Wondering what it’s actually like to work at a summer camp in America?

No two days are exactly the same, but life as a summer camp counsellor usually means early mornings, action-packed days, plenty of time outdoors and the chance to become a huge part of your campers’ summer experience.

Here’s what a typical day at an American summer camp could look like.

7:30 AM – Wake Up and Get Ready!

Camp days usually start early.

As a counsellor, you’ll help your campers get ready for the day before heading to breakfast together.

Expect plenty of energy from the moment everyone wakes up!

8:00 AM – Breakfast

Breakfast is normally eaten together in the camp dining hall.

Counsellors sit with their campers, help keep everyone organised and get the group ready for the first activities of the day.

9:00 AM – Morning Activities

After breakfast, it’s time to get stuck into camp activities.

Depending on your camp, this could include:

• Swimming

• Kayaking

• Football

• Basketball

• Tennis

• Climbing

• Arts and crafts

• Performing arts

• Adventure activities

If you’re a general camp counsellor, you’ll usually accompany your campers to different activities.

If you’re an activity counsellor, you may spend this time teaching or coaching your specialist activity.

12:30 PM – Lunch

After a busy morning, everyone heads back to the dining hall for lunch.

Mealtimes are a big part of camp life and a chance to catch up, have fun with your campers and recharge for the afternoon.

1:30 PM – Rest Time

Many camps have some form of downtime after lunch.

This could be a chance for campers to relax in their cabins, play games or prepare for the afternoon.

For counsellors, it can also be one of the quieter parts of the day.

2:30 PM – Afternoon Activities

The afternoon normally means another round of activities.

One of the best things about working at a summer camp in the USA is the variety. You could spend one afternoon by the lake and the next helping with a sports tournament, creative activity or camp-wide competition.

6:00 PM – Dinner

Dinner brings everyone back together before the evening programme begins.

Expect plenty of camp songs, conversations and energy around the dining hall.

7:00 PM – Evening Activity

Evenings are often one of the highlights of camp.

Activities might include campfires, talent shows, themed games, sports competitions, dances or large camp-wide events.

As a counsellor, you’ll help get your campers involved and make sure everyone is having a great time.

9:30 PM – Cabin Time

Once the evening activity finishes, it’s time to head back to the cabin and help campers get ready for bed.

This can also be a great time to talk about the day, play quieter games and spend time getting to know your campers.

What Is Life as a Camp Counsellor Really Like?

Working as a summer camp counsellor in America can be busy, energetic and sometimes challenging, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.

You’ll spend your summer meeting people from around the world, developing leadership and teamwork skills and creating memories with your campers and fellow counsellors.

And once the campers are asleep, you’ll often have some time to relax and socialise with the other staff before doing it all again the next day.

Spend Your Summer Working at Camp in America

If the idea of spending your summer outdoors, meeting new people and experiencing life at an American summer camp sounds like you, Gapforce Camp USA could be your next adventure.

With opportunities at summer camps across the USA, you could spend your summer working, travelling and experiencing one of America’s most iconic traditions.

Ready to start your Camp USA adventure?

Click HERE to start your Gapforce Camp USA application

Got a question? Email us at campusa@gapforce.org, or call us on (0)207 384 3028.