Every summer, Camp Nock-A-Mixon welcomes hundreds of campers and staff to its stunning, lakeside grounds. This traditional, co-ed camp is nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, and it could be your office next summer!
Through AmeriCamp, you can work as a camp counsellor at Camp Nock-A-Mixon or one of the hundreds of other camps we partner with across the United States. For international counsellors, we organise your camp placement and visa, and support you throughout the journey of a lifetime.
This guide will walk you through what to expect, what makes Camp Nock-A-Mixon special, and why so many AmeriCamp participants call camp counselling the best summer of their lives!
An Overview of Camp Nock-A-Mixon
Whether you’re leading a team through an intense game of capture the flag, teaching a ceramics class for the first time, or joining in the campfire songs after dark, Nock-A-Mixon offers the best parts of classic American camp life. Here’s some background on what to expect from your time at summer camp.
Camp History
Camp Nock-A-Mixon first opened its doors in 1939, and while the amenities are a lot more modern today, the excitement and values that fill the camp remain the same. For AmeriCamp participants, joining this long-standing tradition means stepping into a legacy of laughs, teamwork, and memories that have shaped thousands of campers’ lives over the years.
Camp Values
At the heart of Nock-A-Mixon are its core values:
- Kindness
- Inclusion
- Teamwork
- Growth
Camp counsellors are encouraged to lead by example, showing campers how to support one another, try new things, and embrace challenges with a smile. The goal is to help every camper (and counsellor!) leave camp a little more confident, compassionate, and connected.
Camp Location, Facilities, and Accommodation
Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Camp Nock-A-Mixon is surrounded by lush forests, sparkling lakes, and wide-open fields, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. You’ll find everything from sports fields, tennis courts, and a mini-golf course to creative art studios and cosy cabins.
There’s also an indoor recreation hall, a gymnastics centre, and a climbing tower. And, like all the best summer camps in the U.S., there’s water! The camp features two private, spring-fed lakes perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront fun, as well as three swimming pools and two giant waterslides!
As for accommodation, you’ll find yourself in a modern, spacious cabin with private bathroom stalls and showers. You’ll have windows and fans to stay cool, and a comfortable mattress to make sure you get a good night’s rest. Decorating your cabin is highly encouraged!
Camp Programs and Activities
Camp Nock-A-Mixon has tons of activities to choose from, and encourages campers to try as many different “hobbies” as possible, including:
- Creative pursuits like drama, crafts, ceramics, or dance
- Sports like golf, basketball, tennis, baseball, or soccer
- Aquatic activities, including structured swimming lessons and recreational water play
A regular day at camp includes one session each of team sports, recreational swim, and instructional swim, as well as two electives chosen by campers each morning.
Around half of the days at camp follow this structure, while the other half are reserved for special events, like carnival, water days, relays, colour war, or out-of-camp trips. Mixing up the schedule helps keep everyone excited and engaged in camp life.
Why Work at Camp Nock-A-Mixon as an International Counsellor?
Working at Camp Nock-A-Mixon through AmeriCamp is an experience that stays with you long after you’ve said your goodbyes. Here’s why a summer camp job in America is one of the most unforgettable ways to spend your summer abroad.
Experience a True American Summer
Summer adventure camp is a huge tradition in the U.S., with millions of kids participating each year. You might now be too old to experience camp life as a camper, but you can still soak up this classic American way of life as a camp counsellor!
At Nock-A-Mixon, you’ll find yourself immersed in classic U.S. traditions like s’mores by the fire, celebrating the Fourth of July, and cheering your team through colour wars.
Boost Your Resume
Working at Camp Nock-A-Mixon helps you develop skills that last a lifetime. You’ll learn how to lead, communicate clearly, and handle challenges calmly. Every day tests your teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability; qualities that employers around the world value deeply.
Think about organising group activities or supporting a homesick camper. You’ll gain real confidence in your ability to inspire and connect with others. Many AmeriCamp alumni say their camp experience made them better leaders, better communicators, and even better friends.
Earn a Salary
American summer camp jobs can be so fun that you might even forget you’re working! But it is a job, which means you get paid for your time at camp. Given that your accommodation and meals are covered, you can pretty much save all the money you earn as a camp counsellor. A lot of counsellors choose to use their salary as a travel fund to explore the U.S. after camp wraps up!
Travel Opportunities After Camp
Once camp ends, the adventure doesn’t have to stop. With your J-1 camp counsellor visa, you’ll have time to travel and explore the United States, turning your working summer into a full cultural journey.
Many counsellors take road trips to famous cities like New York, Washington D.C., Boston, or Philadelphia, or head west to see the Grand Canyon, California’s beaches, or the national parks. The opportunities are endless!
What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Camp Nock-A-Mixon?
You’ll quickly discover that camp life is a blend of hard work and constant fun! Here’s a closer look at what being a Camp Nock-A-Mixon counsellor really involves.
A Typical Day in the Life
There’s a structure to summer camp jobs abroad, but every day also brings its own adventures! This is how a typical day at camp unfolds:
- 8:00 am: Cabins wake up and start to get ready for the day
- 8:30 am: Breakfast and announcements in the communal dining hall
- 9:15 am: Counsellors and campers clean up cabins for inspection
- 10:00 am: Cabin inspection
- 10:15 am: First activity session
- 11:20 am: Second activity session
- 12:20 pm: Lunch
- 1:15 pm: Rest period
- 2:10 pm: Third activity session
- 3:15 pm: Fourth activity session
- 4:15 pm: Fifth activity session
- 5:00 pm: Shower time and preparing for dinner
- 6:00 pm: Dinner, eaten together in the communal dining hall
- 6:45 pm: Free play (campers are supervised but not participating in structured activities)
- 7:30 pm: Group evening activity, usually around the campfire
- 9:40 pm: Lights out (exact times vary between different age groups)
Working at a USA summer camp like Nock-A-Mixon, you’ll lead or assist in activities depending on your skills and assigned area, keeping the energy high and the campers engaged. On “normal” camp days that follow the schedule above, you’ll work four of the activity sessions and have one free.
Staff Culture and Community
One of the things counsellors love most about Nock-A-Mixon is the incredible staff community. From day one, you’re welcomed into a team that’s enthusiastic, supportive, and full of people who genuinely love what they do.
There’s a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie among the staff. Everyone looks out for one another, celebrates the wins, and helps carry the load when things get hectic. Around 65% of Camp Nock-A-Mixon’s counsellors were previously campers there, and around 85% of staff return each year, so there are plenty of experienced team members to show you the ropes!
Different Camp Counsellor Roles Available
There’s a role for everyone at Camp Nock-A-Mixon, no matter your camp counsellor skills or background. Some counsellors specialise in specific activities, while others take on more general leadership roles within the cabins.
You’ll live with and care for a small group of campers, guiding them through daily routines, resolving conflicts, and being their go-to support person. If you have a particular camp counsellor resume skill (like swimming, arts and crafts, music, sports, or outdoor adventure), you’ll help run those sessions.
What Camp Nock-A-Mixon Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors
Each summer, the camp welcomes counsellors from across the U.S. and around the world. While experience is always helpful, what really matters most is your attitude and spirit.
Core Qualities They Value
The camp looks for counsellors who show:
- Positivity and enthusiasm: Camp life is full of energy, and your excitement helps set the tone for your campers. Whether it’s the first day or the last, your enthusiasm should be contagious, hyping campers up for every new activity.
- Patience and compassion: Working with kids means adapting to different personalities, emotions, and challenges. If you have a calm, caring attitude, it helps build trust and makes campers feel safe and supported.
- Teamwork: Everything at camp runs on collaboration, so teamwork is an essential camp counsellor quality. From leading activities to organising events, you’ll be working with counsellors and other staff each day.
- Responsibility and maturity: You’ll be a role model for your campers, and they’ll look up to you for guidance. Taking that responsibility seriously (while still having fun!) is key to being a great camp counsellor.
- Open-mindedness: Campers and staff come to Nock-A-Mixon from many different backgrounds, so having an open mind is a must. Working at a U.S. summer camp is an incredible opportunity to learn more about other cultures!
Basically, Camp Nock-A-Mixon looks for counsellors who care deeply, work hard, and aren’t afraid to get a little silly when it’s time to have fun!
Skills That Make You Stand Out
While personality is the most important thing, having a few extra skills up your sleeve can definitely make you shine. If you have experience in these areas, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your talents to use:
- Coaching or instructing experience in sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, or gymnastics
- Experience in arts and crafts, dance, drama, or music
- Lifeguarding or swimming qualifications
- Leadership or mentoring experience with youth groups, schools, or clubs
- Outdoor education, climbing, or adventure sports skills
Make sure you highlight these skills on your camp counsellor resume! At the same time, don’t worry if you don’t have specialised skills; general counsellors are always in high demand too.
How to Become a Camp Nock-A-Mixon Counsellor
If spending your summer in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside, surrounded by laughs, friends, and adventure sounds like a dream come true, the good news is… we can make it happen!
Through AmeriCamp, you can apply to work as a counsellor at Camp Nock-A-Mixon (or one of our other amazing camp partners) and experience everything that makes American summer camp life so unforgettable. Here’s how to get a job as a summer camp counsellor through AmeriCamp.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
AmeriCamp and the U.S. Department of State have some eligibility criteria you need to meet to be a camp counsellor:
- Age requirement: AmeriCamp participants must be 18 years or older by the time camp begins. You can apply when you’re 17, as long as you turn 18 before June 1st in the year of your camp.
- Availability: Camp Nock-A-Mixon typically runs from June to August, and counsellors must be available for the full duration of the camp season.
- Background check: For the safety of campers, all applicants are required to complete a criminal background check before placement.
As we mentioned, having experience working with children, coaching, or leading group activities is a plus, but it’s not a dealbreaker. You’ll get training on the job and a lot of support along the way.
Visa Requirements for International Applicants
To legally work at a U.S. summer camp, you’ll need a J-1 camp counsellor visa. We’ll help you navigate the visa paperwork and your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
Once your visa is approved, it doesn’t just cover your time at camp. It’s valid for 30 days after camp wraps up, meaning you have a whole month to travel and explore the U.S. before heading home!
AmeriCamp’s Application Process
Here’s how it works:
- Online application: Start by filling out your AmeriCamp application online, where you’ll share your background, interests, and availability.
- Quick call with AmeriCamp: We’ll reach out for an informal video call to learn more about you, answer your questions, and make sure you’re a good fit.
- Profile and references: You’ll be asked to include details about any childcare, teaching, or leadership experience, along with a couple of references.
- Placement support: We’ll work to connect you with the best summer camps in the U.S. (like Nock-A-Mixon) that fit your strengths and goals.
- Interview with camp directors: When a camp director thinks you’d be a good fit for their camp, they’ll reach out for an interview.
- Visa and travel prep: Once you land a role, we’ll help you with all the visa paperwork, insurance, and travel arrangements you’ll need before departure.
- Pre-departure orientation: You’ll attend an AmeriCamp orientation session that covers everything from cultural expectations to packing tips, so you’re ready to hit the ground running at your summer camp in America.
Remember, we’re here every step of the way to answer your questions and provide support!
Interview Tips
Your interviews with summer camp directors are a chance to show who you are, not just what’s on your CV. Camps like Nock-A-Mixon are looking for personality, enthusiasm, and a sense of fun. Here are a few tips to help you shine:
- Be yourself: Camps want to get to know you. They want to see your energy, your attitude, and your genuine passion for working with kids.
- Show enthusiasm: Share why you want to work at camp, what you’re excited to contribute, and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Highlight your strengths: Mention any skills or hobbies (think sports, music, art, or teaching) that might make you a great fit for camp life.
- Be honest: If you don’t have much childcare experience, that’s okay! Focus on your willingness to learn and your ability to be patient, positive, and adaptable.
- Practice: Work your way through these common camp counsellor interview questions and think carefully about your answers so you feel more prepared in the moment.
- Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask about daily routines, camp traditions, or what past counsellors have loved most, as it shows your interest and commitment.
Your interview should feel more like an exciting conversation than a test. Remember, camps are looking for team players who care, communicate, and bring good energy, and if that sounds like you, you’re already halfway there!
Camp Nock-A-Mixon FAQs
What should you pack? Will you get time off? And what happens if homesickness hits? Don’t worry, you’re not the first to wonder!
Do I Need Experience? Is Training Provided?
While having experience in coaching, teaching, or childcare can be a bonus, it’s definitely not required. Before campers even arrive, you’ll go through comprehensive staff training, which covers everything you need to know about being a camp counsellor. You’ll learn how to lead activities, manage group dynamics, and handle different situations.
What Should I Pack? Is There a Uniform?
You can use our AmeriCamp packing list to get started, but most camps will send you a specific list of things to bring to camp as a counsellor once you accept a role. You’ll need:
- Comfy clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy
- T-shirts, shorts, and comfortable sneakers (you’ll be on your feet a lot)
- Swimwear (expect to be in the water most days!)
- A rain jacket and a few warm layers for cool nights
- Camp essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle
While there’s no strict “uniform,” you’ll get a free staff shirt to wear on out-of-camp trips so campers can easily identify you.
What Happens if I Get Homesick?
There’s nothing wrong with feeling homesick; it means you have a happy life at home! Many camp counsellors in America get that twinge of missing home to start with, but once you get into the daily rhythm of camp life, you’ll find that those homesick feelings fade fast. By the end of summer, you might even find yourself homesick for camp when you return home!
Do I Get Time Off?
Yes, you do! You’ll get a free period each day, and five full days off during the seven-week USA summer camp. You might use this time to check out nearby Philadelphia, hike in the Poconos, or just take a well-deserved nap by the lake!
What Is the Food Like?
Camp Nock-A-Mixon offers a wide variety of meals that cater to different tastes and dietary needs. The camp kitchen is nut and nut oil-free, and can accommodate food allergies and sensitivities (including Celiac Disease).
The camp offers fresh fruit and a salad bar at each lunch and dinner, plus a pasta option and a vegetarian option every day. They serve a mid-afternoon snack each day that includes everything from pretzels to ice pops to granola bars. You won’t be going hungry!
Have the Best Time Ever at Camp Nock-A-Mixon!
For international counsellors coming through AmeriCamp, Camp Nock-A-Mixon is a gateway into authentic American summer culture, complete with tradition, teamwork, and so many laughs. You’ll return home with stories that make you smile for years to come, and maybe even plans to come back next summer!
If you’re ready for a summer of adventure, growth, and new friends, Camp Nock-A-Mixon might just be the best decision you ever make. Ready to discover the best camp in America? Sign up for a summer job you’ll never forget – start your AmeriCamp application today!
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