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Get hired now for summer '26

Two girls taking a selfie in front of an American yellow school bus at summer camp.

Summer camp legends since 1972

Summer Camp USA

Summer camp job, food + accommodation included

If you go down to the woods today. You’ll find minimum USD $2,300 camp pocket money, the best 18-30s you’ve ever met, and the ultimate summer job working as a Camp Counsellor in America.

TALK TO US
Four USA summer camp friends laugh making love heart
Guy holding rugby ball with hat points at girls
Girl on yellow rescue kayak on a USA summer camp lake with a sunny day
Two guys in football gear pose for a photo on a sunny day.
6 friends standing together in gym wear after doing colour war at camp. They all have powdered paint splashed all over them, and they're all smiling and standing in a line with their arms around each other.
100s of American summer camps now hiring for summer '26 – apply now!
Scroll to register for our in-person London + Madrid hiring fairs
The home of USIT, JENZA + IENA American Summers

The ultimate summer job abroad

Why do Summer Camp USA?

ASK US ANYTHING

It would say on the tin...

What is summer camp in America?

DOWNLOAD A-Z

Is it for me?

Price tag icon

From USD $399

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18-30 + most nationalities

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No need to be a student

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9-12 week camp job

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Depart by 20 June

Accomodation icon

Bed + board included

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60 days to travel

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Great for solo travellers

Reasons to work at American summer camps

Earn money

Explore America

Make a difference

Girl in red wetsuit smile with younger girl on sunny day

Spilling the iced tea

Is Summer Camp USA for me?

Despite being the home of the doughnut, we're not going to sugar coat it. Camp is hard work. You've got to want to work with kids, love the outdoors, and mostly be ok with shaving foam pies to the face. But watching your campers grow in confidence, while also growing yourself? That's a summer job you won't find anywhere else.
READ MORE

Visa + cost

Who can apply for Summer Camp USA?

Am I eligible?

Most nationalities can apply, you’ll also need to be:

  • Aged 18-30 (you must be aged 18 by 1 June of the summer you're travelling)
  • Able to fly to the USA before 20 June
  • Able to commit to the whole camp season, typically 9-12 weeks
  • Be a fluent English speaker with no criminal history
  • Have some prior experience working with children or young adults
  • Have a passport that’s valid for at least six months beyond your stay
  • Have proof of an onward flight from the USA

First-timer '26

Deposit


USD $49

Next payment


USD $175

Final payment


USD $175

Total

USD $399

Secure your spot with a deposit
  • 9-12 week summer camp job
  • Minimum USD $2,300 pocket money
  • Food + accommodation at camp
  • 4 months’ medical insurance
  • In-person + virtual hiring days
  • Sponsorship to work in the USA
  • Step-by-step visa guidance
  • US Embassy interview prep
  • SEVIS US Government fee
  • Pre-departure call for all the intel
  • Discord group for all the friends
  • 1-on-1 support before you go
  • 24/7 support on the ground

Police check

This a condition of your visa sponsorship, and is typically done online in your home country for free or a small fee.

US Embassy fee

This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $215 for Australia passport holders)

I-94 arrival fee

Paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and currently costs USD $24

Visa integrity fee

We're anticipating the US will bring in a refundable USD $250 visa integrity fee for future departures. More info to follow

Support funds

You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800

Travel insurance for camp

Medical cover is included, but you must also purchase travel insurance

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your J-1 visa is approved

Travel after camp

Get 10% off worldwide Contiki trips before you go! Friends = benefits

Returner '26

Deposit


USD $49

Next payment


USD $200

Final payment


USD $200

Total

USD $449

Secure your spot with a deposit
  • Vetting of your summer camp job
  • Food + accommodation at camp
  • 4 months’ medical insurance
  • Sponsorship to work in the USA
  • Step-by-step visa guidance
  • US Embassy interview prep
  • SEVIS US Government fee
  • Pre-departure call for all the intel
  • Discord group for all the friends
  • 1-on-1 support before you go
  • 24/7 support on the ground

The money bit

Returner salaries are negotiated directly with your camp

Non-BUNAC returner

A surcharge of £100 (or equivalent currency) will be added to your booking if you haven't been to camp with BUNAC or either of our sibling brands before (JENZA, USIT or American Summers). If you're returning to a different camp, you must apply as a first-timer - check our FAQs for more

US Embassy fee

This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $215 for Australia passport holders)

Visa integrity fee

We're anticipating the US will bring in a refundable USD $250 visa integrity fee for future departures. More info to follow

I-94 arrival fee

Paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and currently costs USD $24

Support funds

You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800

Travel insurance for camp

Medical cover is included, but you must also purchase travel insurance

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your J-1 visa is approved

Travel after camp

Get 10% off worldwide Contiki trips before you go! Friends = benefits

About our 2026 price drop We don’t go in for early bird offers or surprise mid-year price increases. Instead, we’ve chosen to give our travellers just one fair summer camp price for the whole year. And, if you booked at the old price for summer ’26, we’ll automatically credit you with the difference. (Because we don’t believe in pocketing that either).

Why are we able to do this? All part of our mission to keep USA summer camp as affordable and accessible as possible, in 2025, BUNAC became part of the same travel family as J-1 visa sponsor, IENA. As both the camp agency and US visa sponsor, we’re able to pass on more savings to our travellers – while adding even more expertise to our team!

About our Youth Access Scholarship Fund Balancing profit with purpose, summer camp USA only works for us if it works for others too. BUNAC donates 5% of profits to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that young people from under-served and lower-income backgrounds can experience working at camp. Find out more on our JENZA Travel Group scholarship page.

Two girls and a guy smile for photo with green background

CV bootcamp

How working at summer camp can help your career

Employers and admissions tutors love to see a camp placement on a CV or resume. It shows you have the motivation to live and work overseas, can think on your feet, and have next level leadership and problem-solving skills.
READ MORE

Jobs + camps

What jobs can I do at summer camp USA?

Camp in numbers

800+

American summer camps in our hiring pool

1972

The year we ran our first camp program

99%

Our placement rate to get you a job at camp

100%

The % of our camp team who’ve been to camp

Ways to get hired

The hiring pool

IRL hiring days

Virtual hiring days

Types of summer camp jobs

Get paid to do what you love

1

Activity Counsellors

Five camp councelors sit facing away with TEAM THC on their backs

Activity Counsellors

Summer camp superpower: Leadership
Where else can you spend the summer doing your hobby and inspiring others to love it like you do – and get paid for it? The most common role at summer camp, Activity Counsellors are usually a hybrid role – where you’ll spend a large part of your day teaching your chosen activity alongside General Counsellor duties. Most summer camps have an alphabet of 200+ activities you can teach – including gymnastics, soccer, cheer, basketball, swimming, sailing, horseriding, archery, survival, climbing, art, dance, jewellery, rock band, theatre and more. You don’t usually need qualifications to teach an activity at camp (although it will help you to get hired) – just the passion and patience to lead in that activity.

1

Five camp councelors sit facing away with TEAM THC on their backs

Activity Counsellors

Summer camp superpower: Leadership
Where else can you spend the summer doing your hobby and inspiring others to love it like you do – and get paid for it? The most common role at summer camp, Activity Counsellors are usually a hybrid role – where you’ll spend a large part of your day teaching your chosen activity alongside General Counsellor duties. Most summer camps have an alphabet of 200+ activities you can teach – including gymnastics, soccer, cheer, basketball, swimming, sailing, horseriding, archery, survival, climbing, art, dance, jewellery, rock band, theatre and more. You don’t usually need qualifications to teach an activity at camp (although it will help you to get hired) – just the passion and patience to lead in that activity.
A in blue girl laughs while holding a camper

General Counsellor

Summer camp superpower: Creativity

General Counsellors are the ultimate all-rounders and ultimate role models. As a General Counsellor, you’ll need bags of energy, enthusiasm and empathy. Some of your campers will be away from home for the first time, so it’s your job to make them feel safe and supported. Just like Activity Counsellors, this is also something of a hybrid role where day-to-day you’ll likely do a bit of everything – from supervising bunk clean-ups to helping run activities. In return for being a general superhero with the ability to fashion eight talent show costumes out of 20 hair ties and a laundry bag, you’ll build incredible bonds with your campers and watch them grow in confidence and self-esteem – while also growing yourself with a bunk load of professional and soft skills.

2

A in blue girl laughs while holding a camper

General Counsellor

Summer camp superpower: Creativity

General Counsellors are the ultimate all-rounders and ultimate role models. As a General Counsellor, you’ll need bags of energy, enthusiasm and empathy. Some of your campers will be away from home for the first time, so it’s your job to make them feel safe and supported. Just like Activity Counsellors, this is also something of a hybrid role where day-to-day you’ll likely do a bit of everything – from supervising bunk clean-ups to helping run activities. In return for being a general superhero with the ability to fashion eight talent show costumes out of 20 hair ties and a laundry bag, you’ll build incredible bonds with your campers and watch them grow in confidence and self-esteem – while also growing yourself with a bunk load of professional and soft skills.
Two boats sit on the lake's harbour on a sunny day.

Additional Needs Counsellor

Summer camp superpower: Compassion
This is one of the most challenging, but rewarding roles you can do at camp. Leaving preconceived ideas of what’s possible at the camp gates, day-to-day you’ll be breaking down barriers – helping campers of differing abilities to do adapted activities and supporting them to have a camp experience that otherwise wouldn't have been accessible to them. In return for being the world’s best human, you’ll form unique one-on-one bonds with your campers and have an experience that will shape who you are and how you view others. These camp jobs can be challenging, but our team will work with you to understand your confidence and comfort levels.

3

Two boats sit on the lake's harbour on a sunny day.

Additional Needs Counsellor

Summer camp superpower: Compassion
This is one of the most challenging, but rewarding roles you can do at camp. Leaving preconceived ideas of what’s possible at the camp gates, day-to-day you’ll be breaking down barriers – helping campers of differing abilities to do adapted activities and supporting them to have a camp experience that otherwise wouldn't have been accessible to them. In return for being the world’s best human, you’ll form unique one-on-one bonds with your campers and have an experience that will shape who you are and how you view others. These camp jobs can be challenging, but our team will work with you to understand your confidence and comfort levels.

Locations

Where can I go to summer camp in America?

From Cali to Connecticut, we have 800+ American summer camps across the States in our hiring pool. When deciding where to go to camp, try to keep an open mind. It's a universal camp truth that wherever you end up, you'll come away thinking your camp was the greatest – and probably return year after year with a new camp tattoo. Or was that just Niall, our Camp Operations Manager...

It's summer, so everywhere should have good weather. And by their very nature, summer camps have a front row seat onto some of America’s most beautiful scenery. So, go for a camp job that best fits your interests – not a camp location that hits your bucket list. Save that for your travels after camp!

Camp hiring fairs

Meet the team and get hired IRL!

Girl hugs a student surrounded by friends

Camp hiring fair | DUBLIN, IRELAND

This event has already happened
Don't worry if you missed our in-person Dublin camp hiring fair. We have 100s of American summer camps in our pool actively hiring for 2026 Camp Counsellors. Apply now, have your coaching call, and get your summer camp application in-front of Camp Directors – with step-by-step support along the way.
Two girls pose for a photo in the woods

Camp hiring fair | LONDON, UK

24 Jan '26 | Pullman St Pancras Hotel, London
Our BUNAC world tour is back in London! We have 15 American summer camps flying over to interview for 100s of roles on the day – from lifeguards to general counsellors. Here's the intel on all the camps attending. Register below!
REGISTER NOW
Group of girls pose on sunny evening for photo on grass.

Summer Camp USA | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 28 Jan @ 17:30-18:00 GMT
Spend your summer living, working and having the time of your life as a Camp Counsellor in America. Our BUNAC Camp Crew will go over who can go, when to apply, how to get hired, plus answer all your campfire burning questions.
SIGN ME UP
2 girls and a guy sitting on a boat in the sun

Camp hiring fair | MADRID, SPAIN

31 Jan '26 - register for times and location
Our camp world tour is back! Interview with Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (everything crossed) walk away with a USA summer camp job on the day. Register below for all the intel.
REGISTER NOW
Girl and boy lifeguards stand on a pontoon

Camp hiring fair | LONDON, UK

07 Mar '26 - register for times and location
Our camp world tour is back! Interview with Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (everything crossed) walk away with a USA summer camp job on the day. Register below for all the intel.
REGISTER NOW
Girls make s'mores on the lawn beside the lake

Camp hiring fair | MANCHESTER, UK

This event has already happened
Our Manchester hiring fair has been and gone, but don't worry if you missed it. The quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool where we have 100s of camp jobs for summer '26. Apply now, have your coaching call, and get your camp application in-front of Camp Directors.
Girls floating in a lake with red floats

Camp hiring fair | MADRID, SPAIN

This event has already happened

This fair has been and gone, but don't worry if you missed it. The quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool, or we're back in Madrid for another hiring fair on 31 Jan '26!
Guys sit around a campfire at night

Camp hiring fair | SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

This event has already happened
Our in-person Sydney hiring fair has been, but don't worry if you missed it. The quickest way to get hired is in our camp hiring pool where we have 100s of Camp Counsellor jobs for summer '26. Apply now, have your coaching call, and get your application in-front of Camp Directors.
Girls take selfie wearing red

Camp hiring fair | BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

This event has already happened
Our in-person Brisbane hiring fair has been and gone, but don't worry if you missed it. The quickest way to get hired is in our camp hiring pool where we have 100s of Camp Counsellor jobs for summer '26. Apply now, have your coaching call, and get your application in-front of Camp Directors.
View all events

What you say

Time has honestly just flown by.
Jack, Camp Videographer, Camp Chen-A-Wanda
HC contact us cutout

#BunkTalk

The team who’ve been

To our BUNAC Camp Crew, summer camp USA is the happiest place on Earth (sorry Disney, you’re also quite fun). We’ve all worked at summer camp in America, and many of us still go back to camp each summer – returning with all the fresh first-hand info and intel.
BOOK A CALL

How it works

When to apply for summer camp in America?

Your countdown to camp

  • Check the visa eligibility on this page, hit ‘apply now’ and create your profile. You can then access your online account anytime from the top of this page. Once you’ve paid your deposit, you’ll need to book a non-scary camp consultation with the BUNAC team. This is a visa requirement and is to check your eligibility and make sure that the camp program is right for you. You can then move onto your sponsorship application – ready for your camp consultation.

    1 day

  • In the resources section of your online account, you’ll find everything you need to fill out your sponsorship application. Ultimately, this application needs to be approved by our US sponsor and is what allows you to work in America – so it’s time to make it shine! You’ll need to provide your education history, childcare experience, a personal statement and two references from a teacher, employer or non-relative adult. Getting the fear? Don’t worry – we'll provide you with all the intel on creating a winning application.

  • Time to dial in for your camp consultation. This is a one-on-one 30-minute call with the BUNAC team or one of our camp alumni and is designed to check your eligibility, discuss your skills and motivation for working at camp, and go over your application to make sure it's hitting the right notes. It’s also a chance to ask questions. While this is a strictly non-interview dress scenario, you need to show up – physically and mentally – to get the most out of the call and to set yourself up for the next step.

    1-14 days

  • Once you’ve paid your second payment, your application will go into the camp hiring pool. Here, Camp Directors will approach you to set up an interview and likewise, you can express interest in camps. While we love a pool hang, we’d advise being flexible here versus holding out for a specific camp and loitering too long in the hiring pool. Whichever camp you end up at, you’ll swear it's the best. It’s more important to get hired than it is to hold out and risk staying home! Throughout the year, we also have in-person and virtual hiring days where you can meet and interview with Camp Directors.

    7-30+ days

  • You’ll then have a video interview with your camp. This is a job interview, so make sure you’ve geeked up on all the prep in your online account. Act professionally but also show your personality – as this goes a long way at summer camp! If you get offered a summer camp job, we advise taking it as we can’t guarantee you’ll be offered more than one interview. Plus, be open-minded – Camp Directors are experts at recruiting, so trust that you’re a great fit for that camp. If you’re struggling to get hired, our Camp Crew will step in, help you to improve your application and try to match you to a position.

    1 day

  • To work in the USA, you need a US sponsor. Along with IENA, our US partner, we'll then secure your DS-2019 paperwork which will be sent to you electronically. This document allows you to apply for your J-1 visa. This involves an online application and in-person interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. We recommend booking your embassy appointment the day you receive your DS-2019, as it isn't unusual for embassy appointments to get booked up or run out of appointments in the lead up to camp.

    1 day

  • In your online account, you’ll find step-by-step guidance on filling out your online J-1 application and prepping for your US Embassy interview. The embassy will keep your passport for 7-10 days, returning it by post along with your visa stamp. So if you have any trips booked in the lead up to camp or need a new passport, make sure you factor this into your timelines! Unfortunately, camp providers don’t have any control over the availability of visa appointments or the outcome of your appointment.

    7-10+ days

  • Once you have your J-1 visa, it’s safe to book your flights and travel insurance. Make sure you book a return ticket – as you’ll need this to get through US immigration. In Apr/May, the BUNAC team run camp orientations via group video calls to get you all set up for life at camp. As well as being mandatory for your visa, it’s also a great way to connect and get all your camp questions answered.

    1-7 days

  • While many summer camps offer transport, camps are scattered all over the USA and our travellers fly in from all over the world, so you’re responsible for getting from the airport to your camp. Typically, you’ll arrive a week before your campers. This is to connect with your USA summer camp family and complete your training. Going from your home life to camp life can feel like a shock to the system. But go with it. Guaranteed, once you settle in, you won’t be able to imagine spending a summer anywhere else!
Girl looks out back of van at lake

Get it for free (ish)

Earn back your adventures

We know the most authentic voices come from our community. Whether you want to come on board as an ambassador, roadtester or as a one-off collaborator for blogs, vlogs or images – earn some extra $$ on the road with a content side hustle.

Camp stories

The inside story on summer camp

What’s summer camp in America actually like? Why is everyone always covered in paint? And why give up your summer to live in the woods with a bunch of strangers? Each year, we send a camp roadtester out to feedback on our camp program, so that we're constantly improving. Plus, bring you all the inside intel on life at camp.

Follow

We heart you back

Watch

As seen on social

All the inspo and intel

Read

Paddle boarding on the lake at summer camp
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Author Victoria sits in the gymnastic area of her camp, Tyler Hill
Cruising the camp lake on a boat
Author Victoria hugs her camp best friend in the sports hall
Campside lake views
A young boy and a Camp counsellor during a tug-of-war
Girls at summer camp covered in paint smiling
2 girls with sports gear on in green, bushy area.
Four girls lying with their heads on their hands in a tent
Two males at summer camp in white t-shirts with 'Island Lake Alumni' written on. They're standing side by side with their arms around each other, smiling
Group shot of lots of people both male and female on a grassy hill at golden hour in the evening. The front row are kneeling down and they're all smiling and posing for the camera.
Man riding a brown horse with a giant blue cowboy hat on. He's riding down a tarmac path, and is being followed by children from summer camp in the background in a parade.
Four girls at camp laying front down on large black packing bags, waiting to unpack the childrens clothes in orientation week. They're all smiling and have their feet crossed.

Got questions?

We’ve got answers

Not found what you're looking for? Hit 'Ask a question' below and one of our Camp Crew will come back to you - pen pal style.

Three girls smile at camera in wooden cabin.

Let's talk

Camp Crew
Book a video call to talk all things summer camp in America with our BUNAC Camp Crew.
BOOK A CALL

  • Each summer, children and teenagers attend sleepaway camps for 1-8 weeks between Jun-Aug. A supported place for them to learn new activities, grow their skills and experience living away from home in the great outdoors – camps are seen as integral to a child’s social and cultural development. Each year, Camp Directors hire 18-30 year olds from all over the world to work as Camp Counsellors, Activity Specialists and Additional Needs Counsellors.

  • Summer camp is the opportunity for international students and 18-30s to experience living and working overseas in beautiful parts of America. You’ll help to shape the lives of your campers – while also developing your own leadership and problem-solving skills. Great for your resume, bank account and social life – you’ll earn a camp salary, have meals and accommodation included, and make friends from all over the world.

  • Depending on the camp and your role, your summer camp job will typically be for between 9-12 weeks. However, some camps have shorter dates where they will be looking to hire Camp Counsellors for as few as 7 weeks.

    From specialist camps to day camps, we have 800+ USA summer camps in our hiring pool – so you should always be able to find a camp placement to fit your needs. Plus, our matchmaking BUNAC Camp Crew are on-hand to advise on camps that will best suit your dates, experience and skills.

  • Camp happens over America’s summer school holidays, which are longer than in most countries. Therefore, arrival dates are set between 1 May and 20 June. Typically, you’ll arrive a week before your campers to help set up the camp, learn the ropes and do your training. Preference is often given to applicants who are available at an earlier date and for longer periods of time, so for the best chance of securing a camp job, be open and flexible.
  • You can apply for the program year-round, however, applications for the summer will typically close by April. If you apply after that, it will be for the following year. It can take 30+ days to complete your camp application, have your camp consultation with us, and gather the two references you need to be placed into the hiring pool. We recommend applying as early as possible so that you’re ready when Camp Directors start hiring – which is typically from Oct-Apr. Jump to camp process and timelines.
  • No, this type of J1 visa is open to non-students and most nationalities aged 18-30.
  • You can apply for the Summer Camp USA program when you’re 17, but you must be 18 by the 1 June for the summer you’re travelling.
  • Unfortunately, we cannot accept joint applications, as each application is viewed on an individual basis and merit – with Camp Directors hiring based on their need for a specific skill, activity or applicant. However, there is nothing to stop you and a friend expressing an interest in the same camp once you’re in the hiring pool or applying for the same camps at one of our hiring events. However, being hired together is not guaranteed. While it can seem daunting to go to camp alone, the majority of people do so everyone is in the same boat. You'll quickly make friends at camp who fill fast feel like you've known each other forever.
  • Depending on the camp, you’ll typically get 1-2 days off a week. This time is free to explore, travel into local town and cities, or simply to chill. Trust us when we say that camp can be exhausting – so make sure you’re using your time off to relax and recharge!
  • Accommodation is included at camp, but every camp is different. Accommodation can vary from cabins to dorms to permanent tents. And can either be staff only, or accommodation where you’re with your campers. This type of communal living can be a bit of a shock to the system at first, but don’t be put off – guaranteed you'll be missing living 24/7 with your camp family when you return home!

  • As of June 2025, anyone applying for a J1 visa must adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts from the last 5 years to PUBLIC. Accounts that are set to private will likely result in your J1 camp visa application being refused. You must do this before your US Embassy or Consulate interview and accounts must remain public until your visa is approved. 

    What you need to do

    • Make all accounts public before your US Embassy interview  
    • Ensure your name or username clearly identifies you
    • Keep accounts public until approval

    • Review your content for accuracy and appropriateness

      The US Embassy will check your accounts, so please don’t ignore this requirement. 

  • Each person applying for camp must have a camp consultation with BUNAC. This is a US Department of State requirement and is to screen applicants to ensure their suitability for the program. It’s also a time to ask questions and ensure that working at camp is the right fit for you. Your camp consultation takes place after you have paid your deposit, is via a video call, and usually lasts around 30 minutes. If you don’t get accepted onto the program after your camp consultation, your deposit will be refunded.

    Your embassy interview will take place at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country and is to obtain your J-1 visa after you’ve been hired and we’ve issued your sponsorship paperwork.

  • There are three ways to get hired for summer camp – via our camp hiring pool, attending a BUNAC in-person camp hiring event, or attending a BUNAC virtual hiring event. In all cases, you can express your interest in camps and if your skills are a match, Camp Directors will reach out to interview you. We would advise being open-minded about where you go to camp and recommend accepting your first job offer.
  • The short answer is yes, you do. The longer answer is that childcare experience can come in many forms and many people don't realise that they have some experience that may qualify. Here's a handy article for what counts as childcare experience and what specific experience our Camp Crew had before they applied for camp.
    • If you haven’t been to camp before, you need to select first-timer.
    • If you have been to camp before but are going to a new camp for the summer, you need to apply as a first-timer.
    • If you’ve booked summer camp in the past with BUNAC or either of our sibling brands, JENZA or USIT, AND are returning to the same camp - select returner for our loyalty returner price.
    • If you are returning to the same camp but haven't booked with BUNAC or either of our sibling brands before, a £100 (or currency equivalent) surcharge will be added to your booking.
  • You’ll need a J-1 cultural exchange visa to work at summer camp. This visa allows you to work for the duration of your camp job, plus travel for 30 days after. The J-1 visa currently costs USD $185 ($300 for Australia passport holders) and consists of an online application and in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Our Camp Crew have done this thousands of times, so will provide you with step-by-step guidance and interview prep.
  • To work at summer camp in America, you need to be sponsored by a US Government approved sponsor. Together with IENA, our US visa sponsor, we provide your sponsorship paperwork – otherwise known as your DS-2019 form or ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status’. You cannot apply for your J-1 visa without a DS-2019. We’ll send this to you electronically once you have a camp job offer, you’ve paid in full, and have completed the steps in your online account.
  • SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and is a database where the US Government keeps track of cultural exchange visitors travelling on a J-1 visa. The cost of being placed in the SEVIS database is USD $35 and is included in your camp program.
  • We have a 99% placement rate, so are confident that if you apply early enough when plenty of camps are still hiring, we’ll be able to get you an interview with a camp. If you choose not to accept your camp job, you can roll over your application to the following year without penalties. If you wish to cancel, you’ll get a refund minus the cost of your deposit plus 30% of your second payment. This typically works out at around £100 or the equivalent in your own currency, but check the pricing box here for the exact installment amounts you will have paid.
  • Committed to keeping camp as affordable as possible, BUNAC has one of the lowest camp program fees. Jump to the top of the page to find the cost of Summer Camp USA in your local currency. On top of the program cost, you’ll also need to factor in the J-1 visa, flights, travel insurance and support funds. Jump to what’s not included.
  • Yes. Medical insurance is included that covers against accident and illness while you are in the USA, but does not cover for routine care. You must also purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover you against other aspects of your trip – including cancellation, curtailment, legal cover, luggage, personal items, repatriation and more.
  • Just like any earned income, you will pay tax on the money you earn at camp. You will have to pay 10% income tax, then depending on what state you are working in, you may also be charged state taxes. You will need to file a tax return before April the following summer, you can either do this independently or use a company to do it such as taxback.com.
  • Yes!

  • Nothing at all – BUNAC, JENZA and USIT are all part of the same work and travel family. We previously operated out of different countries with different names, but from September 2024, BUNAC became our global camp name. We’re still the same team, with the same mission and same awesome camp inclusions – we just go by a different name.

    Legends on the summer camp scene since 1972, find out more about BUNAC’s camp story here.

  • No, but we offer a very similar experience to Camp America. You will be living and working with lots of like-minded Camp Counsellors for between 9-12 weeks in the summer. There will be campfires, games and s’mores. Lots of s’mores.
  • Yes! In 2025, BUNAC and IENA American Summers merged to create the ultimate camp dream team – under the BUNAC name. If you've previously booked with American Summers, don't worry, we're still the same team with the same awesome USA summer camp program and perks. With BUNAC's 50+ years of camp experience and IENA's decades of expertise as a US visa sponsor – we're able to pass on even more knowledge and savings to our camp community.

  • Well, we might be biased (and we can’t vouch for Camp America) but we think we’re pretty great. We’re with you every step of the way to make sure you have the best time and get loads back from the experience.

    Plus, we have one of the lowest camp costs and highest camp pocket moneys in the market. Meaning more cash for your post camp travels.

  • We can talk camp all day, so if you've not found what you're looking for – ask a question here and one of our Camp Crew will come back to you.
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