religious summer camps. Programs usually last about 9 to 12 weeks, which are split into sessions, usually of 2-4 weeks. You can choose not to work for a full summer – though camps prefer you to, and might offer a pay bonus for it. They run from early June to late August, with counsellors typically being given 30 days to travel around America before or after as part of their visa. Counsellors are given three full meals a day, and accommodation for free. On top of that, counselors are usually paid a salary of around $2000-$2300 USD.
It is also worth noting the approximate additional $400 USD third-party fees for documentation, paperwork, and the US Embassy visa interview for the J1 visa. If you live outside the US you also need to account for the price for flights, although some agencies may offer a separate higher price including flight tickets and some camps might reimburse travel to a certain limit. Although you can apply directly to summer camps, most people use agencies which typically cost around $400 USD, and help place you with a camp, get your J1, give you 24/7 support in the US, and provide you with medical insurance.
In terms of job requirement, you generally need to be at least 18 years old by June 1st, be available before the end of June to mid- or late August, and have no criminal record. You may also need a police check from your country of origin and a medical form from your doctor. Additionally, the US may require you to have certain vaccines people outside the states may not have. If you are not from the US you will also need a J1 visa and fluency in English. Although experience working with kids is certainly valuable, previous experience or qualifications are not typically required.
Camp counsellors usually carry out the day to day activities with children, including waking them up and helping them get ready for the day, the bedtime routine, showers, cabin clean-up, and rest hour, as well as supervising all day, including meals and walking to and from activities. Although they do not carry out activities like specialist counsellors do, they join in to support. Specialist counsellors on the other hand organise and carry out activities in their fields of interest and expertise, such as in sports, performing arts, adventure, and creative arts. There are also support staff roles, such as office, maintenance, kitchen and housekeeping and laundry positions.
Maya, a UCD student who worked in a US summer camp last summer, says, “The experience is really fun but also intense. I wouldn’t recommend it if you haven’t worked with kids before or if you’re very introverted. You’re around people 24/7. It also requires a lot of energy to be in charge of kids, to keep up a positive mindset, and to get through the last week of a 4 week session with 2.5 days off, for example.”
Discussing the more unspoken hard parts of the job, she says, “The upside of those things is that you can make friends with people you wouldn’t meet or interact with normally, and the energy you put in is repaid with amazing memories and pride that you were a key part of everyone’s experience.”
“You can’t do it for the money,” she says, discussing how the pay is not very good, sometimes even below federal minimum wage, likely because the camp houses and feeds its staff. However, as third party websites do a great job of advertising, you do get an unforgettable summer, great leadership skills to add to your CV and the opportunity to meet other young people from around the world. If you're looking for an incredible experience, rather than a well-paying or minimum effort summer job, being a summer camp counselor may be for you.