Summer Camp
'What is Summer Camp?' Your Guide to a Summer of a Lifetime
Smaller Earth
November 20, 2023
Summer Camp Jobs
Experience the summer of a lifetime at camp.
Summer camp jobs abroad are a life-changing opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation.
Summer Camp Jobs Overview
Travel Level
Beginner
Job Examples
Activity Specialist, Camp Counselor, Support
Destinations
USA, Canada, and China
Age Range
18+
The Summer Camp Jobs Guide
Summer camp is essential to North American culture and has now become engrained worldwide.
What was once reserved for feel-good films has now become a global opportunity for international staff, which hundreds of thousands do every year (and have done for nearly half a century). A summer camp job abroad earns you money and connects you with like-minded friends for post-camp adventures.
Whether summer camp in America, summer camp in Canada, or even summer camp in China, this opportunity allows you to shape your perfect summer, making a lasting impact on the children you lead and creating unforgettable memories for both them and you.
Do I have to be a student to get summer camp jobs abroad?
You don’t have to be a student to get summer camp jobs abroad. What’s amazing about summer camp is the mix of people from different backgrounds, students or otherwise. In fact, summer camp in America has no age limit, meaning it is open to anyone who wants to make an impact.
How long are summer camp jobs abroad?
Summer camp jobs abroad last most of the summer, so reserve at least 3 months for it. This covers you arriving at summer camps abroad for any training, the duration of your camp contract (usually between 8-12 weeks), and a month or so should you wish to travel afterwards.
Which countries have summer camp jobs abroad?
Summer camp in America has been going on for generations, and its popularity has spread worldwide. Countries such as Canada and China now have summer camp communities, meaning that it’s a job that could take you worldwide summer after summer should you want to.
How do I get a summer camp job abroad?
Summer camp jobs abroad are landed through a summer camp job agency in the country you’re applying. This is because they have links with the camps, visa sponsors, and have expert process knowledge. You’ll then go through the relevant application process to ensure your job suitability.
What kind of summer camp jobs abroad are available?
Lifeguard
The job of a lifeguard is responsible, but mainly a simple and fun job, through which you have a unique chance to get to know the USA.
The content of your work will be to ensure the safety of visitors to the pool assigned to you. Keeping the pool itself and its surroundings clean is a matter of course.
It also includes a course of the American Red Cross, so thanks to the program you will gain experience and knowledge that you will use in the future.
Even before the interview and the course itself, you will complete a preliminary exam so that you know that you will be able to complete the course 100% and that the summer in the USA is very close.
The pools are mainly located on the east coast in the states of Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia.
General Camp Counselor
If you’re the type who can help out in a variety of ways, you’ll make a great General Counselor.
You’ll get to take part in all the fun camp activities, and experience something new every day.
You’ll be a role model for your small group of campers, and you’ll be the person they’ll turn to if they need help.
You can make a big impact on your group because you’ll be with them day in and day out. You’ll get to watch them grow over the summer, which makes this a truly rewarding role.
Qualifications: No qualifications are needed for this role.
Activity Specialist
If you’ve got a one-track mind, this one’s for you.
If there’s a better summer job than helping kids develop their skills in an activity you’re passionate about, we haven’t heard of it. If you’d be confident enough to teach kids about your chosen activity, you’ll be a great fit. All you really need to bring to this camp role is your enthusiasm and creativity. You’ll excel if you can find ways to help kids grow in different ways. You’ll usually have five 1-hour sessions at your station each day, and you can join other activities or groups in your spare time.
There’s a huge range of activities and job roles at summer camps in America, so there’s likely a perfect role for you. Make sure to let us know about your skills in your application. If you're interested in a specific role, ask our team on your welcome call.
Qualifications: Not required for most Activity Specialist roles. If you do have qualifications in any of the activities on your profile, that’s a bonus!
Special Needs Counselor
Being a Special Needs Counselor is one of the most rewarding job at camp.
Everyone deserves to have a great summer, no matter their ability, and your day to day responsibilities will all be focused on this. You can have a huge impact not just during their time at camp, but in their wider lives, often making friends for life.
If you're at a dedicated special needs camp, most activities will be the same as any other camp, so you can ensure that everyone can have a limitless summer.
The main difference you'll see is the ratio of campers to counselors, as you'll often see a 1:1 or a 1:2 ratio at most camps
If you're ready for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role, then being a Special Needs Counselor at summer camp will be perfect for you.
Camp Support Staff
This role is perfect for people who want to go to camp, but don’t want to work directly with kids.
There are roles in the camp office, security, food preparation, maintenance, and housekeeping, among others. The staff members behind the scenes keep everything moving along for the summer.
You’ll be part of a team, often made up of people from different nationalities. It’s a chance to make friends from around the world, develop your skills, and gain valuable work experience in your chosen industry.
Qualifications: You must be an active full-time student at University.
Summer Camp Abroad Programs
FAQS
What countries have summer camps?
Summer camps have long been a central part of American culture, but inspiring the next generation of campers is not limited to one country.
These days, you can find summer camps in lots of countrys around the world.
From our considerable experience, we've built up trusted links with quality summer camps over a number years and across numerous countries.
They include:
- Summer Camps in America with Camp Leaders
- Summer camps in Canada with Camp Canada
- Summer camps in China with Adventure China
The great thing is the fact there's something for everyone, no matter what summer adventure you're looking for.
What does a summer camp counselor do?
A camp counselor is one of the most important people at summer camp.
As a camp counselor, you'll be looking after the children, taking them from activity to activity, and being their active role model during their time at summer camp.
You'll be engaged on a day-to-day basis, meaning you can have an incredible impact over the entirety of the summer.
You'll form incredible links and create memories that will last a lifetime, as you help lead the children's dream summer camp with them.
What activities can be done at summer camp?
Just about everything!
If you're involved in a sport, hobby, or activity, it's super likely that we will have a summer camp looking to recruit for it.
It could be rock climbing, wakeboarding, outdoor cooking, water-skiing, golf, football, netball, tennis and quite literally anything else.
You name it, summer camp will have it.
If you're unsure if your favourite skill is one summer camps are looking for, drop us a message and we will happily talk through it with you.
How long is summer camp?
Summer camp dates can vary depending on which country/summer camp you place at.
The majority of summer camps run between June and August, which then allows you time to travel once you have finished work.
As a rough guideline, summer camp placements tend to be between 8-12 weeks, although it can be shorter or longer based on certain countries, camps, or situations.
It also makes for a fantastic summer job for students, as it fits perfectly between academic years.
Why should I work at a summer camp?
There are so many reasons why working at a summer camp next summer will benefit you. They include:
- Make an impact
- Do something you love
- Be outdoors & active
- Weather
- Limitless travel
- Gain experience
- Budget-friendly
- Earn money
- Making new friends
- In-between studies
- Experience more of the world
Best of all, it'll be the summer of a lifetime.
