Some summer jobs are about earning a bit of money and passing the time. Others challenge you, stretch you, and leave you with lasting stories and skills. Travelling to the U.S. and working as a camp counsellor at Camp Anne firmly falls into the second category!

Set in upstate New York, Camp Anne is an American summer camp for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It combines the energy and traditions of a classic American summer camp with hands-on support that genuinely impacts campers’ lives.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about working at Camp Anne, including what the camp is like, the roles available, the skills you’ll gain, visa requirements, pay, and how to apply through AmeriCamp. 

Where Is Camp Anne?

Camp Anne is located in Ancramdale, NY, a peaceful rural area nestled between the Hudson Valley region of upstate New York and the Berkshire mountains. The camp is operated by AHRC New York City, which emphasises promoting independence in daily living skills, increasing communication, boosting self-confidence, and improving appropriate social interaction.

Ancramdale offers the classic American “sleepaway camp” environment: wooded surroundings, cosy cabins, open green spaces, and a safe, contained campus. While it feels remote and immersed in nature, it’s just a stone’s throw (or a two-and-a-half-hour drive) from New York City, which isn’t a bad place to explore on your days off!

Who Is Camp Anne For?

Camp Anne offers three twelve-day sessions for adults (ages 21-59), and two eleven-day sessions for children (ages 5-20) who function in the moderate, severe, and profound ranges of disabilities. For many individuals, camp is a highlight of the year, offering social opportunities, fun games, and independence that may not always be available in their day-to-day routines.

Campers vary widely in ability levels and support needs. Some may be highly independent and simply benefit from structured programming and social inclusion. Others may require more hands-on assistance with daily living tasks, mobility, communication, or medical needs.

What Are the Facilities Like?

Because it serves individuals with disabilities, Camp Anne is structured to ensure safety, mobility access, and comfort. Facilities include:

• Six camper cabins situated on 40 acres of fenced-in grounds
• A fenced-in, heated pool with wheelchair access
• A horse-riding ring and petting zoo
• Lake access
• Residential cabins or lodges for campers and staff
• A dining room for communal meals
• Activity buildings for arts and crafts, music, and indoor programming
• Soccer field, basketball court, and softball diamond
• Children’s playground with shock-resistant rubber floor, swings, and climbing areas
• Sensory room with a ball pool, digital projector, and soft mattresses
• Health and medical support spaces

Camp Anne is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and inspected by the New York State Department of Health.

What Camp Programs and Activities Are Offered?

Programs at this summer camp in America include:

• Arts and crafts
• Music and performance activities
• Sports and outdoor games
• Cooking and nature
• Horseback riding
• Boating and fishing on the lake
• Special themed events and evening programs (dances, talent shows, etc.)

Activities at Camp Anne are often modified to ensure that every camper can take part meaningfully.

What Are the Benefits of Working at Camp Anne as an International Counsellor?

When you work at Camp Anne as an international counsellor, you get to experience an authentic American summer camp, earn a salary, explore a new country, learn a lot about yourself, and add valuable skills to your resume. Here’s what international counsellors gain from a summer at Camp Anne.

Experience a Real American Summer

Camp Anne offers the classic summer camp setting (think lakes, cabins, team chants, campfires, and long days in the sunshine) that international counsellors dream about. You’ll live on-site, share meals in a communal dining hall, take part in themed events, and work closely with fellow camp counsellors from the U.S. and around the world. For UK applicants, this is a rare opportunity to:

• Fully immerse yourself in American culture and camp traditions
• Build friendships with U.S. staff and other internationals
• Get your first delicious taste of s’mores around the campfire
• Step outside your usual environment and routine

The friends you make are often the most special part. Because you live and work together 24/7, you and your fellow counsellors will get to know each other really well. You’ll celebrate birthdays, make it through the more challenging days together, laugh until your bellies hurt, and support each other as a team.

Gain Valuable Life Skills

Working at Camp Anne is so rewarding, but it takes some effort. Supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities requires patience, adaptability, empathy, and teamwork. By the end of the summer, most counsellors are surprised at just how much they’ve grown. Some of the key skills of a camp counsellor you’ll develop include:

• Leadership and responsibility: You’ll be trusted with real responsibility for camper wellbeing. That builds confidence and maturity quickly.
• Communication skills: You’ll learn how to communicate clearly, calmly, and compassionately with campers, co-counsellors, supervisors, and healthcare staff.
• Problem-solving under pressure: Camp days are structured but unpredictable. You’ll learn to think on your feet, adjust plans, and respond to challenges professionally.
• Resilience and emotional intelligence: Supporting campers with varying needs can be emotionally demanding. You’ll develop empathy, patience, and emotional awareness that carry over into every future role.

These skills are so transferable and valuable, especially if you’re pursuing a career in a field like:

• Psychology
• Education
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Social work
• Healthcare or human services

Even if you’re not entering a care-related field, employers consistently value candidates who show independence, cultural awareness, and teamwork; all core parts of the Camp Anne experience.

Make the Most of Incredible Travel Opportunities After Camp

Did you know that the J-1 visa (the type of visa you’ll need to work as a camp counsellor) comes with a built-in travel period? Rather than having to return to your home country as soon as camp wraps up, your visa gives you a 30-day “grace period” where you can travel anywhere within the United States. 

From upstate New York, you’re within reach of:

• New York City
• Boston
• Washington, D.C.
• Philadelphia
• The beaches of the East Coast

Or, you can plan an adventure further afield! Many counsellors travel with friends they’ve made during the summer and tick off bucket-list destinations they’ve always wanted to see.

What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Camp Anne?

So it sounds like an amazing adventure, but what will you actually be doing at this summer camp job in America? At Camp Anne, being a camp counsellor means supporting campers with intellectual and developmental disabilities in having a safe and fun summer. Here’s an idea of what you can expect.

What Is a Typical Day in the Life at Camp Anne?

Camp Anne follows a structured daily schedule, but the specific activities and events change. A typical day might look like this:

Morning

• Wake-up
• Assisting campers with dressing and hygiene if required
• Breakfast in the dining hall
• First round of scheduled activities

Midday

• Activity rotations (sports, arts, swimming, nature, etc.)
• Lunch
• Rest period or quieter structured activities

Afternoon

• Additional program sessions (usually some swimming)
• Outdoor time or special events
• Preparation for dinner

Evening

• Dinner
• Group games, themed nights, talent shows, or campfires
• Cabin wind-down and bedtime routines

What are the Different Camp Counsellor Roles Available?

Most camp counsellors at Camp Anne are “Cabin/Lodge Counsellors.” In this role, you’ll live in cabins with guests/campers and are responsible for their care, safety, and welfare. You’ll also be involved in planning and leading activities in a specific area. 

If you have any specialised camp counsellor resume skills (like horseback riding, swimming, photography, creative arts, music, sports coaching, etc.), make sure you include this in your application. The camp is often looking for counsellors to lead or assist with activities in these fields. 

What is the Staff Culture and Community Like?

Because staff live and work together at camp, bonds form quickly! International staff often form especially strong friendships, as you’re navigating a new country and a new experience together.

The staff culture at Camp Anne is:

• Team-oriented
• Mission-driven
• Supportive and inclusive
• Focused on camper wellbeing above all else

There’s a shared understanding that the work matters, and that creates a sense of purpose that you don’t often get from a summer job.

What Does Camp Anne Look For in Camp Counsellors?

Camp Anne prioritises character and attitude just as much as experience. Highlight these camp counsellor qualities on your application and during your interview: 

• Compassion and empathy: You should genuinely care about helping others. Campers may communicate differently, need additional time, or require support with daily tasks. Being kind, calm, and understanding is essential.
• Patience: Camp life moves quickly, but individual progress may not. Counsellors who thrive are those who can slow down when needed and remain positive even during repetitive or challenging moments.
• Reliability and responsibility: You’ll be entrusted with camper safety and well-being. Showing up on time, following through on tasks, and taking your role seriously are critical.
• Adaptability: Camp life doesn’t always go to plan. Activities change, campers have different needs, and weather or scheduling can shift plans. Flexibility is a major asset.
• Positive energy: Camp culture is built on enthusiasm. Encouraging participation, celebrating small achievements, and maintaining an upbeat attitude help create a supportive environment.

Importantly, you don’t need to have worked in disability support before, but you do need to be open-minded and willing to learn from training and leadership staff.

Skills That Make You Stand Out

While the qualities above are the most important thing, certain skills can help send your application to the top of the pile: 

• Experience working with children or vulnerable adults: This could include babysitting, tutoring, volunteering, youth work, sports coaching, or care assistant roles. Any experience that shows responsibility for others is valuable.
• Background in health or education fields: Students studying psychology, education, nursing, social work, occupational therapy, or related fields may find their academic background aligns well with camp work.
• Strong communication skills: Clear, calm communication is key, both with campers and with fellow staff. If you’ve worked in customer service, hospitality, or team-based environments, that experience translates well.
• Specialised activity skills: Talents in these areas can help you stand out, especially if you’re confident leading group activities:
  
  • Sports coaching
  • Music or drama
  • Arts and crafts
  • Outdoor leadership
  • Swimming or lifeguarding
• Teamwork experience: Camp is highly collaborative. If you’ve worked on sports teams, in group projects, or in fast-paced workplaces, that ability to cooperate and problem-solve as part of a team is a major plus.

Ultimately, Camp Anne looks for counsellors who are dependable, open-hearted, and ready to commit fully to the experience. Skills can be (and are) taught during training, but being a camp counsellor is all about your attitude, empathy, and willingness to grow.

How Do I Become a Counsellor at Camp Anne?

To work as a camp counsellor in the U.S., you need to meet specific eligibility criteria, apply to AmeriCamp, lock in your role at Camp Anne (or one of our other amazing summer camp partners), and apply for your J-1 visa. Here’s a more detailed breakdown. 

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

Before you apply, be sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria that most camp counsellor positions in the U.S. (and AmeriCamp) expect:

• Age and education: You need to be 18 years old by June 1st of your program year. Many international applicants are university students, recent graduates, or gap-year participants, all of which are common and welcome.
• Background checks: You must be able to pass a criminal background check. This ensures the safety of campers and your co-counsellors.
• Health and fitness: Working at camp can be physically and emotionally demanding. You should be in good general health and ready for an active summer.
• English communication skills: Because you’ll be working with a diverse team and supporting campers with varying needs, strong communication (both spoken and written) is important.
• Commitment to the full season: AmeriCamp requires applicants to be available for the whole camp season, which typically runs from mid-June to mid-August.

How Does the Application Process Work?

If you meet the criteria outlined above, the next steps are to: 

1. Complete your AmeriCamp application
2. Fill out your AmeriCamp profile and submit an application video
3. Meet with a member of the AmeriCamp team for an informal chat 
4. Sit tight while we circulate your application among our camp partners in the U.S.
5. Interview with camp directors who feel you’d be a good fit for their camp
6. Accept a job offer at a U.S. summer camp
7. Apply for your J-1 camp counsellor visa (we’ll help with that!)
8. Attend your J-1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (we’ll help with that too!)
9. Pack your bags for a summer you’ll never forget

We’ll help you every step of the way, from placing you in one of the best summer camps in the U.S. to answering your questions and making sure you have 24/7 support for emergencies. 

FAQs

What is Camp Anne and who does it serve?

Camp Anne is a summer camp in Ancramdale, New York, run by AHRC New York City. It serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across two age groups: children and teenagers aged 5 to 20, and adults aged 21 to 59. Sessions run in late June through mid-August, and the camp is ACA-accredited and inspected by the New York State Department of Health.

What does a counselor actually do at Camp Anne?

Most counselors at Camp Anne are cabin or lodge counselors. You live alongside campers, supporting their daily routines from morning hygiene through evening activities, and helping run programs like swimming, arts, horseback riding, and sports. Activity-specialist roles are also available if you have skills in areas like music, photography, or swimming instruction. No prior disability-support experience is required.

How much do counselors get paid at Camp Anne, and what is included?

AmeriCamp guarantees a minimum salary of $2,250 USD for your placement at Camp Anne, covering the roughly 10-week season from mid-June to mid-August. On top of that, accommodation, three meals a day plus snacks, and health insurance are all provided at no cost to you. The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa also gives you 30 days after camp ends to travel the US.

Do I need experience with disabilities to work at Camp Anne?

No prior disability-support experience is required. Camp Anne looks for counselors who bring compassion, patience, reliability, and positive energy. You must be at least 18 by June 1, be in good general health, have strong English communication skills, and pass a criminal background check. Pre-camp training covers camper care, safety, and communication before your first session.

How do I get a placement at Camp Anne through AmeriCamp?

Apply through AmeriCamp: complete your application and profile, submit an application video, and have an informal chat with an AmeriCamp representative. Your application is then shared with camp partners, followed by an interview with Camp Anne directors. Once you accept an offer, AmeriCamp guides you through the J-1 visa application and your US Embassy interview so you are fully set up before arrival.

Experience the Magic of Camp Anne This Summer!

By the end of a summer at Camp Anne, you’ll have so much more than a few photos and a new stamp in your passport. You’ll have stories about the camper who tried something new for the first time, memories of the evening your whole cabin couldn’t stop laughing, and flashbacks to the moment you realised you were more capable than you thought.

If you’re ready for a summer that challenges you and inspires you, this is your moment. And, with AmeriCamp guiding you through the application, interview, and visa process, you won’t be doing it alone. From your first question to your flight home, you’ll have support every step of the way.

Don’t settle for an ordinary summer! Apply through AmeriCamp and secure your place at Camp Anne today.