Summer Camp Jobs USA 2027 | Work at a US Summer Camp | ESLstarter
Make your summer epic! Get paid to teach and explore the USA or Canada. It's the ultimate gig to build skills, travel, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Summer camp jobs in the USA 2027
Spend nine weeks living and working at a top American summer camp, sharing your skills with campers and staff from around the world. Then travel the USA for up to 30 days.
Much more than a summer job
Working at an American summer camp means joining a community. You'll live on site with international staff, coach and look after campers, and share the activities you love, whether that's football, kayaking, horse riding, drama or art.
Camp pushes you out of your comfort zone. You'll take on real responsibility, work with people from every corner of the world, and come home more confident and independent, with friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
It also looks great on a CV. Leadership, teamwork, communication and working with children are exactly what employers in teaching, coaching and youth work look for.
ESLstarter runs this programme with our partner Skilled Summers, who match you with a camp that suits your skills and support you from application to arrival.
Your 2027 summer camp package
Minimum guaranteed salary for the summer
Including a training week before the campers arrive
Accommodation and food provided at camp
Cover for the length of your camp contract
Through Skilled Summers' visa partner, IENA
Explore the USA after camp finishes
A camp chosen for your skills, experience and interests
From application and interviews to pre-departure orientation
Work alongside staff from all over the world
Roles for every kind of skill
Camps recruit for a huge range of activities. If you're an experienced coach, a creative, an outdoor enthusiast, a rider, a musician or a performer, or you simply have strong experience in one activity, there's a role where you can put it into practice.
- Sports and fitness
- Equestrian
- Outdoor adventure
- Water sports
- Creative arts
- Performing arts
- Education
- STEM
- Childcare
- Specialist activities
Planning a career in teaching?
Many camp roles involve working directly with children, which makes the programme ideal if you're thinking about teaching, coaching, youth work or any career with people. A summer at camp gives you real experience to talk about at interview.
Thinking of teaching English abroad after camp? Our 120-hour online TEFL from £63 fits around your summer.
Camps we work with
Skilled Summers works with established residential camps across the USA and Canada. Every camp has its own culture, setting and activities, so the focus is on finding the right fit for you, not just an available position.
- French Woods Sports & Arts
- Camp Chipinaw
- Laurel South
- Camp Lindenmere
- International Sports Training Camp
- Fernwood
- Schodack
- Westmont
- Med-O-Lark
- Frost Valley YMCA
- Camp Speers YMCA
- IGC
- Kippewa
- Nashoba
- Wyonegic
- Berkshire Soccer Academy
Who can apply?
- Aged 18 to 30 (some camps prefer staff aged 20 and over)
- A skill to share: a sport, outdoor activity, art, music, performance or other specialism
- Experience working with children is a big plus
- Available for at least nine weeks, starting between 1 May and 21 June 2027
- Two referees who have known you for at least six months (not friends or family)
- Energy, patience and a love of the outdoors
What it costs
| UK & Ireland | Other countries | |
|---|---|---|
| Programme fee (paid in full) | From £400 | $650 |
| Programme fee (in stages) | £475 | $750 |
| US embassy visa fee | $185 | $185 |
| Police check | £55 (ACRO) | Varies |
| Flights (guide) | £350–£600 | $450–$1,000 |
Fees are set by Skilled Summers and may change. We'll confirm the current figures when you apply. Your camp salary of at least $2,400 should cover these costs comfortably.
How it works
Apply with ESLstarter
Send the form below. We'll check your eligibility and introduce you to Skilled Summers.
Build your profile
Tell us your skills, experience and references so camps can see what you offer.
Interview with camps
Most applicants are interviewing with camps within two weeks of their application going to the US office.
Get placed
Accept an offer from a camp that's the right fit for you.
J-1 visa and orientation
Apply for your visa with support from IENA, then join a pre-departure orientation.
Fly to camp
Training week, then nine weeks of camp, then up to 30 days to travel.
Nine weeks at camp, a team of friends from all over the world, and a month to see America. It's the summer people still talk about years later.
Many of our partner camps are in the northeastern USA, within easy reach of New York City.
Summer camp USA: your questions answered
How much do summer camp counsellors get paid?
The 2027 programme pays a minimum salary of $2,400 for the summer, and your accommodation, meals and medical insurance are provided while you're at camp, so most of what you earn is yours to spend on travel.
How much does the summer camp programme cost?
For UK and Ireland applicants the programme fee is from £400 if paid in full, or £475 in stages. For applicants from other countries it is $650 paid in full, or $750 in stages. You also pay the US embassy visa fee ($185), a police check and your flights. Fees are set by our partner Skilled Summers and we'll confirm the current figures when you apply.
Who can apply to work at a US summer camp?
Applicants aged 18 to 30 who have a skill to share, such as a sport, outdoor activity, art, music or performance, and ideally experience working with children. Some camps prefer staff aged 20 and over. You must be available for at least nine weeks from a start date between 1 May and 21 June 2027.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. You'll travel on a J-1 exchange visitor visa. Skilled Summers supports your visa application through its visa partner, IENA, and you attend a short interview at a US embassy.
Can I travel after camp?
Yes. The J-1 visa allows up to 30 days of travel after your camp contract ends, so many counsellors explore New York, the East Coast or further afield before flying home.
When should I apply?
As early as possible. The earlier you apply, the more camps can see your application. Applications usually close around April.
Do I need to be a teacher?
No. Camps recruit coaches, outdoor enthusiasts, riders, artists, musicians, performers and people with childcare experience. Teachers and trainee teachers are very welcome, and the experience looks great on a teaching or youth work CV.
Ready for the summer of your life?
Camps are recruiting now for summer 2027, and the best placements go early. Apply today and we'll be in touch about the next steps.
