A typical day working at an American Summer Camp (2026)

Working at an American Summer Camp can be a fun but challenging experience; we share a typical day at a USA Summer Camp.

So, you have decided to work at a USA summer camp, whether it’s a Camp America experience or another company, and you are getting yourself physically and mentally prepared.

All camps are different but generally, they have a similar routine for the day so you will have a similar working at an American Summer Camp experience. All camps will have time to eat three times a day, you will have sessions to lead or accompany your group of kids to and you will have some down time too.

Some camps have children for just a week, some are day camps and others have children for multiple weeks at a time. Either way, you need to know what to expect before you go to a USA Summer Camp. 

Working at an American Summer Camp

The Morning

6.30 am – Polar Bear Swim

This was optional at our camp but you could choose to get up early and jump into the sea for an early morning swim. Some children will love this and you will likely take it in turns with people in your cabin to accompany the kids to the water or pool. 

7 am – Up and get ready

7.30 am – Breakfast

Breakfast is usually busy and rushed time of the day. Most camps will offer cereal and one or two hot dishes; for example, eggs and pancakes, waffles and bacon and so on. 

9 am – 12 pm – Activities and time off

During the morning, the children had a range of activities to try out with different instructors. These include lots of different fields and water sports, leadership skills and Arts and Crafts.

As a drama instructor working at an American Summer Camp, this was the time I had off from the children every day. I would usually spend this time having a hot shower without the children around, preparing things for my afternoon drama session and catching up with my husband (then boyfriend) on the Camp computers in the office.

12 pm – Lunch

This consisted of potato tots, occasionally burgers or hot dogs and a salad bar. I always rushed my group of young teens to the lunch hall as salad went quickly and a lot of the girls in my cabin didn’t like eating too much meat!

The Afternoon

1 pm – 2 pm – Siesta!

This was the favorite time of my working at an American Summer Camp and for the majority of the girls in our cabin. If you are in a cabin with the younger ones, you often have to arrange a calming activity but with our group of 13/14-year-olds, it often becomes a relaxed, ‘making friendship bracelets’ and ‘practise random musical instruments’ session.

This was the time the camp counsellors could catch up and be silly before we got back to teaching!

2 pm – 5 pm – Group activities

The children chose between Expressive Arts, ECO, Outdoor life, Athletics or water sports and head off with the leaders of these activities. As a Drama instructor, I worked with the dance, music, art and photography leaders to create a weekly performance ready for Friday Afternoon. Inside space is limited on camp so we often found room on the field or on the beach to practise.

5 pm – Dinner

Day campers leave at this time and you take your cabin down to dinner. This can range from chicken and veg to burritos, noodles to pizza. On Fridays, there was a whole camp BBQ outside, which was a great way to round off a fun week at summer camp – children at this particular camp arrived on a Sunday and went home the following Saturday.

6 pm – 6.30 pm – Cabin time

This is the time when children can freshen up a bit and rest after a long day of activities before a few evening activities to finish the day.

The Evening

6.30 pm – 9.30 pm – Evening Activities

This obviously changes from day to day, camp to camp but the evening is generally used for group activities to build morale and teamwork. Campfire songs, talent shows, group games, Counsellor hunts, group yoga, sand sculpture competitions and a weekly dance are just a few things that occur during the evenings at Camp.

As a Counsellor, this is also the time you may have off! At the camp I worked at, staff had either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday evenings off; meaning they could either stay on campus but be away from the kids from 6 pm until 11 pm or they could leave the camp and be back for 11 pm. On my time off, a fellow counsellor and I use to either/and: order pizza and watch a movie, catch up with our better halves back in England or head out to a local restaurant with others who had the evening off.

10 pm – Lights out.

All Campers and Counsellors head to bed and get some sleep before another fun day at camp, the perfect way to end your typical day working at an American Summer Camp.

Things to Know before you go to the USA

Working at an American Summer Camp

• What is it like working at an American summer camp?
  Working at an American summer camp is a fun, rewarding, and fast-paced experience. You’ll spend your days leading activities, supervising campers, and helping create a memorable summer for children from all over the world. Expect long days, lots of energy, and strong friendships with staff from around the globe.

• What types of jobs are available at summer camps?
  Camps hire for a wide range of roles, including camp counselors, activity instructors (sports, arts, adventure, performing arts, etc.), lifeguards, kitchen staff, and maintenance or office assistants. Some positions are residential (you live at camp), while others are day-only.

• Do I need previous experience to work at a camp?
  Not always. While experience working with children or in specific activities is helpful, many camps provide training before campers arrive. What matters most is a positive attitude, teamwork, and flexibility.

• How long does the camp season last?
  Most summer camps run for 8 to 12 weeks, usually from June to August. Some staff arrive earlier for orientation and training, and a few camps offer extended contracts for setup or post-camp cleanup.

• How much do you get paid at an American summer camp?
  Pay varies by role, experience, and camp type. On average, international staff earn between $1,000 and $2,000 USD for the summer, plus free food, accommodation, and insurance. Some camps offer bonuses for returning staff or specialized skills.

• What are the benefits of working at a summer camp?
  Camp work offers free housing and meals, a chance to travel around the U.S., build leadership and teamwork skills, and meet friends from around the world. Many staff describe it as a life-changing experience that boosts confidence and creativity.

• Do I need a visa to work at a U.S. summer camp?
  Yes, international staff usually apply for a J-1 visa through a sponsoring organization like Camp Leaders, Camp America, or CCUSA. These organizations help with placement, paperwork, and visa interviews.

• Can I travel in the U.S. after camp ends?
  Yes! The J-1 visa allows for up to 30 days of travel after your camp contract ends. Many staff use this time to explore cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, or visit national parks.

• What’s the accommodation like at camp?
  Most camps provide shared cabins or dorms, with basic but comfortable amenities. You’ll likely share with other counselors or campers. Expect rustic living — think bunk beds, fans, and shared bathrooms — but lots of community spirit.

• How old do you need to be to work at an American summer camp?
  Most camps require staff to be at least 18 years old by the time camp starts. Some specialized roles or leadership positions may require staff to be 21 or older.

• Can I choose which camp I work at?
  When applying through an agency, you can express your preferences (location, type of camp, role), but placements depend on where your skills fit best. Camps may also interview candidates to ensure it’s a good match.

• What’s a typical day like at camp?
  A camp day is full of energy — morning activities, meals in the dining hall, afternoon sports or arts, evening games, and campfires. Each day is structured but packed with fun and teamwork.

• Is it hard work?
  Yes — but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Expect long days, lots of responsibility, and little downtime. However, the laughter, memories, and friendships make it worth it.

• What should I pack for working at a camp?
  Bring comfortable clothes, outdoor shoes, a reusable water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, and some theme day costumes for fun events. Camps often send a packing list before arrival.

• Can I return to camp the following summer?
  Absolutely! Many staff return year after year. Returning counselors may receive higher pay or leadership roles, and camps often love having experienced staff back.

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