Picture this: you’re spending your summer in the U.S., living in a cabin, leading activities you love, and making friends from all over the world. That’s exactly what working at Camp Airy for Boys can look like for international camp counsellors!

Known for its strong Jewish traditions, close-knit community, and focus on personal growth, Camp Airy is pretty magical. Whether you’re passionate about sports, the outdoors, creative activities, or simply working with kids, a summer at Camp Airy dishes out hands-on experience you’ll carry with you long after camp ends.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Camp Airy for Boys is all about, what it’s like to work there, and why it’s such a popular choice for international counsellors. We’ll also walk you through the roles available, what the camp looks for in staff, and how AmeriCamp helps you get there. 

An Overview of Camp Airy for Boys

If you’re curious about what makes Camp Airy for Boys such a special place to work and grow, you’re in the right spot. Let’s paint a picture of Camp Airy’s history, values, location, facilities, and programs, so you know exactly what you’re stepping into.

Camp History

Camp Airy’s story stretches back over 100 summers, making it one of the longest-running Jewish boys’ sleep-away camps in the United States. The camp was founded in 1924 by philanthropists Aaron and Lillie Straus, just two years after they launched its sister camp, Camp Louise for Girls. 

What started as a fresh-air retreat for young Jewish youth from Baltimore has grown into a thriving camp community set on hundreds of acres in the Catoctin Mountains of Maryland. Even though Camp Airy has expanded dramatically since its early days, the core mission remains the same: to create a safe, inclusive place where campers can explore, learn, and have fun.

Camp Values

Camp Airy isn’t just about activities and beautiful scenery (though that’s a huge bonus!), it’s designed to help campers and staff alike grow in confidence, independence, and leadership. Because this is single-gender camp, Airy strives to provide strong, healthy role models (that’s you!) and provide campers with all the benefits of an all-boys summer camp.

This summer camp in America is rooted in Jewish traditions like Shabbat celebrations, but welcomes campers and staff from diverse backgrounds and levels of observance (including interfaith families), creating an inclusive and respectful community for all.

Camp Location and Facilities

Camp Airy for Boys is located in Thurmont, Maryland, right in the heart of the Catoctin Mountains. The setting is a huge part of the camp experience and gives counsellors a true “American summer camp” environment, just like the movies! Key highlights of the location and facilities include:

• 450+ acres of forests, hills, and open green space
• A peaceful, rural setting surrounded by nature
• Easy access to major cities like Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
• Traditional bunk-style cabins for campers and counsellors
• A large, air-conditioned dining hall serving fresh meals
• Multiple sports fields and courts (baseball, tennis, volleyball)
• Indoor and outdoor gymnasiums
• A full swimming pool complex
• High ropes and challenge courses, including zip lines
• Go-kart track and skate park
• Archery range and outdoor adventure areas
• Creative spaces like a woodshop, multimedia studio, and outdoor theatre
• On-site health center with trained medical staff available 24/7

Camp Programs and Activities

Camp Airy’s program is designed to give campers (and counsellors) tons of variety and opportunities to try new things. Younger campers are provided with an action-packed schedule, while older campers have more say over the types of activities they participate in each day. Options include:

Athletics and Sports Programs:

• Soccer, basketball, baseball, and flag football
• Tennis, archery, and beach volleyball
• Swimming and aquatic activities
• Martial arts and weight training

Adventure and Outdoor Activities:

• High rope courses and rock climbing
• Go-karting, parkour, and BMX biking
• Canoeing and fishing

Creative and Skill-Based Activities:

• Woodworking and hands-on building projects
• Music and performance
• Drama tech and theatre production
• Multimedia and digital creativity
• Culinary arts through the popular Culin-Airy kitchen

Community and Special Programs:

• Camp-wide competitions like the Airy Olympics (yes, it gets intense!)
• Evening programs and themed events
• Shabbat celebrations and community gatherings
• Special trips and off-camp experiences for older campers

As a counsellor, you might lead a specific activity, coach a sport, or support campers across multiple programs, all while helping them build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills.

Why Work at Camp Airy for Boys as an International Counsellor?

Choosing where to spend your summer is a big deal, especially when it means traveling across the world to work at a USA summer camp! But trust us when we say you won’t regret anything about working at Camp Airy for Boys. Here’s why so many counsellors say a summer here is a game-changer.

Experience a Real American Summer

If you’ve ever pictured an American summer camp straight out of a movie, Camp Airy is pretty close to the real thing. You’ll spend your days outdoors, living in cabins, leading activities, and being part of a tight-knit camp community that feels like a second family. As an international counsellor, you’ll:

• Work alongside American staff and counsellors from around the world
• Take part in classic camp traditions, from campfires to all-camp events
• Celebrate truly American moments, like sports culture, themed days, and summer holidays
• Get a true inside look at everyday life in the U.S., not just the tourist version

It’s an immersive cultural exchange experience where you’re not just visiting the U.S., you’re living it.

Gain Some Valuable Life Skills

Yes, working at Camp Airy is fun, but it’s also a serious boost to your personal and professional development. The skills you build as a counsellor are the kind employers love, no matter what career path you’re heading toward.

During the summer, you’ll develop:

• Leadership skills from guiding and mentoring campers
• Communication skills by working with kids, parents, and fellow staff
• Teamwork and adaptability in an action-packed, collaborative environment
• Problem-solving and resilience when things don’t go exactly to plan

You’ll probably find that your summer at camp helps you grow more than any classroom ever could!

Incredible Travel Opportunities After Camp

One of the biggest perks of working at Camp Airy through AmeriCamp is what happens after the summer ends. As part of the J-1 Camp Counselor program, you’ll have up to 30 days to travel around the U.S. once camp wraps up. That means you could:

• Visit iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago
• Explore U.S. national parks, beaches, or road-trip routes
• Travel with friends you made at camp from all over the world
• Experience even more of America before heading home

This post-camp travel is what really turns one summer job into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Camp Airy for Boys?

Being a camp counsellor at Camp Airy for Boys is a mix of responsibility, creativity, and non-stop energy! You’re there to keep campers safe, supported, and having an amazing summer, but you’re also a role model, teammate, and leader. Here’s what you can expect.

Different Camp Counsellor Roles Available

Camp Airy has roles available for both “in-bunk” and “specialist” counsellors. In-bunk counsellors (three per cabin) are responsible for a group of campers (typically 10), providing supervision and support as they move across different activities throughout the day. 

Specialist counsellors lead activities in specific areas they have skills in, such as archery, coaching a team sport, or as a lifeguard. Make sure you highlight any of these specialized skills on your application, as they can open the door to more opportunities and, in some cases, a higher camp counsellor salary. 

Typical Day in the Life

Life at this summer adventure camp is busy in the best way possible. When you wake up to the birds chirping, you never know what the day will bring, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect from Camp Airy: 

• 7:30 AM: Wake up
• 8:00 AM: Camp line-up at the flag pole
• 8:15 AM: Breakfast
• 9:00 AM: Bunk clean-ups
• 9:45 AM: First activity
• 10:40 AM: Second activity
• 11:35 AM: Third activity
• 12:45 PM: Lunch
• 1:30 PM: Mail and bunk time
• 2:25 PM: Fourth activity
• 3:30 PM: Fifth activity
• 4:15 PM: Sixth activity
• 5:00 PM: Bunk time (relax/unwind for an hour)
• 6:00 PM: Dinner 
• 7:30 PM: Electives/special unit/camp-wide evening program
• 9:00 PM: Shower time/bunk time/snack time
• 9:30 PM: Start of lights out (beginning with younger campers)

One of the three afternoon activities is a free swim period, and there’s also an afternoon snack break in there to make sure campers (and counsellors!) are energised to make it through the rest of the day. It’s full-on, but incredibly rewarding. 

Staff Culture and Community

One of the biggest reasons counsellors love Camp Airy is the staff community. You’ll be working alongside people from the U.S. and around the world, creating a genuinely international and inclusive environment.

What makes the staff culture special:

• Strong teamwork and support from experienced leadership staff
• Training and guidance throughout the summer, not just at the start
• Staff social events, time off, and shared downtime
• A culture that values respect, communication, and growth

By the end of the summer, your co-counsellors will be your close friends! After camp, many international counsellors even travel together in the U.S. before heading home. 

What Camp Airy for Boys Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors

Camp Airy for Boys brings together counsellors from all over the world, and while everyone comes from a different background, there are a few key qualities the camp looks for in every member of staff. If you try to highlight these camp counsellor qualities and skills, your application has a much better chance of standing out. 

Core Qualities They Value

Camp Airy is a Jewish summer camp, and its traditions, values, and community life are shaped by Jewish culture. That said, you do not need to be Jewish to work there. International counsellors of all backgrounds are welcomed, as long as they’re open, respectful, and excited to be part of the camp community. Some of the core qualities Camp Airy values in its counsellors include:

• Responsibility and reliability: Campers depend on you every day, so showing up prepared and on time really matters.
• Positive energy and enthusiasm: Camp life is busy and high-energy, and your attitude helps set the tone and keep campers engaged.
• Strong role modelling: Campers look up to you, so it’s essential to put your best foot forward and set good examples.
• Team spirit: You’ll be working closely with other counsellors, unit heads, and specialists to make camp as fun, rewarding, and safe as possible.
• Patience and empathy: Especially when supporting younger campers or those away from home for the first time.
• Openness and respect: Willingness to engage with Jewish traditions and camp customs, even if they’re new to you.

Counsellors who thrive at Camp Airy are those who care about kids, support their teammates, and want to contribute to a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Skills That Make You Stand Out

While personal qualities matter most, certain skills and experiences can really help your application stand out. Camp Airy especially values:

• Experience working with kids (coaching, tutoring, teaching, babysitting, youth groups)
• Sports and athletic skills, including coaching or competitive experience
• Outdoor or adventure skills like climbing, ropes courses, or hiking
• Creative talents such as music, drama, woodworking, media, or art
• Leadership experience in school, university, or community settings

You don’t need every skill on this list, but make sure you highlight your experience (and specific examples or certifications) where you have it. 

How to Become a Counsellor at Camp Airy for Boys

If a summer at Camp Airy for Boys is starting to sound like the kind of adventure you’re looking for, the good news is that the path to getting there is pretty straightforward, especially with AmeriCamp’s guidance. Here’s what you need to know.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

To work as a camp counsellor through AmeriCamp, you’ll need to meet some basic eligibility requirements. These are standard across most U.S. summer camps and help ensure counsellors are ready for the responsibility that comes with the role. You’re a good fit if you: 

• Are at least 18 years old by June 1st of the program year
• Have a good level of spoken English
• Have a clean criminal background and pass a standard background check
• Have experience working with children, teens, or young people (formal or informal)
• Are available for the full camp season (mid-June through mid-August)
• Are mature, responsible, and enthusiastic about camp life

You don’t need to have worked at a summer camp before. Experience from sports teams, schools, childcare, youth groups, or leadership roles is often just as valuable.

Visa Requirements for International Applicants

International counsellors work at Camp Airy on the J-1 Camp Counselor Visa, which is specifically designed for cultural exchange programs like summer camps. With this visa, you can:

• Work (and earn a salary) legally at a U.S. summer camp for the duration of your contract
• Take part in a structured cultural exchange experience
• Travel in the U.S. for up to 30 days after camp ends

AmeriCamp acts as your official J-1 sponsor, meaning we guide you through the visa process, help with paperwork, and make sure everything is done correctly. You don’t need to navigate the visa system on your own, and you don’t apply for the visa until you’ve been placed at a camp.

AmeriCamp’s Application Process

To work at Camp Airy for Boys (or one of our other amazing summer camp partners), here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply online with AmeriCamp and create your profile
2. Submit key documents like your CV, references, and an application video
3. Complete a quick, informal interview with our team 
4. Sit tight while we distribute your application among our camp partners
5. Interview with camp directors to find the right fit
6. Accept your placement and complete your visa paperwork (we’ll help!)
7. Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy closest to you
8. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable summer!

Camp Airy FAQs

Do I Need Experience? Is Training Provided?

You don’t need summer camp experience to work at Camp Airy. While experience with children, sports, or group leadership is definitely a plus, many counsellors are first-time camp staff. Before campers arrive, you’ll take part in staff orientation and training, which covers everything you need to know. You’ll also receive ongoing support throughout the summer from unit heads and senior staff, so you’re never expected to figure things out on your own.

What Should I Pack? Is There a Uniform?

You’ll want to pack for an active, outdoor summer. AmeriCamp and Camp Airy both provide packing guidance before you travel, so you’ll know exactly what to bring. Generally, you should pack comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, athletic wear, swimwear, closed-toe shoes, trainers, and layers for cooler nights. 

What Happens if I Get Homesick?

Feeling homesick at some point during the summer is completely normal, especially if this is your first time living abroad. Camp Airy has a strong support system in place for both campers and staff. Most counsellors find that once they settle into the routine and build friendships, homesickness fades pretty quickly.

Do I Get Time Off?

Yes, you’ll get scheduled time off during the summer. While camp life is busy and full-on, breaks are built into the schedule so staff can rest and recharge. It depends on the specific camp you’re working at and how they structure things, but you will likely have some free evenings, half-days, or weekends off. 

What’s the Food Like?

Food is a big part of camp life, and Camp Airy takes it seriously! Meals are prepared fresh daily and served buffet-style in the dining hall, with options designed to keep active campers and staff energised, like pasta dishes, sandwiches, fresh fruit, salads, grilled vegetables, etc. As this is a Jewish camp, all meals are Kosher, and other dietary needs can usually be accommodated.

Enjoy the Summer of a Lifetime at Camp Airy for Boys!

Working at Camp Airy for Boys gives you a chance to live, work, and grow in a way few experiences can match. From being part of a classic American summer camp to building real-life skills and exploring the U.S. after camp, it’s the kind of opportunity that stays with you long after the summer ends.

With AmeriCamp supporting you every step of the way, from application and placement to visas and arrival, getting there is simpler than you might think. If you’re ready for an unforgettable summer in the U.S., now’s the time to apply! Start your journey with AmeriCamp today – apply here!