As the days start getting longer and the school year is wrapping up, it’s time to start thinking about everyone’s favorite time of year: summer. One of the most popular pastimes for American children is to spend part of their summer at camp, learning teamwork, leadership, and outdoor skills. For older students and young adults, summer camps offer an incredible opportunity to work as a camp counselor, creating the best camp in America for their campers and colleagues alike.
At AmeriCamp, we’re a trusted J-1 visa sponsor that opens the door for UK-based young adults to get a taste of life as a camp counselor in the United States. We help create opportunities and provide ongoing support throughout your time abroad. Plus, after your 9-week summer camp program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the US for up to a month, exploring the cities, wilderness, and everything in between!
If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a summer camp counselor in the US, start your journey here!
AmeriCamp partners with over 900 of the best summer camps in the United States. While this means that aspiring camp counselors can easily find a camp that’s a great fit, it also makes it tricky to make a decision when you’re so spoilt for choice! In this article, we’re going to discuss how to find the best camp in America based on your interests, goals, and desired experiences.
Specifically, we’ll explore:
- What America’s best summer camps are all about
- What you can expect from the best summer camp in America
- What to look for in the best summer camp in America
- How to experience the best summer camp in the USA
If you’re ready to discover the best summer camp in the USA, read on! We’ll discuss the magic of being a camp counselor and provide you with the tools to find the perfect match for your unforgettable summer journey.
What Are America’s Best Summer Camps All About?
Embarking on a journey as a camp counselor at one of America's best summer camps is an experience unlike any other. It is an opportunity to inspire, guide, and shape the lives of young campers while immersing yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals. As a prospective camp counselor in America, understanding what makes America's best summer camps special is crucial in finding the perfect fit for your own transformative summer adventure. Let’s take a look at:
- Why you should experience a USA summer camp
- The best American summer camp traditions
- What the AmeriCamp experience offers camp counselors
When you choose to embark on this journey through AmeriCamp, the experience of being a camp counselor in America will leave you with unforgettable memories and invaluable life skills.
Why Should You Experience a USA Summer Camp?
America’s summer camps are a beloved pastime, becoming more and more popular with each summer that passes. For campers, summer camps offer long-lasting benefits, including:
- Developing self-confidence
- Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds
- Experiencing new physical and outdoor activities
- Fostering an appreciation of nature
Summer camp offers a much-needed break from digital devices and screen time. It allows children to disconnect from technology and engage in real-world experiences, promoting face-to-face interactions, creativity, and imaginative play.
The benefits of summer camp aren’t just for campers, as being a camp counselor is also an incredibly rewarding experience and offers a unique chance for personal growth and development. It is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, cultivate leadership skills, and forge lifelong friendships with fellow counselors from around the globe. The camp counselor job description is diverse; you often get to develop a lot of new skills and take on some exciting challenges. As a camp counselor, you can:
- Develop leadership skills and mentor campers
- Fine-tune communication and interpersonal skills
- Learn outdoor and first-aid skills
- Foster lifelong friendships and memories
- See some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable
The immersive environment of a summer camp job encourages personal reflection, fostering qualities such as adaptability, resilience, and effective communication. As a camp counselor, you become a mentor, role model, and source of inspiration for campers, making a lasting impact on their lives.
What Are the Best Summer Camp Traditions?
The best summer camps in America are steeped in rich traditions that have stood the test of time. While every USA summer camp has its own unique traditions, some of the classic summer camp experiences and activities include:
- Campfire singalongs
- Color wars
- Camp games like capture the flag and water balloon fights
- Toasting s’mores around the fire
- Costume parties, talent shows, and other fun contests
These traditions infuse each day with an element of excitement, anticipation, and a sense of belonging. Participating in and upholding these traditions fosters a sense of camaraderie and camp spirit, and cultivates a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone at camp.
What Does the AmeriCamp Experience Offer?
AmeriCamp offers aspiring camp counselors an extraordinary opportunity to embark on a transformative adventure at a US summer camp. If you’re based in the UK and wondering how to get a summer camp job in the US, navigating the J-1 Visa process to become a camp counselor is a complicated and often expensive experience. We take the pressure off by dealing with all the behind-the-scenes paperwork and helping you find the best camp in America to spend your summer. All you need to focus on is having a great time!
With AmeriCamp, you’ll also receive:
- Guidance throughout your full application, starting pre-interview
- Ongoing support throughout your summer camp placement in the USA
- 24-hour emergency helpline in the USA if you ever have any problems
- Meals, accommodation, and health insurance throughout your camp contract
From guidance on creating an impactful application to facilitating visa arrangements and ensuring proper training, AmeriCamp equips prospective counselors with the necessary tools to succeed in a camp counselor role.
Start your application here!
What Can You Expect From the Best Camp in America?
Spending a summer adventure at one of America's finest camps is an experience that promises unforgettable memories, personal growth, and a deep sense of camaraderie. Here’s a look at what the best summer camp in the USA strives to deliver:
- Stunning scenery
- Endless activities
- Incredible new friends
- Supportive colleagues
- Lifelong memories
- Valuable skills
High-quality summer camps promote positive experiences for campers and staff alike.
Stunning Scenery
The best camps in America are often situated in breathtaking natural surroundings. Some of the scenery you can expect from summer camps in America include:
- Lush forests
- Serene lakes
- Majestic mountains
- Sandy beaches
These camps offer a picturesque backdrop for unforgettable experiences. Being a camp counselor, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature's beauty, whether it's through hiking trails, waterfront activities, stargazing, or simply enjoying the tranquility of your surroundings.
Endless Activities
America's top camps are renowned for their wide range of activities designed to cater to every interest and passion. From traditional camp activities to specialized programs, counselors can experience:
- Swimming and other water activities
- Arts and crafts
- Team sports like disc golf and capture the flag
- Rock climbing and outdoor adventure
- Horseback riding
- And so much more!
Campers and staff can explore their interests, try new things, and discover hidden talents, ensuring that each day is filled with excitement and enrichment.
Incredible New Friends
Life at the best summer camp in the USA means forging deep and lasting friendships with fellow campers and counselors. Camps create an inclusive and supportive community where campers and counselors from diverse backgrounds come together. The shared experiences, teamwork, and bond formed during camp activities foster meaningful connections that often extend long beyond the summer. The friendships formed at camp become cherished memories and a lifelong network of support and camaraderie.
Supportive Colleagues
Being a part of the best camp in America means working alongside supportive colleagues who share a passion for inspiring young minds. Camp counselors come from various backgrounds and cultures, creating a dynamic and diverse work environment. Collaborating with like-minded counselors who are dedicated to creating a positive and nurturing experience for campers strengthens the sense of community and provides a valuable support network for personal and professional growth.
Lifelong Memories
When you spend your summer at one of the best camps in America, there’s no doubt you’ll come away with lifelong memories. Whether it's watching campers conquer their fears, exploring a pristine lake with your new friends, or simply laughing around a campfire, each day presents new opportunities for unforgettable moments. Epic camp-wide events, themed celebrations, and new friendships are the memories made at camp that become stories recounted for years to come.
Valuable Skills
Being a part of the best camp in America offers more than just a fun summer experience; it also equips campers and counselors with valuable camp counselor resume skills that extend beyond the camp environment. Skills like:
- Leadership
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Teamwork, and
- Resilience
are just a few of the traits that are developed and honed through the challenges and responsibilities of camp life. These skills have a lasting impact on personal growth, future academic pursuits, and professional endeavors.
Experience It All With AmeriCamp
With AmeriCamp, you can make your US summer camp dream a reality. From your first day of camp counselor training to your final farewell, we’ll help make sure you can embark on an adventure that combines stunning locations, diverse activities, lifelong friendships, and valuable skills. By trusting the details to AmeriCamp, you can focus on finding the best camp in America for you.
What to Look For in the Best Camp in America
With so many different summer camps in the US, it can be a difficult choice to make. To make your summer camp experience as enjoyable as possible, here are some of the things to look for when choosing where to be a camp counselor at a US summer camp:
- Consider the location and which part of the US you want to be based in
- Think about your interests and find a camp that aligns
- Find a camp with outstanding testimonials
- Choose a camp that’s partnered with AmeriCamp
Let’s take a closer look at each of these, and why they’re important in choosing the ideal US summer camp experience for aspiring camp counselors.
Location, Location, Location
One of the most important aspects to consider when searching for the best camp in America is its location. The camp's setting plays a significant role in shaping your overall experience as a camp counselor. Do you crave the serenity of the mountains, the tranquility of a lakeside retreat, or the energizing atmosphere of a coastal camp? Each location offers unique activities and natural wonders, so selecting a site that resonates with your preferences is essential in crafting the ideal summer experience.
When you’re thinking about where to work at a USA summer camp, you also need to consider which region of the United States you want to be based in. Of course, you can travel throughout the country after your camp winds up, but if there are any specific US regions on your bucket list, you can target camps in those areas.
Consider Your Interests
While all summer camps tend to offer a great selection of fun activities, you can look for camps that offer activities that specifically align with your interests and passions. Whether you are eager to explore arts and crafts, sports, or outdoor adventures, or have specialized skills in performing arts, nature education, or sports coaching, find a camp that focuses on the activities that interest you the most.
In doing this, you’re likely to have a more fun and enjoyable summer camp experience, and can also pass on your enthusiasm and passion to the young campers under your supervision. If you’re wondering how to be a good camp counselor, a positive attitude and passionate, contagious enthusiasm is the perfect place to start!
Find Camps With Outstanding Testimonials
Testimonials and reviews from previous campers and staff can prove invaluable in your quest to find the best camp in America. Reading about real experiences and insights from those who have attended the camp provides a glimpse into the:
- Camp's culture
- Quality of programs
- Safety standards
- Support for staff
- Overall experience
Look for testimonials that highlight positive experiences, growth opportunities, and lasting friendships, as they indicate a camp that fosters a positive and enriching environment.
Look for Camps That Partner With AmeriCamp
At AmeriCamp, we partner with some of the best camps in America, located right across the country. Our incredible network makes it easier for you to find a camp that checks all your boxes, setting you up for an unforgettable summer. Whether you’re in search of a camp that prioritizes team sports, or one with a focus on wellness and mindfulness activities, we can connect you!
We have camps in rural, remote, and urban settings, and can facilitate your placement in both day camps and those that run overnight programs. AmeriCamp’s network includes:
- Private camps
- Non-profit camps
- Special needs camps
- Themed camps
- Religious camps
- And more!
There’s something for everybody, and we can’t wait to help you find your ideal summer camp experience at the best camp in America!
How to Experience the Best Summer Camp in the USA
If you’re ready to begin your summer camp counselor journey, AmeriCamp can help you get started. By following these steps, you can kick-start your adventure as a camp counselor in the USA:
- Connect with AmeriCamp
- Complete your application
- Prepare for camp counselor interviews
- Choose the best camp in America for you
Here’s a closer look at how to get a job as a summer camp counselor in the USA.
Connect With AmeriCamp
The first step is to connect with our AmeriCamp team. If you’re looking for more information about our programs for prospective counselors, check out our program information. If you still have questions, find answers in our FAQ section and of course, feel free to reach out to us any time if there’s anything else you’d like to discuss!
Complete Your Application
Once you have the information you need, you’re ready to start your AmeriCamp application! You can find the application form here, which requests some basic info so we can get you set up. We recommend setting aside 30-60 minutes for the application process. Don’t forget to polish off your camp counselor resume and let us know what camp counselor skills and qualities you can bring to the table! After your application, we’ll schedule a call with an AmeriCamp brand ambassador to discuss your skills and qualifications, and make sure you’d be a great fit for our program.
Choose the Best Camp in America for You
Once you’ve completed your application and met with a brand ambassador, you can be placed “on review” at various camps by a placement coordinator. Make sure you’ve given us all the relevant information to help us find camps that are a great match for your skills and interests, and don’t be afraid to ask if you have specific requests about the type or location of camp you would prefer. When you’re placed on review, camp directors will have a chance to evaluate your application and potentially offer you an interview.
Prepare For Camp Counselor Interviews
While our placement coordinator is busy finding the best camp in America for you, you’ll have some time to prepare for your camp counselor job interviews. Practice your answers to common camp counselor interview questions, and come up with some of your own questions to ask the camp directors and other staff you meet with.
Find the Best Camp in America With AmeriCamp
The best summer camp in America is much more than just somewhere to spend your summer. It’s a chance to make lifelong friends, develop valuable skills, and have the time of your life while helping others do the same.
For aspiring camp counselors, AmeriCamp can enhance your summer camp experience by offering expert support, valuable cultural exchange opportunities, and a seamless pathway to joining some of the finest camps in America.
Start your application today and begin preparing for the most incredible summer of your life!
