The ultimate J1 work and travel experience.
The best summer camps.
We work with over 650 of the best summer camps in America.
Over 100,000 travellers.
Since 1999 we've helped thousands of people experience the summer of a lifetime.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Performing Arts & Media
Arts & Crafts
Outdoor & Adventure
Sports Coaching
Waterfront
The best way to spend your J1 in America.
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.
Camp Counselor
€379
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.
Our payment plan keeps things simple. Pay a low deposit to get started, and pay nothing else until your camp placement is confirmed.
Deposit
€39
1st
€170
2nd
€170
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
Special 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
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
Need help with your application?
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.
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I can't recommend Camp Leaders highly enough. I worked with the company in 2014 on my first summer camp adventure and again this year for an incredible return to camp. The whole process, from application to placement, was seamless and personal.
Victoria
M
Camp Michigania
Jul 2025
”
I absolutely loved the experience of using Camp Leaders to pursue my dream of working at an American summer camp! Every step was clear and the staff were so helpful in answering any questions I had about setting up my profile, interviewing with.
Brooke
R
Summer Discovery - UPENN
Jun 2025
”
This is my second year sorting out a J-1 with Camp Leaders. They have always been helpful, kind, and efficient. I’ve been able to help a handful of people who saw that I travelled last year with advice for this year. Thanks Camp Leaders!
Kim
W
Camp Wah-Nee
Jun 2025
”
Really appreciate all the help that was given to me and is a very well run company.
Dean
G
Camp Taconic
Jun 2025
”
Camp Leaders has provided me with a smooth process both summers I have been present in America. The answering of questions by email, phone, etc. Has been extremely helpful for an over thinking and worrier like myself and I am great product I would.
Rory Jack
O
Camp Walden NY
Oct 2025
”
Smooth, fast and always helpful and on hand. Thank you.
Dino
D
Camp Towanda
Jun 2025
”
The experience was honestly one of the best I have ever had with a company. I mainly liased with Chris and he was honestly one of the nicest and most helpful people that I have had the pleasure of interacting with.
Conor Patrick
C
Camp Echo Lake
Jun 2025
”
Camp Leaders have made this process extremely helpful and easy, they always answered any questions needed. Special thanks to Chris for helping me with embassy documents the day before!
Erin
O
Oneka Camps
Jun 2025
”
Both years have been great. The support throughout the process has been amazing. It makes the process so much simpler and reduces the stress! Particularly in my first year having the calls and someone too call if you needed help was so beneficial!
Aisling
S
Lake Bryn Mawr Camp
Jun 2025
”
I can't recommend Camp Leaders highly enough. I worked with the company in 2014 on my first summer camp adventure and again this year for an incredible return to camp. The whole process, from application to placement, was seamless and personal.
Victoria
M
Camp Michigania
Jul 2025
”
I absolutely loved the experience of using Camp Leaders to pursue my dream of working at an American summer camp! Every step was clear and the staff were so helpful in answering any questions I had about setting up my profile, interviewing with.
Brooke
R
Summer Discovery - UPENN
Jun 2025
”
This is my second year sorting out a J-1 with Camp Leaders. They have always been helpful, kind, and efficient. I’ve been able to help a handful of people who saw that I travelled last year with advice for this year. Thanks Camp Leaders!
Kim
W
Camp Wah-Nee
Jun 2025
”
Really appreciate all the help that was given to me and is a very well run company.
Dean
G
Camp Taconic
Jun 2025
”
Camp Leaders has provided me with a smooth process both summers I have been present in America. The answering of questions by email, phone, etc. Has been extremely helpful for an over thinking and worrier like myself and I am great product I would.
Rory Jack
O
Camp Walden NY
Oct 2025
”
Smooth, fast and always helpful and on hand. Thank you.
Dino
D
Camp Towanda
Jun 2025
”
I can't recommend Camp Leaders highly enough. I worked with the company in 2014 on my first summer camp adventure and again this year for an incredible return to camp. The whole process, from application to placement, was seamless and personal.
Victoria
M
Camp Michigania
Jul 2025
”
I absolutely loved the experience of using Camp Leaders to pursue my dream of working at an American summer camp! Every step was clear and the staff were so helpful in answering any questions I had about setting up my profile, interviewing with.
Brooke
R
Summer Discovery - UPENN
Jun 2025
”
This is my second year sorting out a J-1 with Camp Leaders. They have always been helpful, kind, and efficient. I’ve been able to help a handful of people who saw that I travelled last year with advice for this year. Thanks Camp Leaders!
Kim
W
Camp Wah-Nee
Jun 2025
