Imagine waking up in the morning to the warm ocean breeze, the smell of redwood trees lingering as you get ready for a day of hiking on beautiful trails, soaking in the sun on sandy beaches, and experiencing some magical dreaming at summer camp California.
Now imagine having all of that while making lifelong friends, gaining unique job experience, and getting paid.
That’s where we come in! At AmeriCamp, we work with over 900 camps across the United States, so that you can travel across the globe, become a camp counselor at the best summer camps in the U.S., and have the epic West Coast summer in one of the top 10 most naturally beautiful places in the States. The best part? You don’t have to worry about getting a J1 visa for your travels–we handle the paperwork for you.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Why you should be a California summer camp counselor
- A brief guide to California
- How to be a California camp counselor legally
- An average day as a California camp counselor
Is California calling your name? Apply now, or contact us if you have any questions. Now, let’s dive right in!
Why You Should be a California Summer Camp Counselor
Beyond the beauty of the California beaches and forests, there are countless reasons why you should be a camp counselor. From professional development to developing mentoring skills, here are some of the reasons we think being a camp counselor is special:
- Develop New Skills: As a counselor, you learn how to hone communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities everyday. The hands-on nature of being a counselor equips you with adaptability and resilience.
- Build your resume: While it may not be the most traditional job on your resume, working at camp is certainly something that employers value. You’ll be able to share your knowledge in managing diverse personalities, conflict resolution, and leadership, all of which are desirable career traits.
- Make Unforgettable Memories: At camp, you'll develop deep bonds with campers’ as you share late-night stories, achieve challenging outdoor adventures, and more.
- Help Young Campers Grow: If you’re working at a California summer camp for kids, you’ll be guiding a group of children through team-building exercises, help conquer their fears, and overall leave a positive impact on their growth.
The skills and lessons you develop at camp are ones that you can transfer to all aspects of your life. You can turn a few months of your sleep-away camp in California into an incredibly impactful experience that changes you for the better. But before getting all sappy, let’s take a step back and look at why California might be your perfect home away from home.
Summer Camp California: All About the Golden State
California is the third largest state in the U.S., meaning that there are thousands of activities you can enjoy as a summer camp counselor. Here are some activities that you can start putting on your itinerary:
- Exploring national parks: Each of California’s national parks are vast and unique–there’s a reason why some people have it on their bucket list to explore each and every one of them!
- Relaxing at the beach: Whether you are tanning or looking for the top places to surf, California beaches are where it’s at. You can go down Santa Monica pier and see its mini amusement park, walk along the smooth rock formations at Glass Beach, and more.
- Taking long hikes with friends: California’s hiking trails are some of the best in the nation, and you can enjoy overarching views of major cities and keep your blood flowing surrounded by nature.
- Touring Cali’s famous attractions: If there’s one thing you take from this, it’s that there’s always something to do in Cali. It doesn’t hurt that there are so many iconic attractions–like Hollywood and the Golden Gate Bridge–to explore.
- Noshing on some delicious West Coast food: Take Taco Tuesday to the next level. California is known for having delicious and diverse food, so much so that its capital was recently featured in the news as a restaurant city.
But before excitedly packing for your trip, it’s important to know that northern and southern California–affectionately known as NorCal and SoCal–offer different types of environments, activities, and culture.
NorCal: San Francisco, National Parks and a Space of Innovation
If you’re in cities like the bustling tech-hub of San Francisco, the sprawling vineyards of Napa Valley, or the vibrant community of San Jose, you’re in for a treat. With cooler weather and gorgeous scenery, NorCal is where you can:
- Explore national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia National Park
- Go see state-of-the-art aquariums in places like Monterey
- Experience iconic architecture like the Golden Gate Bridge
That’s just to name a few. Get ready for a California summer camp filled with hiking opportunities, nature outings, and diverse neighborhoods with wonderful communities and some equally amazing food.
SoCal: Home of Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Balmy Beach Towns
Heading south to SoCal, the Golden State takes on a different vibe with sun-kissed beaches and bustling city life. As a camp counselor, you can:
- Organize beachside activities in Santa Monica
- Plan group surf lessons in Malibu
- Walk through the glitz and glam of Hollywood Boulevard
- Head to Griffith Observatory and LACMA to explore a world of space and art
…and more! With chilled out vibes and stunning views, SoCal is the place where you can enjoy your time in the sun and never worry about the cold.
Why Join the AmeriCamp Program for Your California Summer Camp Experience?
You’ve got your itinerary and packing list all set, but you’re stumped when it comes to how to legally start your time as a camp counselor in California. You’re not alone.
At AmeriCamp, we learned that one of the main things holding people back from this timeless experience was that it was hard to navigate the visa process and connect with opportunities abroad.
That’s why we handle the paperwork for you, so that you can focus on the fun stuff, while we take care of the rest. In this section, we’ve broken down the visa process and the AmeriCamp experience, so you’re on the same page from the get-go.
The J-1 Visa Process: How to find your California Home Away From Home
The J-1 Visa is what you need to participate in the United States’ Exchange Visitor Program (EVP), where visitors can build language, cultural, and career skills. Some roles that you can have for the J-1 Visa include:
- Au pair
- Camp counselor
- College and University Student
- Government Visitor
- International Visitor
- Physician
- Professor
- Research Scholar
- Secondary School Student
- Short-Term Scholar
- Specialist
- Summer Work Traveler
- Teacher
- Trainee
As a California summer camp counselor, you would need an approved J-1 visa to legally work. Once your J-1 is approved, you can work and travel in the U.S. for up to four months during your summer break, so you can forge new friendships and explore a new country, all while being compensated for your work.
With AmeriCamp, the J-1 application process can be broken down into these steps:
- Get connected: After contacting us or an AmeriCamp partner, you’ll get program info and a screening interview.
- Submit your documents: After the interview, you’ll be asked to submit some required documents. Once you send all of them your application will be up for consideration.
- Match with a camp: A camp selected your application–wahoo! You’ll have an interview with the camp director, and once selected, get an acceptance letter.
- Prepare for your adventure: We aren’t going to leave you hanging. As you prepare for your summer in California, we’ll provide you the support you need before you leave for the States.
We’ve got your back, so that you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the California sun.
If you have more questions about the J-1 visa process, you can look at:
The AmeriCamp Experience
Being a camp counselor is more than just a job title; it’s a summer building life-changing memories and gaining real work experience. At AmeriCamp, we want you to experience the best summer camps in the U.S. so that you can gain personal and professional growth while having the timeless summer camp adventure.
You might be wondering how AmeriCamp’s sleep away camps in California are different from other camp counselor programs.
Through AmeriCamp’s J-1 Camp Counselor Program, you will also be able to get:
- Guidance throughout your full application
- A minimum camp counselor salary of $2,000 for your camp placement
- Free accommodation and meals for the duration of your camp
- Comprehensive medical insurance throughout your time in the US
- 24/7 emergency assistance during your time in the STates
- Up to 30 days of travel in the US after your camp wraps up
You also have the option to explore our PremiumCamp program. With Americamp Premium, you can elevate your California summer camp counselor experience with extra perks:
- Highest Minimum Salary: You’re guaranteed a minimum salary of $2,350. This isn't just pocket money; it's a salary that recognizes the value you bring to camp.
- Priority Access to Our In-Person Camp Fair: With priority access to our in-person camp fair, you have a chance to network, make lasting impressions, and secure the perfect camp role before others even step through the door.
- Exclusive Online Hiring Events: These events help connect you to top camps actively seeking someone just like you.
- First Camp Interview Within One Week: With AmeriCamp Premium, you can fast-track your summer plans with your first camp interview guaranteed within a week of your profile going live.
- Placement Guaranteed: AmeriCamp Premium ensures you're not just hoping for a spot; you're guaranteed one.
- Incredible Coaching Equipment & Facilities: Our PremiumCamp program gives you access to the best tools at your disposal to deliver an outstanding camp experience.
- Merch Pack: As an added plus, you'll get your hands on an exclusive merch pack. And who doesn’t love swag?
Whether you choose to apply to AmeriCamp or PremiumCamp, both options are geared towards providing you the best summer camp experience in California. Next, let’s go over what your day-to-day life could look like..
An Average Day as as Summer Camp Counselor in California
As a sleep-away camp counselor in California, no day is exactly the same. The fun comes from always being able to try new things, develop new friendships, and explore the Golden State by trail, canoe, bus, and more! While the opportunities and adventures are endless, here is what a general schedule could look like for your time at the best summer camp in California!
- 6:30 am–Rise and shine! Enjoy an early start with the sounds of nature. After a refreshing shower get ready for the day’s activities and weather.
- 7:15 am–Wake up the campers. They may be groggy at first, but once you share with them the plans for the day, they’ll be hyper and restless to start the camp day.
- 8:00 am–Brekkie! Fuel up the day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast. Ensure campers are well-fed to sustain their energy.
- 9:00 am - 12:00 pm–Morning Adventures You’ll get to enjoy the early summer sun playing sports like soccer, basketball, running, adventuring with rope courses, rock climbing, or putting on your artist hat with crafts or painting.
- 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm–Lunch Recharge during lunch and connect with campers about their morning experiences. Build anticipation for the afternoon and evening. (Pro tip: Pack an extra snack for the afternoon.)
- 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm–Time to Chill Post-lunch is ideal for everyone to digest, decompress, and unwind before the upcoming activities. Options include reading, journaling, playing card games, or sharing stories to strengthen bonds.
- 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm–Afternoon Escapades Return to the outdoors for afternoon activities, with swimming being a highlight. Dive into the lake or pool, offering various activities like laps, races, diving, snorkeling, or pool games.
- 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm–Dinner Feast Satisfy appetites with the largest meal of the day. Indulge in dessert, perhaps an ice cream sandwich or DIY sundaes, and recap the day’s highlights with your campers.
- 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm–Evening Delights After-dinner activities are a time for silliness and fun, including talent shows, hide-and-seek, treasure hunts, magic shows, or stand-up comedy. It's a moment to unwind and expend the last bits of energy.
- 8:45 pm - 9:30 pm–Night Night! Guide campers to bed after a day filled with activities. Incorporate activities like showering, organizing gear, sharing experiences, and setting goals for the following day.
- 9:30 pm - 10:15 pm–Relax Enjoy personal time to unwind before the staff meeting.
- 10:15 pm–Staff Meeting Connect with fellow counselors and supervisors to review the day and plan for tomorrow. Share challenges and suggestions to enhance the campers' experience.
- 10:45 pm–Personal Time Use this time as you see fit, whether socializing, bonding, or resting, before a new day at camp begins.
Roles You Can Have at Summer Camp California
We've been using the term “camp counselor” quite a bit, but what exactly does it mean? Camp counselors are vital players that keep the Camp engine running smoothly – your main responsibility is to ensure that the children at Camp have the best summer experience imaginable!
Whether you are at a California summer camp for kids, a summer camp for teenagers, or a summer camp for girls in California, your role can generally be categorized into one of two groups:
- General Counselors: As a general counselor, you’ll reside in cabins with your campers, overseeing them during meals and downtime, and guiding them from one activity to another. You may also have the opportunity to actively participate in these activities, organize camp events, or even take on the role of teaching or coaching a specific skill.
- Activity Leader: As an camp counselor activity leader, your role is (you guessed it) leading activities on camp. You can focus on a skill you're passionate about, whether it's a sport, performing art, or watersport! Planning and conducting sessions with the children to impart your expertise is a key responsibility.
When applying as a camp counselor, think about if you are a better fit for either of the roles. No matter what type of counselor you become, your camp experience will enrich you with camaraderie, adventure, leadership, and community-building.
Experiences of Being a Counselor
We've shared the excitement about summer camp in California, because we've witnessed the profound impact on our previous counselors, like Laura. Her journey from Scotland to Massachusetts transformed into an unforgettable camp counselor experience on the East Coast.
“All I had in my mind before I went was the typical American Summer Camp experience that you see in the movies,” Laura reflected. “And it was exactly that, but about 1000x better. I was banded together with 40 other counselors that grew to be like my family in a matter of days. Even two years on, there are still people that I speak to nearly every day, and that remain to be some of my best friends.”
The California summer camp experience is not just a fleeting adventure, but a journey that can forge friendships and can help you develop skills you can use throughout your life. You can also read other counselors’ stories on our blog!
Be a Counselor Now at Summer Camp California!
AmeriCamp is dedicated to connecting potential camp counselors with summer camps that best match their skills and desired experiences. Over the years, we have successfully linked thousands of participants from all corners of the globe to summer camps across the United States.
To explore your options, you can go to our Camp Fair, an exclusive event where you can connect with camp representatives and discover the perfect match for your summer adventure. If you’re interested in exploring options beyond California, no worries! We have camps around the world for you to experience.
You can also check out our FAQs if you have some questions you want answered, or contact us if you have any other concerns—we love to hear from you.
When you're ready to kickstart your California summer camp adventure, don't hesitate–apply now and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
