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Summer camp changes lives.

The program

The J1 Visa

The J-1 visa category includes a variety of programs that focus on cultural exchange. Participants can work for a maximum of four months during the period of May 1 - September 21.

Camp Leaders aids camps (host businesses) in placing participants within two program types:

  • Summer Work Travel (Support Staff) - Camp support roles, such at kitchen, maintenance, and office positions. These participants must be current students and must work only during the specific country dates outlined yearly by the Department of State
  • Camp Counselor - Counselor role working directly with children.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have a sufficient level of English proficiency to work at camp. More info on best practice with international participants from the ACA

Job roles through Camp Leaders

Best.Job.Ever
  • Camp Leader: General camp counselors with a variety of skills and experience, these participants are excited to live and work with the children day in and day out!
  • Specialist: Participants who have earned certain qualifications are recognized as "Specialists" and are comfortable leading and teaching specific activity areas at camp
  • Special Needs Leader: Camp counselors who live and work with children and adults with a range of physical and developmental disabilities, often in a "full care" environment assisting with basic hygienic needs in addition to their typical camp counselor duties
  • Christian or Jewish Leader: Camp counselors who are active in their faith and are interested in working at a camp with an active faith-based program
  • ARC Qualified Lifeguard: Camp counselors who participate in the Camp Leaders American Red Cross lifeguard course before traveling to camp will arrive already certified and ready to go! Water Safety Instruction is offered as well.
  • Support Staff: The backbone of your camp community, these participants keep things running behind the scenes in roles such as kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and the office!

Curious how our participants decide which job role to apply for? Check out our UK page!

Prohibited Jobs

Job roles prohibited for participants on the J-1 visa:

  • Nurse

  • Nanny

Jobs prohibited specifically for Summer Work Travel participants:

  • Night Security or any position which requires the participant to work predominantly between 10 pm and 6 am

  • Any position which requires the participant to operate vehicles for which a driver's license is required, whether they carry passengers or not

Camp Leaders is in constant communication with our visa sponsors to ensure that we are providing the most up-to-date information from the Department of State to our host businesses and participants.

Make sure you sign up for our Directors' Job fairs.