The ultimate American summer camp job.

Camp Leaders brandmarkAndy the Camp Leaders bear wearing sunglasses
Tent icon
The best summer camps.
We work with over 650 of the best summer camps in America.
Plane icon
Over 100,000 travellers.
Since 1999 we've helped thousands of people experience the summer of a lifetime.
Award icon
Award winning support.
We've been voted Best Customer Service by industry experts two years in a row.
Experience the ultimate summer in America and earn at least $2,250.
Two women counselors wearing sunglasses smiling together
9 weeks at summer camp, with your food and accommodation included.
Two women looking at the Statue of Liberty
You’ll get to explore America for 30 days after camp.
We’re open to students and non-students.
Lifeguard wearing sunglasses smiling while sitting on a lifeguard stand
A graphic saying 'Watch this'

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 camp 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.

Qualified 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.
No items found.

Teach what you love in America.

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

The best way to spend your whole summer in America.

A tentA campfire

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!

Woman smiling using laptopPlane wing

Pricing

Learn more about our flexible pricing plans and what you earn.
$599 NZD
Includes:
Summer camp placement.
Earn $2,250 USD 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. Just pay a low deposit upfront, the rest comes later once you’re speaking with summer camps.
Deposit
$49
1st Installment
$250
2nd Installment
$300
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
Qualified 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
A pair of sunglassesThe sun shining
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
Prep day video thumbnail
Need help with your application?

Award winning tech makes getting to camp 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.
I loved Camp Leaders program as everything was helpful and easy to navigate.
Alex
M
Lake Bryn Mawr Camp
Jun 2025
Applying for camp is a lengthy process but the Camp Leaders team make it clear and easy to understand.
Nadine
P
Camp Chipinaw
Jun 2025
The Camp Leaders program allows people to have a global exchange overseas experience abroad in another country. This allows individuals to grow as people and meet lifelong friends along the way.
James
B
Camp Westmont
Jun 2025
Superstar team! Couldn’t ask for a better experience from the team at Camp Leaders.
Jessica
B
Camp Echo Lake
Jun 2025
I love how supportive Camp Leaders is. Always helpful and respond quickly even in different time zones :).
Enika
D
YMCA Camp Jewell
Jun 2025
Going through Camp Leaders was a saving grace in order to participate in an American summer camp. With friendly and helpful staff assisting with the job placement to a straightforward process to gain my visa.
Augustus
M
Harbor Camps
Sep 2025
Camp Leaders has helped make this process super straightforward with a simple checklist to keep you on track and reminders to do these tasks. They have been very quick to reply to any questions and always with a positive attitude!
Nicholas
J
Camp Walden NY
Jun 2025
Such an amazing crew, the support was incredible when going through every step!
Ella
P
Camp Somerset for Girls
Jun 2025
This is my second time using Camp Leaders and like before, they were amazing! from answering questions to supporting me through the visa process, they were there for everything, and just a phone call away, both in New Zealand and the USA!
Nina
H
Forest Lake Camp
Jun 2025
I loved Camp Leaders program as everything was helpful and easy to navigate.
Alex
M
Lake Bryn Mawr Camp
Jun 2025
Applying for camp is a lengthy process but the Camp Leaders team make it clear and easy to understand.
Nadine
P
Camp Chipinaw
Jun 2025
The Camp Leaders program allows people to have a global exchange overseas experience abroad in another country. This allows individuals to grow as people and meet lifelong friends along the way.
James
B
Camp Westmont
Jun 2025
Superstar team! Couldn’t ask for a better experience from the team at Camp Leaders.
Jessica
B
Camp Echo Lake
Jun 2025
I love how supportive Camp Leaders is. Always helpful and respond quickly even in different time zones :).
Enika
D
YMCA Camp Jewell
Jun 2025
Going through Camp Leaders was a saving grace in order to participate in an American summer camp. With friendly and helpful staff assisting with the job placement to a straightforward process to gain my visa.
Augustus
M
Harbor Camps
Sep 2025
I loved Camp Leaders program as everything was helpful and easy to navigate.
Alex
M
Lake Bryn Mawr Camp
Jun 2025
Applying for camp is a lengthy process but the Camp Leaders team make it clear and easy to understand.
Nadine
P
Camp Chipinaw
Jun 2025
The Camp Leaders program allows people to have a global exchange overseas experience abroad in another country. This allows individuals to grow as people and meet lifelong friends along the way.
James
B
Camp Westmont
Jun 2025

Swap your summer at home for a summer in America.

A US flagAn icon depicting a person wearing sunglasses