How to Apply for Camp America: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Updated: Jun 28
In mid-August 2022, I was sitting on the sofa scrolling through Instagram. "Best summer ever!" My screen was filled with posts of groups of friends in matching uniforms, standing in the sunshine in what looked like the setting of Camp Rock. So this is Camp America? This looks fun. Where can I sign up?
If you're anything like I was, you're probably staring at your phone Googling "What is Camp America?" and wondering where to go from there. How do you sign up? How much does Camp America cost? What do I need? I’ve been there too, and it can be quite a process to figure it all out. Luckily, I’ve got you covered. Here's my quick guide to everything you need to know before applying to Camp America.
My Camp America experience
🌲 Camp: Sleepaway camp in Maine
👩👧 Role: Adviser (ages 9–10)
📅 Summer: 2023
✈️ Travelled afterwards? Yes – I spent a month travelling around the USA after camp.
💬 Why I'm writing this: I remember how confusing the application process felt, so I wanted to put everything I wish I'd known in one place.
Contents
So what is Camp America?
If you're looking for a summer working abroad, Camp America is one of the most popular exchange programmes for students and young adults.
Camp America places staff at traditional American sleepaway and day camps between June and August each year. Located across the United States, these camps hire like-minded 18-30-year-olds from all over the world to help out.
How to Apply for Camp America
Applying to Camp America can be overwhelming, and you may be struggling with where to start. When I first thought about applying to camp, I had no idea of anything. I was inspired by a friend's Instagram post who had been a camp counsellor for the last few years, so I reached out to her. She gave me some advice on how to apply, which was a big help. I would actually recommend reaching out if you have any friends who have been to camp.
Search for Camp America on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Watch ‘day in my life’ videos and other content people post about their experiences. This can be incredibly insightful. Even reach out and message them. They will genuinely be really happy to share their experience and guide you. Worst case, they just won’t reply. There’s no harm in asking, and usually they'd be more than happy to help.
The next step I took was choosing a sponsor. Your sponsor supports you throughout the application process, your visa application and even after camp. You can apply directly through the Camp America website, or you can use an alternative organisation that can support you through the process. For example, I used BUNAC, a travel organisation that helps secure experiences abroad with support in visas, insurance, placements and other logistics. Other sites you can use are Camp Leaders and USA Summer Camp.
Now that you have chosen your sponsor, it's time to go through the process of the application. This can be lengthy and complicated if you’re unsure of the process. So let's start with the requirements. What are they?
Be 18 or over.
Be available to fly out between May 1st and late June, and commit to spending at least 9 weeks at camp.
Have a good level of spoken English.
Have a clean criminal record
Have a passport that's valid for at least six months after your programme ends.
You also do not need to be a student to apply!
If you meet these requirements, then it is generally pretty easy to apply for Camp America.
Camp America Visa Requirements
Once placed at a camp, you will need to complete the online DS-160 form, a standard (though lengthy) visa application. Once completed and sent off, you will need to book your J1 VISA appointment and make your VISA payment. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for individuals approved to participate in work-and-study-based exchange programs in the United States. This visa additionally allows you to travel for 30 days either side of your camp job. The application process for a visa consists of an online application and an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The nearest ones in the UK are London, Belfast, and Edinburgh. Having a sponsor can make this part a lot easier, as they will help guide you step by step.
Just bear in mind that this process can be expensive. From sponsor and visa costs, not to mention the travel to your nearest embassy. You will need at least a few hundred pounds (or equivalent) to cover these costs.
In addition to the visa, you will also need two references, a police check and a completed medical form signed by a doctor. I would recommend checking with your camp if you can do that at the camp medic, because a medical check in the UK can be expensive, whereas at camp, they may offer it for free, which is what I did.
Choosing Your Role at Camp
Each camp is different in what it offers, and some camps are catered for additional needs, or specific religions. Some camps have general counsellor roles, and some have specific activity specialist roles. General counsellors will assist in all sorts of activities in addition to supporting children with their schedules and day-to-day routines. Specific activity counsellors, however, can range from land sports, creative arts, water sports and swimming and more. Most counsellors usually double up as bunk counsellors. They are responsible for bunking arrangements; ensuring the campers are waking up on time, following curfew rules and keeping the bunk clean.
Some camps also offer opportunities to become an adviser, which is the role I was placed in. This meant I was in charge of a specific age group who I assisted in between activities, planning theme days and day trips, and supporting them with homesickness and other problems they were facing.
Think about your strengths. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? After all, where else do you get the chance to spend a summer doing activities you love while passing that enthusiasm on to children?
What do I need to bring?
So the application is done, you’ve picked your camp, and you’ve bought your plane ticket to the USA. The nerves are kicking in, and you are unsure of what to expect… or what to even bring!
To start, let's talk about money. You should bring between £200 and £500 (converted to US dollars or on a travel card) to cover your time at camp. Remember, you will be earning money over there too; whether you are paid weekly or monthly will depend on the camp. If you are planning to travel after camp, then I would recommend saving a little extra, as travelling around America can be expensive, and you shouldn't just rely on what you earn at camp to cover this, especially if you haven't bought your plane ticket home yet.
I would recommend downloading an eSIM before you fly. I would recommend an app like Saily that covers the United States and worldwide for a good price. I decided to get an eSIM when I arrived in America, which ended up costing me a lot, so take it from my experience and sort your eSIM ahead of arrival.
Some very important documents you’ll need to pack are: your passport, Certificate of Eligibility (DS-2019 form), medical insurance certificate, and your travel to camp instructions. I’d also recommend printing everything out and putting it all in a folder, just in case.
In terms of clothing and personal items, I would recommend comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and all sorts of weather. Camp can get hot and humid, but it can also be incredibly rainy and have cooler nights. A lot of camps provide a uniform, so you may not need to bring much in terms of clothing. I wouldn't worry about overpacking, though. There are frequent trips to Target and Walmart at camp, where you can buy what you need!
Top tips:
Be prepared, camps are usually located in the woods, so bring insect repellent.
Bring a comfortable and appropriate swimming costume. Some camps have dress codes around swimwear, so check before you travel.
It will be hard but rewarding!
I will be honest, camp life can be both physically and mentally draining, and sometimes the unexpected can happen. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. But it was also incredibly rewarding, and what made it special was the people I met there. Think of it like this: you're in this chaotic boat. Maybe there's an oar missing, and a hole in the sail. But you’re all in the same boat, laughing as you try and keep it together. You meet like-minded people from all over the world who share your love of trying new things and travelling. You experience long days and evenings together, but you are there together helping each other and comparing your days. Soon, these co-workers become lifelong friends.
Travelling after Camp
If you’re taking part in camp, you are probably questioning whether or not to book a return ticket home and when you should book it. It is very tempting to stay safe and book a return flight ‘just in case’.
My advice would be not to.
I had the same worry, what if no one wants to travel with me after? Trust me, most people go to camp intending to travel afterwards, and often have no idea where they want to go yet. You will definitely find someone who will want to go to the same places as you. You will also have some free time in camp, such as some evenings off and days off to plan together what you want to do.
So, what now?
So now maybe you can start picturing yourself in the Instagram post instead, with your arms around your fellow campmates, laughing in the sun in a summer camp in Maine. I hope this guide has helped you feel a little more confident about applying for Camp America. Please feel free to reach out to me if you need additional help. Go have your own Camp Rock summer!
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