Types of summer camps

There's a camp for everyone.

Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, abilities, and types. So do our summer camps.
A female counselor carrying a female counselor on her back
A smiling climbing instructor wearing climbing equipment
A counselor facing the waterfront

Traditional camps 🏕️

The epitome of the beloved summer camp experience.

The most common type of summer camp, traditional camps are what many first think of when you think of camp in the US. Many of the following groups of camps will fit under 'traditional camp' as well, so keep your preferences open!
Two smiling camp counselors sitting down on a pier by the water

Specialist camps 🤸

These summer camps have a specific theme or focus, and provide a higher level of teaching, coaching, or training in that activity.

These camps typically look for activity leaders who are skilled in their activity and confident that they can help campers develop as well. More often than not, these camps will be privately owned and operated.
Campers taking part in an gymnastic act
Teach what you love at a specialist camp.

Special needs camps 🧩

Working a special needs camp is one of the most rewarding job roles you can ever have.

Every camper deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of camp, regardless of ability. Special needs camps cater specifically for this, and they look for staff who are searching for a much more rewarding role.
Two special needs camp counselors with a camper

Faith-based camps 🤲

Religious camps aren't just about teaching faith; activities at these camps cover the whole range, from sports to waterfront and lots more.

Our Jewish and Christian camps have a varied levels of faith, and this will reflect in their activities. Often, these camps are exactly like traditional camps with a small amount of faith interwoven, with any religion or background being able to work at them.
Two camp counselors smiling with great joy

Underprivileged camps 🫶

These camps provide summer camp opportunities for children who may not otherwise be able to go.

These camps are specifically meant for campers from underprivileged backgrounds, so you'll be making a huge difference. Often run by non-profit agencies, these camps most often fit into the traditional summer camp category.
A slide by a lake
Make a difference this summer at an underprivilidged camp.

Rustic & outdoor camps 🪵

Prepare for a next-level summer camp experience. If you're adventurous, bold, and immersive, you'll get the most out of a rustic summer camp.

You'll disconnect from technology by focusing on connecting with other campers and staff during your outdoor activities, such as climbing or leading an outdoor trip. It might sound crazy, but removing technology can lead to one of your best ever summers.
Two camp counselors jumping into a lake

Traditional Summer Camps

The epitome of the beloved summer camp experience.

The most common type of summer camp, traditional camps are what many first think of when you think of camp in America. Many of the following groups of camps will fit under 'traditional camp' as well, so keep your preferences open!

Specialist Camps

These summer camps have a specific theme or focus, and provide a higher level of teaching, coaching, or training in that activity.

These camps typically look for activity leaders who are skilled in their activity and confident that they can help campers develop as well. More often than not, these camps will be privately owned and operated.

Special Needs Camps

Working a special needs camp is one of the most rewarding job roles you can ever have.

Every camper deserves the opportunity to experience the magic of camp, regardless of ability. Special needs camps cater specifically for this, and they look for staff who are searching for a much more rewarding role.

Faith Based Camps

Religious camps aren't just about teaching faith; activities at these camps cover the whole range, from sports to waterfront and lots more.

Our Jewish and Christian camps have a varied levels of faith, and this will reflect in their activities. Often, these camps are exactly like traditional camps with a small amount of faith interwoven, with any religion or background being able to work at them.

Underprivileged camps

These camps provide summer camp opportunities for children who may not otherwise be able to go.

These camps are specifically meant for campers from underprivileged backgrounds, so you'll be making a huge difference. Often run by non-profit agencies, these camps most often fit into the traditional summer camp category.

Rustic & Outdoor Camps

Prepare for a next-level summer camp experience. If you're adventurous, bold, and immersive, you'll get the most out of a rustic summer camp.

You'll disconnect from technology by focusing on connecting with other campers and staff during your outdoor activities, such as climbing or leading an outdoor trip. It might sound crazy, but removing technology can lead to one of your best ever summers.

Boys or girls camps

These camps typically partner with a neighbouring camp of the opposite gender, with social gatherings together during the summer.

Outside of that, though, these camps have a different vibe to regular camps. The added social pressure that happens around the opposite gender for young adults just doesn't exist, with everyone focused on enjoying all the activities instead.
Traditional camps done a little differently.
Two male counselors posing for a photo

FAQs

Can other types of summer camps still be a 'traditional' camp?

Yes, many of the other camp categories can still be considered a traditional summer camp, just with an extra angle to them. For example, a lot of the 'religious' camps are exactly the same as traditional camps, just with maybe a prayer before meal times, or other faith based activities.

Can I choose what type of summer camp I go to?

As you go through your application, our expert team will analyse it and find camps that are looking for precisely that. By doing so, you open your application to these camps, so we always suggest including as much on your application as possible, as you'll have the best chance to find your home from home.

I'm not religious, can I still work at a religious camp?

Absolutely! We have loads of applicants who aren't actively religious who then go to work at religious summer camps and have the best ever summer, as most are exactly the same as traditional camps. Summer camp is an inclusive place where everyone is welcome, so if you're open to seeing new perspectives, you'll be welcome with open arms.

Are rustic camps absolutely no technology?

Rustic camps are meant to be a reconnect to nature, so there's certainly not as much technology or electricity as you'd find in other camps. However, it's not completely off grid, and there'll be certain areas of camp to charge items and to connect to WiFi to speak to family back home.

How do I learn more about each type of summer camp?

If you'd like to research more about each type of summer camp and to see which you would align with most, then click through on some of the links above to take you through to the individual pages. Our tip; research them all. Your summer of a lifetime could be just one page away.

Different types of camp can be found all across the States.

We work with over 500 hand-picked summer camps
Hand-picked camps can be found in all
50 US states
When camp is over, you can explore any US state you wish to

With a variety of summer camp types, your summer at camp will be truly unique.