Change lives as a camp counsellor
Have the time of your life at a summer camp in America and transform the lives of young people as a camp counsellor.
If you’re interested in making new friends, having fun, and spending time teaching new skills to American kids, you’d be well suited as a camp counsellor. All-rounders will love the chance of working with 10 children and guiding them through different activities, alongside a qualified instructor.
Got experience teaching or working with kids or young people? This is a great opportunity to develop those skills. Even if you don’t have the experience, we can help you get started on your journey and point you in the right direction.
Combine travel with amazing experiences as a camp counsellor. Want to share the experience with a friend? Apply together and you could be placed at the same camp.
Types of summer camp jobs in the USA
General Camp Counselor
Great for all-rounders, this role is an essential part of every American summer camp. You’ll have oversight of the campers and aid them in their day-to-day activities at camp. You’ll teach them essential skills and build their confidence as you mentor them. Not sure you can do it? Don’t worry, we’ll give everyone plenty of training before the children even arrive.
Support Roles
Making a camp run smoothly takes a lot of time and effort, which is where summer camp support roles come in. Support staff are integral to camp, from working in the kitchen to keeping bunks maintained, there are lots of different roles available. It is important to note that support staff work on a different visa type to summer camp counsellors and this visa has different eligibility requirements. If you are hoping to work as a support staff team member please email info@wildpacks.com and we will see if we can help!e.
Specialty Camp Counselor
Many summer camps in the USA offer unique experiences. Some are focused on wildlife and adventure, while others may have carefully curated programs suited to children with special needs. While these roles might test you in different ways, these are often the most rewarding positions available. Interested? Then get in touch with the team and we can talk it over.
Why becoming a camp counsellor could be just what you need
The truth is, everyone could benefit from becoming a camp counsellor. It’s never too early to think about what you want to do with the rest of your life, and many people find their calling after taking on some responsibility in a summer camp. By learning about leadership, management and how to teach people within a protected environment, you can learn valuable skills that will set you up for your entire career.
The question is simply what role is right for you, and that’s where our team comes in handy. We’ll find the role that works for you and your unique set of skills and passions. Then, it’s just a case of bringing the right attitude – and enough sun cream for your stay!
By arriving days before the campers, you’ll have plenty of time to bond with your fellow counsellors and explore the area. This gives you plenty of time to settle in before this unbelievable experience begins!
Share your love of horses by teaching at a camp in America
Love horses, ponies, and the great outdoors? Camps in America are looking for passionate young people like you to become equestrian summer camp counsellors.
Most children in America don’t have the chance to spend time with horses. As an equestrian camp counsellor, you’ll teach them about the animals, how to care for them, how to saddle up and how to ride them.
A passion for horses is key, and many camp ponies and horses are similar to those found in most riding schools. Your summer camp could have small paddocks set out in the middle of the beautiful countryside, or you might have an indoor equestrian centre running over forty horses.
Apply with a friend. You could even take to the trail with a friend if you share interests and are placed at the same camp!
Equestrian camp jobs
Horse Grooming
If you’re familiar with horse husbandry, this role will be a great way to do something you’re passionate about while making some money! You’ll teach the campers how to feed and care for the horses while learning something yourself from the camp trainers. Great for people with minimal equine experience.
Equestrian Riding Instructor
If you’d enjoy the responsibility of teaching people how to ride horses and the like, this role will really speak to you. Not only will you be working closely with the children at the camp, but you’ll also take part in planning the lessons and managing the stables. Whether you’re on ride-outs with your favourite students or designing your own program, there’s a lot to love (and learn) in this role. Don’t hold your horses, apply right now! Great for people with extensive equine experience.
Dressage & Jumping
Some camps might hold dressage events, some might host jumping competitions, but all camps will have people who are seriously passionate about horses. Make some friends for life (both humans and horses!) while helping put on amazing shows for the camp children and staff. Great for people with extensive equine experience.
Becoming an equestrian counsellor at a summer camp
Equestrian summer camp roles allow you to explore America, spend time with animals you love, and grow out your CV by building skills that could make you a serious asset to any business – or why not start your own? The salaries starting at $2,000 should help with that!
For equestrian roles, most American summer camps are looking for passionate and experienced riders. Can you confidently walk, trot, and canter on a horse? Do you know the basic school movements? Can you jump a small course of fences? Then you’ll fit right in at a stables on a camp in America. Qualifications and previous experience are most likely required for these roles, but be sure to speak to our team and we’ll answer any questions you have.
A four-figure salary? Check. Working in the sun? Check. Time to ride and look after horses? Triple check. If that sounds as good to you as it does to us, apply today!
Why choose Wild Packs for your summer camp jobs in the USA?
Wild Packs have over 15 years of experience matching camp counsellors with the camp of their dreams. That means that, instead of applying for hundreds of camps yourself, one application through us will get you seen by the camp that’s right for you! On top of that, all of our coaches have had multiple successful summers at camps across America. This means that we know exactly what you’re going through and can help you get the right placement, where you can turn your interests into employable skills.
Not sold yet? Here are a few other reasons why you should be using Wild Packs to find your summer camp role:
- No registration or interview fees
- Work and travel with salaries starting from $2,300
- Change kids’ lives
- Learn new skills
- Amazing career development
- Travel across the USA
- Visa, four-month medical insurance and support
Frequently Asked Questions for USA Summer Camp Roles
What qualifications are required to become an Adventure Counselor?
While previous experience leading outdoor activities is preferred, it is not always required. A love of the outdoors, a passion for adventure, and a desire to work with children are the most important qualities.
What kind of training do Adventure Counselors receive?
Adventure Counselors receive extensive training in outdoor safety, risk management, and activity planning. They also receive training in working with children, conflict resolution, and team building.
Do Adventure Counselors live on-site at the camp?
Yes, Adventure Counselors live on-site at the camp in staff cabins or tents.
What is the application process like?
We’ve written a whole page about the summer camp counsellor process, but we’ll give you the short answer, too. It was previously complicated, but it has now been made infinitely easier by our team who will help you through every step of the process!
How do you get a lifeguard role abroad at a summer camp?
Summer camp counsellor roles are in high demand, particularly for aquatic positions. Being a confident swimmer will be essential, and experience working as a lifeguard previously could make your application really stand out. However, don’t worry if you don’t have that experience. The great thing about these roles is that you’ll learn a lot through the on-site training. Just bring the right attitude, and in most cases, we can take care of the rest!
What qualifications do you need to become an Aquatic Counselor?
While it is desirable to hold a current lifeguard qualification from either the American Red Cross or NPLQ, this isn’t essential. Many camps actually offer training courses to help you get those qualifications.
What watersports are available at a swimming camp?
The activities available at waterfront camps in America will vary from location to location. Still, they could include anything from knee boarding, board diving, fishing, windsurfing, ski boating, water skiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, tubing, banana boating, and much more.
What are the career opportunities as a camp lifeguard?
Responsibility and being able to manage people are two things that can be key to a successful career, in and out of the water. Yes, working as a camp lifeguard opens up roles as a pool supervisor or manager, but the lessons it will teach you can apply to almost any role. Teaching and coaching roles in particular are fairly common for people with lifeguard experience!
