The United States of America is a wonderful and beautiful country. For many, it is what dreams are made of - New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Hollywood, Disneyland, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, etc., to name but a few of the many attractions available.

For many years, young people from around the world have participated in a cultural exchange program. The program offers American children a unique opportunity to learn about other cultures, whilst at the same time, affords participants the opportunity to learn about the American culture.

Participants are given the opportunity to visit and travel extensively throughout the USA, improve their English and, to make friends with people from all corners of the globe. Now, this opportunity is available to you. 

What is an American “Summer Camp?”

The best way to describe an American summer camp is – as a traditional American way of life. For generations, American children have spent their summers away from home at overnight camps located from Boston in the North East to San Francisco in the west.

There are day, overnight, agency, religious, private and special needs camps.

Camps offer the children the opportunity to experience many activities such as all types of water and land sports, arts & crafts, performing arts, outdoor adventure, trips and much more with supervision and care by experienced staff from all parts of the world.

Each camp is autonomous. Camps are located in rural areas, surrounded by trees and most have their own lake or have access to a lake no more than minutes away. The camp season usually last for 9 weeks.

“You need to be of a pleasant nature, mature with extrovert personalities and willing to be part of a team. You must be prepared for very little privacy and be willing to adapt to staff rules and curfews.”

If this sounds like you, APPLY NOW!

What the camps are looking for...

CAMP COUNSELORS - You are probably 19 years old and above and love working with children.

WORK / TRAVEL SUPPORT STAFF - These positions are in huge demand by many locations. You live at camp or at your place of employment in separate lodgings. Work can be very demanding and the hours can be very long and you do not require work experience with children. However, you do have to be a full time student.

Counselor Positions available...

Bunk Counselors: You live with the children (ages range from 7 –16). This is a very demanding role and you are responsible for the children's safety. You do need previous work experience with children and will be expected to set an example and to join in activities with them.

Specialist: Usually you live in a bunk with children and you will be responsible for running a specialized program at camp in accordance with your skills. After activity hours, you become a regular bunk counselor.

Other Counseling Positions: varying degrees of skills are needed for the following areas:

  • All types of land and water sports
  • Outdoor and adventure activities
  • Arts & Crafts and Performing Arts
  • Special Needs

View detailed information for the Camp Counselor positions.

Fill out a Camp Counselor Application Form.

Work Travel / Camp Support Staff positions available...

  • Kitchen:
      Food preparation
      Dining room and kitchen maintenance
  • General Maintenance
  • Driving

View detailed information for the Work Travel / Camp Support Staff positions.

Fill out a Work Travel / Camp Support Staff Application Form.

If you are interested in applying for any of the positions mentioned and would like to have the best summer of your life, please fill out our application form NOW! Applying early will increase your options and chances of placement.

Upon receipt of your application, you will be notified as to the name and contact information of your local coordinator. Contact your local coordinator immediately after submitting your application in order to schedule your personal interview.

A summer of a lifetime

  • In-camp orientation (prepares all participants for their role at camp)
  • Free time (usually at least one or two evenings per week and app. 1 full day a week)
  • Friendships (a chance to meet people your age from America and all parts of the world)
  • Improvement in spoken English (guaranteed)!
  • Participation in all camp activities (staff members may experience all activities)
  • Full board and accommodation (app. 3 full meals a day + snacks)
  • Infirmary with professional nurse/doctor supervision (24 hours a day)

What else does the program offer?

  • Huge selection and variety of camps
  • Individual camp placement in accordance with applicants abilities
  • J1 visa allowing participants to participate in the cultural exchange program
  • Professional pre-departure orientation given by experienced camp staff
  • Transportation to and from the United States
  • 24 hour emergency hotline
  • Pocket money
  • Independent travel within the USA after camp

A typical day at camp:

07:00 Reveille (wake-up, flag raising)
08:00 Breakfast and cabin cleaning
09:00 Activities (soccer, swimming, arts and crafts, rope climbing etc.)
12:30 Lunch and rest hour (letter writing and resting)
14:00 Afternoon activities (Sailing, wood shop, riflery, tennis etc.)
16:00 Snacks
17:30 Free time (showers and free time)
18:00 Dinner
19:30 Evening activities (disco, talent show, theater, movie, canteen etc.)
22:00 lights out (hopefully) according to age groups.

As can be seen, a typical day can be long and the work can be very demanding. Obviously, participants need to be willing to become an integral part of this society. However, there is a lot more to camp than long days and hard work.


©2005 AICE