Imagine spending your summer kayaking on a crystal-clear lake, roasting marshmallows by a campfire under the stars, and leading dance parties with a group of awesome, energetic kids—all while making lifelong friends from around the world. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it can be your reality at Camp Wicosuta, one of the most beautiful and empowering all-girls camps in the U.S.
If you're an international student or traveler looking for an unforgettable way to work abroad over the summer, grow personally and professionally, and experience American culture in the most fun and authentic way possible, look no further! AmeriCamp makes it easy to land the perfect camp counselor role in the United States, and Camp Wicosuta might just be your ultimate match.
In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly why Camp Wicosuta is such a special place to work, and how you can become a camp counselor at a U.S. summer camp. We’ll explore:
- Camp Wicosuta’s history and culture
- What to expect while you’re there
- Your roles and responsibilities as a camp counselor
- How to apply to become a camp counselor through AmeriCamp
Don’t let summer slip away—make the most of every moment with a summer camp job in the U.S. Start your AmeriCamp application today! In the meantime, here’s everything you need to know about working as a counselor at Camp Wicosuta.
Why Work at Camp Wicosuta?
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, this traditional all-girls camp offers more than just a scenic backdrop and classic campfires. Camp Wicosuta is a place where connections are made and confidence is built. Whether you're coaching soccer, teaching dance, or helping a camper overcome homesickness, your impact will be real, and so will your memories. Here’s why Camp Wicosuta is one of the best summer camps in the U.S. to be a counselor.
Camp Wicosuta History: A Legacy of Empowering Young Girls
Camp Wicosuta has a 100-year-old tradition rooted in the idea that every girl deserves a chance to grow, lead, and thrive. Since 1920, Wico (as it’s affectionately known) has been helping girls build confidence, independence, and strong friendships in a safe and supportive environment.
Did you know that new research from Dove and Nike found that 45% of girls drop out of sports as teenagers, and that low confidence is the number one factor? By empowering girls to be their most confident selves, Camp Wicosuta is helping to combat sad statistics like this one.
Being a camp counselor, you become a vital part of that mission. You’re not just there to supervise—you’re a role model, mentor, and cheerleader. Whether it's guiding a camper through her first solo canoe trip, helping her navigate friendships, or teaching a group of girls to play football (a great way to boost confidence!), you'll be making a real impact in a young girl’s life. And in the process, you'll be surprised at how much you grow yourself.
A Stunning Location in New Hampshire
Camp Wicosuta is located in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire, right on the shores of Newfound Lake, which is one of the cleanest and most picturesque lakes in the state. Imagine waking up to mountain views, spending your days outdoors in the sunshine, and winding down your evenings by the water with music, laughter, and s’mores.
This isn’t just an American summer camp job—it’s a total escape from the hustle and noise of daily life. The peaceful surroundings offer a rare chance to unplug, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the simplicity of living in the moment. Plus, it’s the perfect setting for adventurous souls who love hiking, swimming, kayaking, or just soaking up the sun.
An Experience You’ll Never Forget
From the moment you arrive at Camp Wicosuta, you become part of a tight-knit community where everyone is rooting for each other. You’ll make fast friendships with fellow counselors from around the world, build meaningful relationships with campers, and create memories you’ll be smiling about for years.
There’s something magical about USA summer camp life: the traditions, the cheers, the themed days, the spontaneous dance parties, and the camaraderie. You’ll gain valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience, but you’ll also gain confidence, self-awareness, and a deep sense of fulfillment.
What to Expect as a Camp Counselor at Camp Wicosuta
So, you’re thinking of spending your summer as a camp counselor at Camp Wicosuta—amazing choice! But what does that actually look like day to day? Whether you’re teaching arts & crafts, leading a bunk of giggly girls, or helping organize an epic talent show, there’s never a dull moment.
Being a counselor at Wicosuta is equal parts rewarding, challenging, and unbelievably fun. To help you get a better feel for what working at a USA summer camp could look like, here’s a breakdown of everything you can expect once you step onto campgrounds.
Benefits of Working at Camp Wicosuta
Let’s start with the perks, because there are plenty of benefits to being a camp counselor in America! First off, you’re getting paid to spend your summer outdoors, in one of the most beautiful spots in the U.S. But beyond the camp counselor salary, there’s so much more:
- Free accommodation and meals for the entire summer
- Cultural exchange and connections with staff from all over the world
- Leadership and teaching experience that looks amazing on a resume
- Daily access to outdoor fun, like swimming, paddleboarding, hiking, and more
- Personal growth—you’ll become more confident, independent, and adaptable
- Travel opportunities within the U.S. after camp ends, with a 30-day travel window
It’s truly a job that gives back just as much as you put in, and then some.
Camp Counselor Roles and Responsibilities
Camp Wicosuta counselors often act as both cabin counselors and activity specialists. Cabin counselors (always female at Wico) live with a group of girls and act as their mentor, big sister, and support system.
You’ll help them with everything from brushing their teeth to navigating social dynamics to writing letters home. As well as supporting campers, cabin counselors also teach or coach in their area of expertise. For Wico and most typical summer camps in America, this may be:
- Team sports like basketball or field hockey
- Cooking and baking
- Ballet, yoga, theater, or pilates
- Overnight camping, survival skills, or environmental education
- Off-site hiking, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting
- Water sports like swimming, canoeing, wakeboarding, and more
Activity specialists (male or female) teach specific skills like tennis, waterskiing, painting, dance, theater, or gymnastics, while also helping with general camp life and special events. Male activity specialists live in separate camp housing with the other male staff at Wico.
Camp Orientation
Before the campers even arrive, staff go through a thorough orientation week (or sometimes two weeks if you’re teaching an activity that requires specific training), designed to prepare you for success. You’ll learn how to be a good camp counselor and get trained on everything from child safety and behavior management to handling homesickness and leading group activities.
It’s also your chance to meet the rest of the staff, bond with your team, and get familiar with the camp layout and expectations. Orientation is fun, hands-on, and sets the tone for a safe, confident, and connected summer at the best summer camp in the USA.
Where Do Camp Counselors Live at Camp Wicosuta?
Like most summer camp jobs in America, Wico counselors live on-site in shared cabins, with cozy bunk beds, bathroom and shower facilities, and electricity. Each cabin typically sleeps six to 14 girls (depending on the age group) and two staff members.
Living at the camp means you're truly immersed in the experience 24/7—there’s something pretty special about waking up to lake views and falling asleep to the sound of crickets. You won’t have a lot of privacy, but think of it as a big, summer-long sleepover!
What a Normal Day at Camp Wicosuta Looks Like
Every day at Wico is packed with activity, but there’s also a nice rhythm to it. Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Wake up and cabin clean-up
- Breakfast in the dining hall
- Morning activity periods (you’ll be teaching or leading)
- Lunch and rest hour (a chance to recharge!)
- Afternoon activities
- Dinner and evening programming (games, campfires, events)
- Wind down and lights out (depending on camper age)
There’s never a dull moment with a summer camp job abroad, but there are plenty of opportunities for fun, laughter, and learning along the way.
Camp Wicosuta Amenities
Even though you’re living the rustic life of a summer camp in America, you’ll still have access to some pretty sweet amenities:
- A private sandy beach on Newfound Lake
- Heated swimming pools
- Sports fields and courts for tennis, soccer, basketball, and more
- Fully equipped art studios, music rooms, and performance spaces
- An archery range, fitness center, and rope courses
- Dining hall with varied and inclusive meals
- Staff lounge and library
- And so much more!
Camp Wicosuta offers the best of both worlds: an authentic camp vibe with the comforts that make living and working there a breeze.
How to Work at Camp Wicosuta with AmeriCamp
Now that you’re picturing yourself on the shores of Newfound Lake, leading dance parties or guiding campers through arts and crafts, let’s talk about how to actually make it happen. Luckily, AmeriCamp makes the process of working at a U.S. summer camp smooth and easy, even if you’re applying from halfway across the world.
Step 1: Submit Your Application Form
The first step is as simple as it sounds: head to the AmeriCamp website and submit your application. Your AmeriCamp application is your chance to show who you are—your interests, your experience, your skills, and why you’d make an awesome counselor.
Make sure to highlight any work with children, teaching experience, or special talents (sports, arts, music, outdoor skills, etc.). Don’t worry if you don’t have tons of formal camp counselor resume skills—enthusiasm, a great attitude, and a willingness to learn go a long way at camp. Plus, your in-person orientation will bring you up to speed before the campers arrive.
Step 2: Go Live on AmeriCamp’s Portal
Once your application is submitted and reviewed, you’ll go live on AmeriCamp’s portal. This means that U.S. camp directors from our partner camps (including those from Camp Wicosuta) can view your profile and reach out if they think you’d be a good fit.
Think of this as your online camp counselor resume for camp jobs. You can even add videos or fun facts to make your profile stand out. The more effort you put into your profile, the more likely you are to get matched with a camp that’s perfect for you.
Step 3: Complete a Background Check
Because you’ll be working closely with kids, a background check is required for all applicants. We’ll guide you through this step—usually it just means submitting the right documents and paying a small fee. This part is very important for keeping camps safe and trustworthy for everyone involved.
Step 4: Interview With Camp Directors
If Camp Wicosuta sees your profile and loves what they read, you’ll be invited to an interview with one of the camp directors, either via Zoom or another video platform. Don’t stress—it’s friendly, informal, and more like a chat (where you’ll answer a few common camp counselor interview questions) than a test.
They’ll ask about your experience, your strengths, how you handle challenges, and what you’re hoping to get out of the summer. Just be yourself, show your passion for working with kids, and let your personality shine! It’s also your chance to ask any burning questions you have and learn more about the camp, their values, and what’s expected of you as a counselor.
Step 5: Secure Your J-1 Visa
Once you’re hired (congrats!) AmeriCamp will help you secure your J-1 visa, which is a cultural exchange visa that allows you to work at camp and travel in the U.S. after your placement ends. We’ll walk you through every step, from gathering documents to booking your embassy appointment.
This visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for the full summer season, and even gives you an extra 30 days afterward to travel and explore the United States. So you can finish working as a J-1 camp counselor and still squeeze in a West Coast road trip or a visit to New York City before heading home.
Packing Your Bags: What to Bring to Camp Wicosuta
So, you’ve landed the job, your visa is sorted, and your flights are booked, now it’s time to pack those bags! But what do you actually need to bring to Camp Wicosuta for a summer of sun, adventure, and non-stop energy?
What Do Camp Counselors Wear at Camp Wicosuta?
Remember, you’ll be living in a shared cabin, running around outdoors all day, and possibly getting splashed, painted on, or glitter-bombed. Keep it practical, comfortable, and camp-ready! Here’s the lowdown on counselor attire at a summer adventure camp:
- Daily uniform: Camp Wicosuta has a partial uniform policy, which means counselors are generally expected to wear Wicosuta-branded shirts (you’ll get eight of these during orientation, and can buy more if needed) and shorts or pants. This keeps things easy and cohesive—plus, you won’t have to stress over what to wear each day.
- Practical footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot, so pack a couple of pairs of comfy sneakers or athletic shoes. Water shoes or flip-flops are useful for pool and beach time, and a sturdy pair of sandals or crocs can come in handy too.
- Layers are your friend: Evenings in New Hampshire can get chilly, especially early or late in the season. Bring hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers, and a lightweight waterproof jacket just in case. A cozy fleece or flannel is also a camp classic.
- Swimsuits: You’ll probably be in the water several times a week, whether you're lifeguarding, leading a canoe trip, or cooling off at the lake. Bring a few swimsuits so you always have a dry one ready to go. Female staff are required to wear a one-piece swimsuit, while board shorts are acceptable for the guys.
Other Camp Wicosuta Essentials
While there’s a general AmeriCamp packing list to follow, and your camp will usually provide one too, here are some of the most important things to bring to camp as a counselor to get you started:
- A sun hat or baseball cap
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- A small backpack or drawstring bag
- A flashlight or headlamp for nighttime
- Personal toiletries
International staff usually don’t need to bring towels, sheets, pillows, or blankets—these are typically provided so that they don’t take up valuable space in your suitcase. If you do want to bring your own, you’re more than welcome to.
Start Your Camp Wicosuta Adventure With AmeriCamp!
There’s something truly magical about summer camp in the USA, and Camp Wicosuta captures that magic perfectly. From its breathtaking lakeside location in New Hampshire to its incredible community of campers and counselors, Wico isn’t just a place to work, it’s somewhere you can grow, connect, and make lifelong memories.
Whether you’re coming up with new camp counselor activity ideas, singing under the stars, or cheering on your campers during a talent show, every moment at Camp Wicosuta is packed with purpose and fun. With AmeriCamp guiding you through every step, from your application to securing your visa, you can focus on getting excited for the adventure ahead. So, if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, meet amazing people from around the world, and be a positive role model for young girls this summer, Camp Wicosuta is calling.
Don’t just dream it, do it! Start your AmeriCamp application today to make it happen.
