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Welcome home.

Returning to camp

Returning to summer camp doesn’t just mean another epic summer doing the best job in the world.

You'll also pay less, can earn more, all while getting the same amazing support from our dedicated team.

Let's get you home.

What's included
  • Negotiate your spending money with your camp
  • Summer camp placement
  • Visa sponsorship and assistance
  • Application support
  • Food and accommodation provided by camp
  • 24-hour support in America
  • Up to 90 days medical insurance
  • Up to 30 days travel after camp
  • SEVIS Fee
$450
USD. Pricing increases from 1 December 2023

Earn spending money

As a returner, you will be able to negotiate your spending money (often referred to as pocket money) with camp.

Additional costs

There are some third party fees that are part of going to camp. These are paid to organisations like your doctor, the US government and background check agencies as part of the J1 Visa requirements.

  • Medical Check - Price varies
  • Australian Federal Police Check - $42
  • US Visa Interview - $185 USD (Paid to US Embassy)
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Issuance ("Reciprocity") Fees - $105 USD (Paid to US Embassy)
  • Domestic travel within Australia - Travel to US Consulate in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth for US Visa Interview
  • Flights to the US - Price varies
  • Late application fee of $100 applies from 1 March 2024

Are you ready for another epic summer in America?

Back to camp in 5 steps:

1. Log in

If you’ve been with us to camp before, simply log in & all your information will carry over.

If you haven’t been with us before, no problem - start a new application, let us know you've been to camp before and one of our team will take it from there.

Get started
2. Pay your deposit

To secure your place as a returner, you need to pay your deposit.

We’d recommend doing this as soon as possible, as visa paperwork is limited and we don’t want you to miss out.

Pay your deposit
3. Upload your camp contract

Let your Camp Directors know ASAP that you plan to head back to camp so they can send you your camp contract.

We need your camp contract before we can start your visa paperwork.

4. Get your visa

We’ll help to get your visa paperwork sorted and will order that all important DS-2019.

Although you’re returning, you’ll still need to head to the embassy as they like to issue paperwork in person.

5. Book your flight

This time around, you know where you're heading - so you’ll have access to the best flight deals. Wahoo!

Please note - the embassy recommends that you do not book your flight until you've had your visa approved.

Frequently asked returner questions

Can I go with Camp Leaders if I used a different agency before?

Anyone who has been a camp counselor before is eligible. If you went to camp with another agency, you can still return with Camp Leaders.

What should I expect returning to summer camp?

Lower fees and higher wages. You pay less in program fees as a returner and, because your camp won't be paying an agency fee, you can negotiate your salary directly with your summer camp in America!

How do I get a higher wage as a returner?

As a returner, your camp will not pay a placement/administration fee to Camp Leaders which means you should be paid the same as any other American staff member. Boom.

How difficult is the returner application?

As you already have your job we need less information from you - it's super quick, easy and hassle free.

If I originally went to camp as support staff, can I return?

Yes- but note that the pricing will be different to returning camp counselors. Log into your application & speak to a member of the returners team.

Do I have to do all the paperwork for my Visa?

No. We will provide all the paperwork required. Returners must still attend an appointment at the US Embassy, but there will be group appointments available to make it nice & easy for ya'll!

Let's get you home.