The ultimate J1 work and travel experience.

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The best summer camps.
We work with over 650 of the best summer camps in America.
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Over 100,000 travellers.
Since 1999 we've helped thousands of people experience the summer of a lifetime.
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Award winning support.
We've been voted Best Customer Service by industry experts two years in a row.
Experience the ultimate J1 in America and earn at least $2,250.
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9 weeks at summer camp, with your food and accommodation included.
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You’ll get to explore America for 30 days after camp.
We’re open to students and non-students.
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There’s a role for everyone at camp.

At camp, you'll build new skills, explore new places, and meet new people - and you'll help your campers do the same.

If you're adventurous and want to see the world, or a student looking for the perfect student summer job, then working at camp for your J1 in America is for you.

Camp Counselor

If you're a strong all rounder, and want to work with a group of kids, you'll make a great camp counselor.‍ You'll lead a small group of campers, guiding them through their summer, offering support, guidance, and encouragement.

Activity Specialist

Passionate about an activity? Whether it's a sport, instrument, or something else entirely, you can teach it at camp. Qualifications aren't required for most roles. If you're not a professional, no worries - you'll likely still be able to teach your activity at camp!

There are a variety of support staff roles available at camp.

From working in an office to preparing food in a kitchen, there's a variety of work you could get up to at camp.
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Teach what you love on your J1.

From soccer coaching to rocketry, if you can imagine it, you can teach it at summer camp.

The best way to spend your J1 in America.

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How it works

Apply online

Your first step is to hit the 'Apply now' button to begin your application.

Create your profile

Next up, you can begin to create your profile by providing your basic details.

Pay your deposit

To save yourself a place on Camp Leaders, all you need to do is pay your deposit.

Book your interview

Your interview will be a fairly relaxed chat with one of our friendly National Team interviewers, who've all been to camp themselves.

Complete your application

At this stage, new areas of your application will open up. We'll ask more about your work experience and any skills you might want to teach at camp.

Interview with camp

Once your application and profile is complete it will go live to our camp partners. If they like the look of your profile they will approach you for an interview.

Get hired

If there's a match after your interview the camp will offer you a placement. The moment you've been waiting for... you've found your camp; you're going to America!

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Pricing

Learn more about our flexible pricing plans and what you earn.
Early bird discount
€399
€349
Early bird discount ending soon!
Includes:
Summer camp placement.
Stipend of $2250 or more.
Visa sponsorship and assistance.
Medical insurance.
Application support.
Food and accommodation at camp.
24-hour support in America.
Up to 30 days travel after camp.
Pre-camp preparation workshop.
SEVIS Fee.
Spread the cost at no extra charge.
To make things easier for you, with our payment plan, once your deposit is paid, you won’t pay any remaining fees until your camp placement is confirmed.
Deposit
€49
1st
€150
2nd
€150
Earn $2250 or more.
At camp, you'll earn pocket money. With Camp Leaders, all first-timers will earn the same minimum amount, regardless of age.
Camp Counselor
$2250
Activity Specialist
$2500
Additional Needs Counselor
$2500
Additional costs.
There are some third party fees that are part of going to camp. These are paid directly to organisations like the US government and background check agencies as part of the J1 Visa requirements.
Criminal Background Check - £99
U.S. Visa Application (MRV) Fee - $185 USD (Paid to U.S. Embassy)
Flights to the U.S. - Price varies
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Additional costs are subject to change.
Support Staff
Counselor

You're eligible if:

You’re at least 18 years old by June 1st.
You're available to fly out between May 1st and June 20th.
You're available to spend 9 weeks at camp from the date you depart.
You can speak English fluently.
You have a clean criminal background.

You're eligible if:

You’re at least 18 years old by June 1st
You're available to fly out between May 1st and June 20th
You're available to spend 9 weeks at camp from the date you depart
You can speak English fluently
You have a clean criminal background
You have received a placement offer
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Need help with your application?

Award winning tech makes getting on your J1 simple.

Our one of a kind mobile-friendly platform guides you through each step of the camp application with ease.

Go with the summer camp experts.

All of our expert team members have been to summer camp in America and are passionate about all things travel.

Proudly employee owned.

From 17 international offices, we help thousands of people experience work and travel programs around the world. But it’s about more than just travel – it’s about cultural exchange, building connections, and inspiring people to go further, one life-changing journey at a time.

Frequently asked questions

How long is summer camp?

Camp Leaders participants spend 9 to 11 weeks at camp in the US during the summer season. Camp counselors stay for around 9 weeks, while support staff stay for 10 weeks. The season typically runs from early June through late August. After camp ends, you have up to 30 days to travel around America.

Are accommodation and food included?

Yes, your accommodation and meals are included. You'll stay on camp grounds with other staff members, and all your meals are provided - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Any extra treats during your time off are up to you.

Do I have to be a student to go to summer camp?

No, you don't need to be a student to be a camp counselor. You just need to be 18 by June 1st and have a clean criminal background check. Support staff roles do require student status due to visa regulations.

Will I earn some spending money during my time at camp?

Yes! You'll earn spending money during your time at camp. All camp roles come with a guaranteed minimum pocket money, and certain positions earn even more. Please visit our pricing page for more details and the most up to date information.

Do I get any time to explore America after camp?

Yes! As part of your J1 visa, you get 30 days after camp to explore America. This means once your camp contract ends, you can travel anywhere in the US during those 30 days, or head straight home if you prefer.

Reviews

Join 100,000+ who’ve loved the Camp Leaders experience.

Every year, we get your honest feedback on our camps to make sure we only work with the best camps America has to offer.
Efficient and easy to follow through the process
Alanna
R
Southampton Fresh Air Home
Aug 2024
Helped a lot was a very easy process would recommend to friends
Kaela
W
YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls
Sep 2024
It was very easy and efficient.
Laura
F
Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp
Sep 2024
It was a great experience and better than I could have imagined. it made the visa process super easy and simple to follow along i didnAot feel nervous at all, Provided great things before hand so that you could get to know people before hand
Jenna
W
Club Getaway
Sep 2024
camp leaders were so helpful in terms of connecting me to a camp and then guiding me through the visa process. while i was at camp, camp leaders always reached out and returned my emails when i contacted them. they made my experience in the U.S. so easy and smooth. iAove already recommended camp leaders to many of my friends
Clodagh
E
Camp Friendship
Sep 2024
The Camp Leaders program was instrumental in the provision of an excellent professional and personal experience for me this Summer. It made the process of obtaining and working on a J1 visa as seamless and stress-free as possible, while also ensuring that I felt supported and reassured in the knowledge that they had my best interests at heart while both working and travelling in the United States.
Jack
N
International Sports Training Camp
Sep 2024
I absolutely loved my time in America, thanks to camp leaders. It was a summer out of Ireland that I very much needed, and I couldn't be more grateful to have been able to be given the opportunity to meet so many new people, see new places and do so many new things.
Liam
O
Camp Fire - Hantesa
Aug 2024
Camp leaders was very helpful and provided me with a great amount of opportunities.
Aisling
H
Southampton Fresh Air Home
Aug 2024
The camp leaderAos team have always been helpful and made the process of getting to camp smooth
Aoife
S
Camp Walden NY
Aug 2024
Efficient and easy to follow through the process
Alanna
R
Southampton Fresh Air Home
Aug 2024
Helped a lot was a very easy process would recommend to friends
Kaela
W
YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls
Sep 2024
It was very easy and efficient.
Laura
F
Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp
Sep 2024
It was a great experience and better than I could have imagined. it made the visa process super easy and simple to follow along i didnAot feel nervous at all, Provided great things before hand so that you could get to know people before hand
Jenna
W
Club Getaway
Sep 2024
camp leaders were so helpful in terms of connecting me to a camp and then guiding me through the visa process. while i was at camp, camp leaders always reached out and returned my emails when i contacted them. they made my experience in the U.S. so easy and smooth. iAove already recommended camp leaders to many of my friends
Clodagh
E
Camp Friendship
Sep 2024
The Camp Leaders program was instrumental in the provision of an excellent professional and personal experience for me this Summer. It made the process of obtaining and working on a J1 visa as seamless and stress-free as possible, while also ensuring that I felt supported and reassured in the knowledge that they had my best interests at heart while both working and travelling in the United States.
Jack
N
International Sports Training Camp
Sep 2024
Efficient and easy to follow through the process
Alanna
R
Southampton Fresh Air Home
Aug 2024
Helped a lot was a very easy process would recommend to friends
Kaela
W
YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls
Sep 2024
It was very easy and efficient.
Laura
F
Peconic Dunes 4-H Camp
Sep 2024

Swap your summer at home for a summer in America.

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