Teach horse riding at camp in America this summer.

Experience the ultimate summer in America and earn at least $2,500.
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.
Two male counselors posing for a photo
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.
In demand job

Horse Riding Coach

Join camp this summer as a Horse Riding Coach, where you will share your love of horses with campers, most of them riding for the first time. This role involves leading lessons, caring for the horses, and keeping safety at the top of the agenda in the saddle and around the barn. Ideal candidates should be experienced riders who can teach kids to respect horses too.
Things to remember.
Often, no qualifications are needed to teach at camp.
There are countless activities you can teach to campers.
Camp is fun, but it's hard work too.
Four people with arms around each other facing an American flag on a sunny day by a lake.

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.
Early bird pricing
£349
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
£155
2nd
£155
Earn $2500 as an Activity Specialist.
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
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

Teach what you love this summer.

Two women counselors smiling and laughing in front of a lakeA woman posing for a photo with the New York skyline in the backgroundTwo male counselors smiling, posing for a photo

Frequently asked questions

Will I get time off as an Activity Specialist?

Yes! A role as an Activity Specialist is a bit more laid-back than a general counselor role. The campers will come to your station, so you won't be responsible for taking the campers through their day. You'll have some time to yourself between each session before another group arrives, and you can join in on other activities if you've got a free hour between groups. You'll also have days off depending on the schedule at your camp. You'll find out more about your camp's schedule when your application reaches the "Ready to Hire" stage and you have your interview with your Camp Director. Be sure to make the most of your 30 days of after camp travel as well!

Will I be trained as an Activity Specialist?

Absolutely. Depending on which activity you're leading, you'll likely already have at least a basic knowledge of your activity - but camps will provide at least a week of training for your role. Certain positions, such as lifeguards, require more intensive training as well. We also prepare you before you leave, with in-person or online preparation days, as well as an orientation upon arrival in the USA. To find out more about how we prepare you for the USA, just book in a welcome call when you apply and ask one of our team members.

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.

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 as an Activity Specialist you will earn at least $250 more than a General Camp Counselor. Please view the pricing table above to learn more.

What if I'm not qualified or skilled enough?

Short answer - don't worry! It's a good thing you read the fine print, because you've just stumbled upon one of the greatest summer camp application hacks. Ready? Here it is - if you apply for an Activity Specialist role, you give yourself the highest possible chance to nail down your ultimate summer job. Here's why - statistically, there are more Activity Specialist jobs available, and fewer people applying for them. This means there are plenty of opportunities for people like you to scoop up some of the best roles at summer camp! If you're passionate about an activity, it's likely you can teach it at camp, even if you're not quite qualified. Even if you don't get an Activity Specialist role, you'll still be eligible for a general counselor role - so it doesn't hurt to apply (in fact, it can only help you). If you're not sure which role to apply for, that's okay! You can fill out up to 10 different skills in your application.

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.
Camp Waldemar was brilliant. A great experience with good management.
Niamh
C
Camp Waldemar
Sep 2026
Akeela was a great place to work, with a real sense of friendship and community.
Andrew
M
Camp Akeela
Aug 2026
Tapawingo has an amazing culture, and I had the most incredible summer.
Kerry Anne
W
Camp Tapawingo
Aug 2026
The best summer experience ever. I made friends for life.
James
C
Camp Pontiac
Sep 2026
It was all great.
Oliver
P
CMC Camps - Pine Forest - Lake Owego - Timber Tops
Aug 2026
Camp Chipinaw is amazing. They're supportive and take the safety of you and the campers very seriously, which I really appreciated. It's so much fun, and there are lots of opportunities to see New York State on your days off.
Kayley-Shay
V
Camp Chipinaw
Aug 2026
I had the best experience as a camp counsellor. As a gymnastics specialist, it was lovely to watch the girls grow and learn new skills! I made the most amazing memories and the best friendships, and loved the schedule and special events.
Tyra
A
Romaca
Sep 2026
The beautiful outdoor areas were a massive bonus and made everyone grateful for the experience. There were so many spots to wander and take it all in. The theatre department was beautiful and the shows were so well thought out.
Chloe
H
Romaca
Sep 2026
Going to Camp Baco was the best decision of my life. I learnt so much about myself and grew so much as a person. I've already recommended it to all my friends and hope to experience it with them next year.
Luke
D
Camps Baco & Che-Na-Wah
Sep 2026
Camp Waldemar was brilliant. A great experience with good management.
Niamh
C
Camp Waldemar
Sep 2026
Akeela was a great place to work, with a real sense of friendship and community.
Andrew
M
Camp Akeela
Aug 2026
Tapawingo has an amazing culture, and I had the most incredible summer.
Kerry Anne
W
Camp Tapawingo
Aug 2026
The best summer experience ever. I made friends for life.
James
C
Camp Pontiac
Sep 2026
It was all great.
Oliver
P
CMC Camps - Pine Forest - Lake Owego - Timber Tops
Aug 2026
Camp Chipinaw is amazing. They're supportive and take the safety of you and the campers very seriously, which I really appreciated. It's so much fun, and there are lots of opportunities to see New York State on your days off.
Kayley-Shay
V
Camp Chipinaw
Aug 2026
Camp Waldemar was brilliant. A great experience with good management.
Niamh
C
Camp Waldemar
Sep 2026
Akeela was a great place to work, with a real sense of friendship and community.
Andrew
M
Camp Akeela
Aug 2026
Tapawingo has an amazing culture, and I had the most incredible summer.
Kerry Anne
W
Camp Tapawingo
Aug 2026

Swap your summer at home for a summer in America.

A US flagAn icon depicting a person wearing sunglasses