Types of Camps
WHAT TYPE OF CAMP CAN I WORK AT?
Summer camps in the United States come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own vibe, history, and goals. But no matter the camp, they all have one thing in common: giving kids a safe, fun, and unforgettable summer experience.
Most camps are tucked away in gorgeous rural areas, so don’t expect to be near big cities or bustling towns—this is all about getting out into nature and soaking up the camp life!
Type of Camps
Private Camps: These camps tend to be more exclusive, with a focus on providing a high-quality, individualised experience for campers. Expect more structured activities and a more intimate camp environment.
Family Camps: These camps are perfect for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities together. It’s a fun, relaxed atmosphere where families can bond over hiking, campfires, and group activities.
Religious Camps: These camps combine traditional camp fun with religious teachings and values. Expect a spiritual component alongside outdoor activities, team-building games, and fellowship.
Day Camps: For campers who want the camp experience but return home at night, day camps offer a full schedule of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, and games, all without overnight stays.
All Boys/All Girls Camps: These camps are gender-specific and often offer a more tailored experience, fostering stronger camaraderie and focused activities that cater to the interests and needs of boys or girls.
Disability/ Extra Needs Camps: These camps provide specialised support and care for campers with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. Expect a supportive and adaptive environment where kids can thrive and enjoy all the fun camp has to offer.
Specialised Camps: These camps focus on specific interests or skills, like sports, arts, science, or adventure. If you're into rock climbing, coding, dance, or music, specialized camps offer an immersive experience in your passion.
No matter the type, each camp offers a chance for personal growth, new friendships, and lots of fun!
Your Role at Camp
Being a camp counsellor is a big deal—it’s a huge responsibility to look after someone else’s child, which is why this role is all about being patient, mature, and dependable.
First off, speaking English well is essential. Whether you're teaching activities or just communicating with campers and staff, strong English skills are a must. If you’re not comfortable with English, it can make things tricky, and you could even risk your visa being denied.
Camp life is fast-paced and unpredictable, so you’ve got to be flexible, open-minded, and keep a positive vibe. Things won’t always go according to plan, so handling stress in a cool, constructive way is key. You’ll be spending all day with campers, so it’s important to stay mature, responsible, and lead by example—both for the kids and your fellow counsellors.
Above all, being a great counsellor means genuinely caring about the well-being of the kids you're looking after and being excited to experience camp life in the U.S. Your main gig is simple: make camp a fun and safe place for your campers. In other words, have a blast and make sure everyone else does too! You’ll be responsible for their day-to-day well-being—getting them to meals, leading activities, and making sure they get some chill time. Don’t worry about needing any special qualifications; when you arrive, you’ll get all the training you need. What you do need is tons of enthusiasm, a quick-thinking attitude, and a total willingness to jump in and live camp life to the max!
This isn’t just a budget-friendly way to travel—it’s about making a real impact, learning, and growing in a meaningful way