There’s something magical about life at a summer camp in the U.S. The echo of laughter across the lake, the smell of pine and campfires, and the feeling that every day brings a new adventure. And at Camp Silver Lake in New York, that magic could be yours!
If you’re looking for a summer job with a twist and love being surrounded by nature and incredible people, this is the opportunity for you. As a camp counsellor at Camp Silver Lake through AmeriCamp, you’ll earn money while you spend your days caring for kids and having as much fun as possible! Here’s what to expect, and how AmeriCamp can make it happen.
Introducing Camp Silver Lake
At AmeriCamp, we partner with hundreds of the best summer camps in the United States. They all have different values, missions, and focuses, which makes it easier for camp counsellors to find a camp that’s just right for them. If you’re wondering whether that could be Camp Silver Lake, here’s some background info to help you decide.
Camp History
Camp Silver Lake is part of the longer legacy of the Chipinaw family of camps, with roots in strong community values and decades of experience. The directors have grown up in camp life themselves, and they bring that personal passion into every season.
The original Camp Chipinaw first opened its doors in 1926, but Camp Silver Lake joined the family much later, in 2004. It combines the history of the Camp Chipinaw legacy with modern amenities and activities, and offers a seven-week experience (or less) for boys and girls aged 7–16.
Camp Values
What makes Camp Silver Lake one of the best summer camps in the U.S. is its belief that kindness, inclusion, respect, and a positive attitude are non-negotiable. They’ve even created a program called “CHIP” (Compassion, Honesty, Integrity, Positive Attitude) to recognise campers who live by these values.
Each week, campers who have displayed these values are nominated by their fellow bunkmates and staff, and the winners are celebrated on Friday nights, where they receive a special pin. As a counsellor, you’ll certainly be expected to model these values every day at camp.
Camp Location and Facilities
Located in Swan Lake, New York, Camp Silver Lake delivers a classic American summer camp backdrop, with woods, lakeside views, activity spaces, and more. Like most summer camps in America, you’ll sleep in cabins with your campers and other counsellors (usually there are 10-12 campers and 1-2 counsellors per cabin).
The facilities support a full suite of sports, arts, and outdoor adventures, meaning you’ll have a rich environment to engage in and help run. Being a camp counsellor means you’ll be guiding campers by the water, leading a theatre session, or cheering them on the lacrosse field, and the sunny, lakeside setting makes every day feel like a dream!
Camp Programs and Activities
Silver Lake’s program schedule is built to let kids explore, try new things, and build confidence. With both traditional and creative options, the camp offers everything from sports and team games to art, drama, and waterfront fun. In fact, there are more than 60 different activities to choose from!
Campers either participate in a three-week program, a four-week program, or stay for the entire seven weeks at camp. At this summer camp in America, campers are encouraged to try as many different activities as possible, and make their selections one day in advance, with guidance from counsellors like you.
Each camper participates in six activities a day, six days a week. Younger campers do two water-based activities, two sport activities, and two elective activities. Older campers can choose more electives to focus on specific areas or activities they’re interested in.
The types of activities available include:
- Adventure: ATVs, climbing wall, rope courses, horse riding, mountain biking, and more
- Team sports: Basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer, softball, volleyball, and more
- Individual sports: Aerobics, archery, golf, fencing, gymnastics, martial arts, and more
- Water activities: Swimming, canoeing, diving, kayaking, kneeboarding, sailing, and more
- Visual arts: Photography, digital arts, jewellery, leather craft, stained glass, and more
- Performing arts: Acting, costuming, dance, improv, lighting, garage band, and more
- Circus: Diablo, flying trapeze, tightrope, juggling, trampoline, teeterboard, and more
Working at this summer camp in America, you’ll play a key role in these programs by leading, encouraging, and helping campers find new passions. The variety of activities keeps things fresh and fun for both you and the campers!
Why Work at Camp Silver Lake as an International Counsellor?
Choosing Camp Silver Lake through AmeriCamp means that you’ll find yourself in a supportive international team, navigating new adventures, and making a real difference in campers’ lives. Here’s why you should say (or scream!) yes to this incredible adventure.
Experience a Real American Summer
Summer camp is a famous part of life in the U.S., and you’ve probably seen glimpses of camp life in shows and movies over the years. At Silver Lake, you will live out the traditions of U.S. summer camp, from sunny days on the lake to spirited colour-war events and hilarious talent shows. It’s more fun than most jobs and more immersive than most travel, giving you the best of both worlds!
Gain Some Valuable Life Skills
Being a camp counsellor builds valuable skills like:
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Communication
- Teamwork
You’ll come up with camp counsellor activity ideas, solve unexpected challenges, help campers navigate emotions, and work daily within a large team. These are skills you’ll carry with you into your studies, career, and life, and they look great on your resume!
Incredible Travel Opportunities After Camp
Camp itself is amazing, but your adventure doesn’t have to end there! The J-1 visa, which is what you’ll need to work as a camp counsellor in the U.S., enables you to travel for up to 30 days after your camp placement wraps up.
You’ll have plenty of time to take in the bright lights of NYC, explore incredible national parks, or chill on a Californian beach. It’s the perfect way to round off a life-changing summer, and your new camp friends might even want to come along for the ride!
What Do Camp Counsellors Do at Camp Silver Lake?
As a counsellor at Camp Silver Lake, you will live and breathe camp life. Rather than just supervising campers, you’ll be inspiring, mentoring, supporting, and laughing alongside your campers and colleagues. Here’s what you can expect, and what your camp counsellor role looks like.
Typical Day in the Life
There’s never a dull day at the best summer camp in the USA! While the schedule changes depending on the activities you’re involved in, here’s what you can expect from a typical day at Camp Silver Lake:
- 7:30 AM: Time to wake up and get ready for breakfast!
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast is eaten together in the dining hall, and camp announcements are made
- 9:15 AM: The first activity period starts
- 10:20 AM: The second activity period starts
- 11:25 AM: The third activity period starts
- 12:40 PM: Break from the action to enjoy a well-earned lunch and a rest!
- 1:45 PM: The fourth activity period starts
- 2:35 PM: Quick break for an icee!
- 2:55 PM: The fifth activity period starts
- 4:00 PM: The sixth activity period starts
- 4:50 PM: Shower hour and prepare for dinner
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, eaten together as a group
- 6:45 PM: Time for free play and preparing for the evening activity
- 8:00 PM: Evening activity
- 9:30 PM: Camper curfew begins (times vary based on age)
Staff Culture and Community
One of the strongest parts of Silver Lake is the staff team. You’ll join J-1 camp counsellors from all over the U.S. and beyond, sharing experiences, challenges, and fun. Whether you’re cheering each other on during a staff talent show or teaming up for a big all-camp event, the sense of belonging is a big part of what makes life special at Camp Silver Lake.
Different Camp Counsellor Roles Available
Silver Lake offers two main roles for counsellors, depending on your camp counsellor qualities, skills, and experience. You might be a general counsellor, guiding a group of campers through daily routines and building their community. You’ll be responsible for the same group of campers each day, giving you a chance to bond with the kids in your care.
Or you might be a specialist counsellor, using a talent in the arts, athletics, outdoor adventure, or waterfront to lead sessions and inspire campers. If you have any specific skills or experience like this, make sure it’s highlighted on your camp counsellor resume when you apply. Camps are always looking for specialist counsellors!
What Camp Silver Lake Looks for in Its Camp Counsellors
Silver Lake values people who bring heart, energy, and integrity. Here are a few of the skills of a camp counsellor they’re looking for, and how to make your application stand out.
Core Qualities They Value
- Energy and enthusiasm: You’ll lead by example, and your campers look to you as a role model. Show that you’re a positive, outgoing person during your interviews with camp directors.
- Caring and responsibility: You’ll be a mentor, and keeping campers safe and supported is central. Try to highlight responsibilities you’ve held previously, whether it’s babysitting or captaining a sports team.
- Team spirit: Collaboration with fellow counsellors and staff is vital; everyone has to work together to make the camp experience a success. Be prepared to talk about times when you’ve been part of a team, and the specific skills you bring to a group setting.
- Adaptability: Life at this summer adventure camp is dynamic, which is partly why it’s so fun! Every day brings new situations, different personalities, and changing weather, and staff need to be able to adjust on the fly.
- Cultural openness: As an international counsellor, you bring a unique background and perspective. Silver Lake values the global exchange you foster, and they specifically look for international camp counsellors to make the camp experience even richer.
Skills That Make You Stand Out
If you have experience in these specific areas, be sure to list them as camp counsellor resume skills:
- Water sports like waterskiing, sailing, or kayaking
- Swimming instruction or lifeguard certification
- Drama, dance, music direction, or other arts skills
- Athletics or team sports coaching
- Outdoor adventure or challenge course leadership
Even if your speciality is something else, try to emphasise how you can translate your strengths into the camp environment when you interview with camp directors.
How to Become a Camp Silver Lake Counsellor
Ready to apply? Here’s how you take your first steps toward working at a USA summer camp with AmeriCamp:
- Meet the eligibility requirements
- Complete your AmeriCamp application
- Interview with camp directors
- Match with a camp
- Apply for your J-1 visa
- Pack your bags!
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
For this summer camp job abroad, you’ll generally need to be:
- 18 years or older by the start of camp
- Able to speak English to communicate with campers and staff
- Available for the full summer, from June through August
- Willing to undergo a background check for the safety of everyone
Previous camp or leadership experience helps, but your attitude and desire to contribute matter most.
Your AmeriCamp Application
Once you’ve confirmed that you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s time to start your application! The first step is to fill out our online form highlighting your background, interests, skills, and availability. After we’ve received your application, we’ll reach out to schedule a quick, informal call with an AmeriCamp team member to learn more about you and answer any questions you have about being a camp counsellor or the program itself.
Matching With a Camp
After we confirm that you’re a good fit for the program, we’ll circulate your resume and other application materials among the best camps in America, including Camp Silver Lake. We have a 99% placement success rate, so it shouldn’t take too long to hear from your first camp! When your application catches the eye of a camp director, they’ll reach out to schedule a video interview.
Interview Tips
You might feel nervous as you start to interview for summer camp jobs in America, but there’s nothing to worry about; camp directors just want to see your enthusiasm and personality shine through when they talk to you. Here’s how to ace the interview stage and land your dream summer camp job:
- Be prepared: Practice for your interview ahead of time with these common camp counsellor interview questions. As well as working on your answers, come up with some questions of your own to ask camp directors, showing your interest in their camp.
- Show your true self: Camps want counsellors who are genuine, open, and enthusiastic. Don’t think of this as a formal interview, and make sure you let your passion show, whether it’s caring for kids or teaching a specific skill.
- Highlight your ‘why’: Why do you want to work overseas as a camp counsellor in America? Why are you excited about this opportunity? Why are you interested in Camp Silver Lake specifically?
- Share relevant strengths: Even if you haven’t been a counsellor before, talk about the teamwork skills you gained from playing sports, or how babysitting made you more responsible. It’s all connected!
If your interview goes well and the camp director wants to hire you, they’ll reach out with an offer.
Visa Requirements for International Applicants
As an international applicant, you’ll apply for a J-1 camp counsellor visa with AmeriCamp’s support. We’ll guide you through documentation, interview prep, insurance, and travel preparations once you’ve accepted a position at one of the best summer camps in the U.S. The visa process can feel complicated, but we’ve assisted with thousands of successful applications over the years, so you’re in safe hands!
Camp Silver Lake FAQs
Do I Need Experience? Is Training Provided?
You don’t need to have worked as a camp counsellor previously. While experience helps, Camp Silver Lake offers thorough training for all counsellors (before campers arrive and throughout the season) to ensure you’re ready to lead, connect, and thrive.
What Should I Pack? Is There a Uniform?
Pack practical, comfortable clothes like t-shirts, shorts, swimwear, sneakers, layers for cooler evenings, and a rain jacket. Camp Silver Lake (and many of the other summer camps we work with) provide staff with t-shirts to wear while they’re working, so you’re easy to identify.
While there’s no strict uniform other than the camp t-shirt, you’ll want camp-appropriate attire and maybe some fun items for theme nights. Use our AmeriCamp packing list for tips (most camps also send a list of things to bring to camp as a counsellor once you accept a role).
What Happens if I Get Homesick?
Homesickness is totally normal, especially in the early stages of your adventure. Most camp counsellors feel homesick from time to time, but find the feelings fade as they become more involved in the non-stop fun of camp life. Plus, you’ll have an amazing group of counsellors and other staff who understand how you’re feeling and can support you every step of the way.
Do I Get Time Off?
Yes. Counsellors have scheduled break times to rest, recharge, and explore. At Camp Silver Lake, you’ll get a total of six days off during the summer, and one full period off each day. Plus, there’s usually time in the evenings after 9:30 PM when counsellors can unwind and relax.
What is the Food Like at Camp?
Camp Silver Lake provides hearty, kid-friendly meals, served family style. Along with the served courses, there’s a fresh salad bar, bread bar, and pasta bar each day. They also have an amazing baker who creates some delicious desserts you won’t want to miss!
Make Camp Silver Lake the Best Summer of Your Life!
If you’re ready for a summer of laughs, challenges, adventures, and new friends, Camp Silver Lake is waiting, and it might just turn out to be the best summer of your life! With AmeriCamp, you won’t have to stress over landing a job, organising a visa, or any of the logistics. We take care of all that so you can focus on the fun stuff.
Take the plunge and say “yes” to Camp Silver Lake. Start your AmeriCamp application today!
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