Work at a Summer Camp in America

Duration icon 9 weeks
Location icon
Single-Base Experience

One base. Real depth. Learn new skills, gain qualifications, and connect fully with your surroundings.

Earn between $2,250 - $3,000, gain leadership skills by leading 5-16 year olds, make new friends, and travel the US for up to 30 days.

If you've ever dreamed of working and living in the great American outdoors, truly immersing yourself in American tradition, travelling down Route 66, or making an impact on the lives of children, Gapforce's Camp USA programme is designed with you in mind.

Working as a Camp Counsellor, you'll be part mentor, part big sibling, full-time leader to cabins of 5-16 year old campers. Campers gain a unique, cherished childhood experience that offers a mix of outdoor education, independence and social bonding.

At its core, Gapforce Camp USA offers you the chance to live and work at a summer camp in America. These camps are a huge part of US culture, set in some of the most stunning locations across 30+ states in the US.

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Good to know
Moderately active.

You’ll break a sweat. Expect trekking, long days on your feet or hands-on activities. A good level of fitness helps.

Simple & comfortable.

Clean hostels and hotels, with the occasional unique stay (eco-lodges, boats, tea houses). Practical but comfortable.

Off the beaten path.

Mostly remote with occasional city stops. WiFi may be limited.

All placements are made in partnership with our parent company and J-1 visa sponsor, InterExchange. For bookings of two participants or more, please contact us to arrange a group discount. Please note, this does not guarantee a placement at the same camp.

Activities icon
Activities & Experiences

Work as a Camp Counsellor or an Activity Leader

From Football to Kayaking, Rock Climbing to Arts and Crafts, Lifeguarding to Tennis, whatever your best skill is, you have a place at camp! Work as an Activity Specialist leading your own activity for the summer, or guide your campers through each day as a Camp Counsellor.

Accommodation icon
Accommodation

Accommodation included

Accommodation in traditional summer camp cabins is included at no extra cost! Bunk with other staff members or with your campers, depending on your position at camp.

Meals icon
Meals

Meals included

Three meals a day, and the rest - fuelling you to be the best version of yourself all summer.

Trip leader icon
Leadership Experience

Impress your future employer!

Working at camp is great for your CV. Impress your future employer with invaluable leadership and communication skills gained from your summer at camp.

Get exclusive access to Gapforce's network of over 300 summer camps in the US

How does it work?

At Gapforce, we make it easier than ever for you to land your dream summer camp placement, with amazing support every step of the way.

  • 1. Submit an Application

  • 2. Complete a Video Interview

  • 3. Find a Camp

  • 4. Attend a Visa Appointment

  • 5. Spend 9 weeks at Camp

  • 6. Travel the US for up to 30 days!

Application Fees

Duration Price
9 weeks (63 days) $0.00

Click below to apply for 2027!

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What's included?

  • A placement at one of the best summer camps in America

  • J-1 Visa Sponsorship

  • Food and Accommodation

  • $2,250 - $3,000 in camp pay

  • Comprehensive Accident & Sickness Insurance

  • Complete support with finding a placement and applying for your visa

  • A 24/7 emergency helpline whilst in the US

  • Access to exclusive Gapforce discounts

What's not included?

  • Flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Your visa appointment at a US embassy ($185)

  • Background check (£21.50)

What is the difference between Gapforce Camp USA and InterExchange?

Great question - to put it simply, Gapforce is the agency you apply through (otherwise known as your International Co-operator, or IC) and InterExchange, our parent company in the US, will sponsor your J-1 visa to work at camp. Almost everything takes place within InterExchange's online portal, App. You will complete your application, upload your documents, find a camp placement and download your visa documents from this platform. To help you through every step of the way, Gapforce's Camp USA team will be on hand to maximise your chances of finding an amazing placement at camp.

Can I get a discount?

Discounts are offered when:

  • You are applying as a group of two or more

  • You submit your application before Jan 1st, 2027

  • You are booked onto another Gapforce programme, or if you have completed a Gapforce programme in the past

  • You are able to film high-quality video content whilst in the US

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