Summer Jobs for Teens [Work as a Camp Counsellor in the U.S.]

Summer is the perfect time to earn a bit of extra money, build your confidence, and try something completely new. Whether you’re saving for travel, picking up experience for your CV, or just want something more exciting to do than sitting at home scrolling, summer jobs for teens can help you get there.

But a summer job doesn’t have to mean the same old things your friends are doing. Yes, there are great opportunities close to home, but you can also take your summer a step further and do something unforgettable, like spending a few months working at a USA summer camp with AmeriCamp.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: the benefits of getting a summer job as a teenager, what to expect, and how to make the most of your experience. And if you’re dreaming a bit bigger this year, why not go ahead and start your AmeriCamp application for the adventure of a lifetime?

Why Get a Summer Job as a Teen?

Getting a summer job is one of the easiest ways to start building confidence, discovering what you enjoy, and gaining real-world experience long before you need to think about full-time work. Here’s how a summer job can give you a solid head start.

Build Experience Early

The earlier you start working, the sooner you learn skills that genuinely matter, like: 

• Time management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Customer service 

These show up in almost every job later in life, and a part-time role (no matter how small it may seem) gives you real experience that tells future employers you’re responsible and willing to put the effort in.

Make New Friends and Network

One of the best parts of getting a summer job is the people you meet. When you work somewhere new, you’re suddenly surrounded by others your age, older teens, or adults who can teach you things and share fresh perspectives. 

You might make close friends, connect with people who share your interests, or meet someone who helps you find a future job. Networking doesn’t have to be scary; it’s really just making connections that could help you later.

Earn Extra Money

Let’s be honest: earning your own money feels good, and a summer job makes it possible. Even a few weeks of work can give you more financial independence and a sense of achievement when you see your savings grow.

Boost That Resume

Even if you’re not thinking about applications or careers yet, having work experience on your CV gives you a huge advantage. Employers love seeing initiative, commitment, and real responsibilities, even if the job wasn’t glamorous! Every role you take on becomes part of your story, showing that you’re reliable, adaptable, and ready to learn. 

The Benefits of a Summer Job Abroad

While summer jobs at home can be great, taking your skills overseas opens up a whole new level of adventure. Working abroad (like a summer camp job in America) gives you the chance to explore somewhere completely different, meet people from all over the world, and grow in ways you might not expect. If you’re looking for a summer that changes you for the better, a job abroad might be exactly what you need.

Travel Opportunities

An international summer job is one of the most affordable ways to see the world. Instead of saving for months just to spend a week somewhere, you get to spend an entire summer in a new country while earning money and (at least when you’re a camp counsellor) having your accommodation sorted. 

On your days off, you can explore nearby cities, famous landmarks, beaches, national parks, or whatever the area is known for. And once your job ends, you can usually stay and travel even more before heading home.

New Culture to Experience

Living and working in another country gives you a front-row seat to a culture that’s different from your own. You’ll try new foods, celebrate different traditions, experience another way of life, and see the world through a wider lens. 

It’s one thing to visit a place as a tourist, but it’s something completely different to actually live there for a summer. You come back with stories, memories, and perspectives that stay with you for life.

Leave Your Comfort Zone

Travelling abroad for work might feel intimidating at first, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. You learn how to navigate new situations, meet new people, and handle challenges with confidence. By the time you return home, you’ll feel more independent, adaptable, and sure of yourself. Leaving your comfort zone isn’t always easy, but it’s often the thing that helps you grow the most. 

Why Become a Camp Counsellor?

If you’re dreaming of a summer job that’s more exciting than stacking shelves or making coffees, becoming a camp counsellor is one of the best options out there. Working at a USA summer camp means sunshine, adventure, new friends, and the chance to make a real impact on the kids you’re looking after. It’s meaningful, memorable, and genuinely fun, which is why so many teens choose it as their big summer experience.

Be Part of an American Tradition

Summer camp in America is a huge part of the country’s culture. Every year, millions of kids head off to camp to learn new skills, play sports, try arts and crafts, and enjoy the outdoors. As a counsellor, you get a behind-the-scenes role in this tradition. You’ll help lead activities, cheer kids on, and become part of something that’s been around for generations. It’s a unique way to experience “real” American life beyond the tourist spots.

Make Amazing New Friends

One of the best parts of camp life is the people you meet. You’ll be working alongside other counsellors from the UK, the US, Europe, Australia, and all over the world. Because you live and work together, you build strong friendships fast. You might make friends you’ll travel with, keep in touch with, and maybe even visit in their home countries. 

Develop Transferable Skills

Working at camp teaches you things that follow you everywhere. You’ll build some really valuable skills of a camp counsellor, including: 

• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Confidence

You might run activities, help kids through challenges, or coordinate schedules. These experiences look incredible on your CV and make you stand out for jobs, apprenticeships, and university applications.

Get Paid to Have Fun!

Imagine getting paid to spend your summer outdoors, playing sports, guiding activities, swimming, hiking, making arts and crafts, and hanging out with awesome people. At camp, your day is filled with energy and excitement, and you’re earning money while doing it! Food and accommodation are covered too, meaning you get to save most of what you earn.

Travel After Camp

One of the biggest perks? Once camp ends, you’re already in the USA, so you can travel! Visit major cities, explore national parks, hit the beaches, or go on a road trip with your new friends. Your J-1 camp counsellor visa gives you 30 days to see the sights before you have to return home, making the whole experience even more unforgettable.

Working as a Summer Camp Counsellor: What to Expect

If you’ve never been to an American summer camp before, you’re probably wondering what it’s actually like to work as a camp counsellor. Here’s what you can expect once you arrive.

Types of Jobs Available

Summer camps need all kinds of people to keep things running smoothly, which means there’s a role for pretty much every personality and skill set. Most summer camps have two main types of counsellors: general counsellors and activity specialists. 

General counsellors help run daily activities, support campers throughout the day, and make sure everyone feels included and safe. They don’t lead a specific activity, but follow their campers around as they try different activities throughout the day. If you’re friendly, patient, and enjoy working with kids, this is an amazing role.

If you’re skilled in a particular sport, craft, or hobby, like football, tennis, climbing, drama, music, or swimming, you might be suited to an activity specialist role. These counsellors run specific sessions each day, sharing their passion with kids of all ages who are likely trying it for the first time.

Your Responsibilities

Your responsibilities will vary depending on your role and the specific summer camp counsellor job description, but most counsellors can expect:

• Leading or assisting with activities (sports, arts and crafts, swimming, outdoor adventure)
• Supporting campers’ wellbeing, helping homesick kids, and celebrating little wins
• Creating a fun, positive atmosphere
• Making sure everyone gets stuck in and feels part of the group
• Keeping campers safe
• Following camp rules and maintaining a watchful eye during activities
• Helping with daily routines, like meal times, cabin clean-ups, or evening events

While camp days can be full-on, they’re also incredibly rewarding. You’re part mentor, part role model, part team leader, and part big kid yourself!

Life at Camp

Life at camp is like stepping into a different world for the summer. It’s busy, outdoorsy, and full of energy, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

• You live on-site, usually in cabins with your campers and other counsellors
• Meals are provided, and the whole camp community eats together
• Your days are structured, with a mix of activities, breaks, and meals
• After dinner, the whole group comes together for events like campfires or talent shows
• You’re surrounded by nature, perhaps in the woods, by a lake, or near mountains
• Evenings are social, and you’ll quickly form a tight-knit group with other international staff

Most camp counsellors in America say camp feels like a big family. It’s intense in the best way, with constant laughs, shared experiences, and so many fun memories. 

How to Apply for a Summer Job in the USA with AmeriCamp

If working at a summer camp in the USA sounds like your ideal summer (and you’re 18 or older by June 1st of the program year), the good news is that AmeriCamp makes it as easy as possible! You only need to apply once, and we’ll circulate your application across our partners (some of the best summer camps in America). 

Once you land a role (we have a 99% placement success rate!), we’ll help you secure your J-1 visa, which allows you to legally travel to the U.S. and work at a summer camp in America. Here’s how the process works and how to make your application stand out.

Application Process

Our application process is designed to be simple, even if you’ve never applied for a job before:

Step 1: Start Your Application Online

Fill in the basics about yourself, including your interests and any experience you have with kids. You’ll then submit a short application video highlighting your skills, experience, enthusiasm, and strengths. 

Step 2: Attend an Interview

You’ll have a friendly video interview with the AmeriCamp team. It’s more of an informal chat than a test, and it helps us match you with the right camp. Plus, it gives you a chance to ask any questions you have about the program or summer camp jobs abroad in general.

Step 3: Get Matched With a Camp

We work with hundreds of the best summer camps across the USA. We’ll circulate your application within our network of camp partners and help find a role that fits your skills, personality, values, and preferences. When a camp director thinks you’d be a good fit for their camp, they’ll reach out to schedule an interview. If all goes well, you’ll receive a job offer!

Step 4: Complete Your Paperwork

Once you have an offer, we start to dive into the admin side of things. You’ll receive guidance on everything from your visa sponsorship (including the visa interview process) to insurance and background checks. We’ll support you through all the formalities and make sure you have everything you need to travel safely to the U.S.

Step 5: Book Your Flights and Get Ready

After you're placed, it’s time to pack, prepare, and get excited for your summer adventure! Your camp will send you a list of things to bring to camp as a counsellor, but you can also check out our AmeriCamp packing list for a general idea of what you’ll need.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Want to make your application stand out? Here’s how you can boost your chances of getting placed at a camp you’ll love:

• Show enthusiasm: Camps want counsellors who are energetic, positive, and excited to get involved.
• Highlight your experience with kids: Babysitting, tutoring, sports coaching, or volunteering are all valuable.
• Mention your skills or hobbies: Whether you’re great at football, drama, arts and crafts, swimming, or music, camps look for people who can run activities.
• Be honest and authentic: Camps value real people, not perfect ones. Be yourself and let them see your true personality.
• Prepare for the interview: Think about why you want to work at camp and practice with these common camp counsellor interview questions.
• Stay open-minded: The more flexible you are about roles or locations, the easier it is to match you.

Summer Jobs for Teens: Camp FAQs

How long does a summer camp program last?

Most American summer camps run for 8–10 weeks, and AmeriCamp requires you to be available between June and August. Your exact dates depend on the camp you’re matched with, but you’ll know your schedule well in advance. 

Can I travel before or after my job in the US?

Yes! One of the biggest perks of the J-1 visa is the ability to travel within the U.S. for 30 days after your camp placement. At the end of that 30-day period, you must return to your home country.

What skills do I need to work with AmeriCamp?

You don’t need to be a professional coach, athlete, or artist to be hired. Summer adventure camps look for teens who are:

• Friendly and positive
• Willing to get involved
• Good with kids
• Responsible and reliable
• Team players

Camps love activity specialists, but counsellors of all backgrounds are highly valued. What matters most is enthusiasm and a good attitude.

Can I go with a friend?

We can’t guarantee your placement with a friend, because hiring is up to the director of each camp, not us. If you’re really determined to be placed with a friend, your best option is to attend one of our in-person camp fairs, which happen in October and January. At these fairs, you can talk to camps directly and ask about getting hired as a package deal with your friend!

Make This Summer Unforgettable With AmeriCamp!

A summer job is a chance to grow, explore, and do something exciting with your time off, and becoming a camp counsellor in the USA offers all of that and more! With AmeriCamp, you’re supported from the moment you apply. We help you find the right role, guide you through the paperwork, prepare you for camp life, and connect you with a global community who are just as adventurous as you are. 

By the end of the summer, you’ll come home with new skills, unforgettable memories, and stories you’ll talk about for years. So if you’re ready to do something bigger and bolder this year, AmeriCamp is the perfect place to start. Your best summer yet is out there – apply here!

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