Fancy spending your summer by Lake George, leading outdoor activities, and helping kids discover what they’re capable of? At YMCA Camp Chingachgook, the camp’s two-week overnight sessions include a three-day, two-night wilderness excursion. This adventure gives camp counsellors the chance to help campers take on new challenges, work as a team, and build confidence away from their usual routines.

YMCA Camp Chingachgook sits on the eastern shore of Lake George in Kattskill Bay, New York, at the foot of Buck Mountain. As a camp counsellor, your days might involve supervising waterfront activities, comforting a camper who might be missing home, or getting a group ready for time in the wilderness. It’s an active, hands-on job, so patience and teamwork are great traits to have.

At AmeriCamp UK, we help UK applicants find US summer camp jobs that match their skills and interests, with placement support and J-1 visa sponsorship. Read on to explore the roles, activities, and practical details of working at YMCA Camp Chingachgook, and find out what to ask before deciding if it’s your kind of summer.

First Things First: It's Pronounced "Chin-ja-cook"

Chingachgook is pronounced "chin-ja-cook," and its name comes from a canoe used on a 1912 Lake George expedition. The camp's history traces that trip to Schenectady YMCA leader Claude "Pops" Drake. The first camp opened at Basin Bay in 1913 before moving to its current site at Pilot Knob in 1914. The camp is now part of the Capital District YMCA, and the American Camp Association lists it as accredited under Camp ID 434.

How Chingachgook’s Wilderness Trip Changes the Job

At YMCA Camp Chingachgook, the adventure doesn't stop at the waterfront. One-week overnight campers take an afternoon excursion by foot or boat, while those staying for two weeks head out on a longer wilderness trip. These outings are a big part of the camp experience, but they also add another layer of responsibility for counsellors:

• Helping campers prepare
• Keeping the group together
• Supporting children when they're tired, nervous, or facing something unfamiliar

These excursions are staffed by counsellors trained in wilderness first aid and familiar with their trip locations.

Back at camp, the programme offers four different activities each day, with more than 20 options for campers to choose from, including:

• Waterfront: Swimming, sailing, fishing, paddle sports, snorkelling, waterskiing and wakesurfing
• Adventure sports: Archery, high ropes and rock climbing
• Athletics: Basketball, baseball, soccer and racquet sports
• Creative arts: Arts and crafts, painting, woodworking and maker activities
• Performing arts: Dance, improv and theatre, and garage band
• Farm and nature: Farm and animal care, wilderness survival and outdoor cooking

Some classes take up a double period, giving campers time to develop their skills rather than racing off to the next station. While general counsellors who can lend a hand across all activities are always in high demand, make sure you list any specific experience in the skills above on your camp application.

Working on the Lake George Waterfront

Summer afternoons in and around the water are a big part of what makes summer camp such a fun and special experience, and life at Camp Chingachgook is no different. The camp offers a range of waterfront activities, including swimming, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

As a counsellor, you might help campers learn new skills, prepare boats and equipment, supervise activities, or support campers as they build confidence on the water. Sailing can involve learning knots and setting up boats, while paddle sports give campers opportunities to develop their skills in different types of craft. Swimming activities are also adapted to campers' abilities, so staff may help groups practise skills at an appropriate level.

When applying or interviewing, be ready to explain what you've done and any relevant certifications, such as lifeguard or water-safety qualifications. Ask whether the role involves leading groups, providing general supervision, or supporting qualified waterfront staff, as these responsibilities can have different training requirements.

Chingachgook also runs Y-Knot adaptive sailing, a separate programme that uses adapted boats and equipment to make sailing accessible to people with disabilities. If you have experience supporting people with different access needs, or an interest in inclusive outdoor activities, this may be worth asking about.

Who You'd Be Working With at Camp Chingachgook

Chingachgook's overnight camp welcomes children aged seven to 15. Cabin and yurt groups typically include eight to 10 campers, two counsellors, and a counsellor-in-training (CIT), with nearby bathhouses. You'll share responsibility for your group with the other staff.

You're also joining a community with plenty of returning staff. Chingachgook reports that nearly 80% of its staff previously attended as campers or CITs. These returning team members can help you learn the camp's routines, traditions, and expectations.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

The camp describes a daily rhythm that combines cabin life, classes, lake time, and evening activities:

• Morning: Help campers get ready after reveille and join your cabin's morning activity.
• Meals and chores: Share meals with your cabin and support the daily routines that keep the group organised.
• Skill classes: Teach or support your assigned activities as campers work through their daily class choices.
• Free swim: Follow the camp's waterfront procedures and your assigned supervision duties.
• Dinner and cabin time: Reconnect with your cabin and notice who may need extra support before the evening programme.
• Evening programme: Help bring session themes and group activities to life, from games to camp-wide events.
• Bedtime: Help your group wind down for reflection and taps, following your unit's routine.

Your actual schedule, supervision responsibilities, and time off will depend on your position and the staff rota. Before accepting an offer, ask how breaks are arranged, what happens during overnight excursions, and whether counsellors have additional duties during holdover weekends between sessions.

Our typical day at camp guide gives you broader context, but Chingachgook's staff team should confirm the specific expectations for your role.

Building Skills and Experience at Camp Chingachgook

Working at YMCA Camp Chingachgook can help you build skills that transfer to future jobs in education, childcare, outdoor recreation, and beyond. You'll gain hands-on experience supervising kids, working as part of a team, managing group activities, and adapting when plans change.

To make your experience count on your CV, focus on specific responsibilities rather than simply listing that you worked as a camp counsellor. For example, you could highlight supervising a cabin group, leading activities for children aged seven to 15, supporting campers with different abilities, or helping maintain safe routines during a busy residential programme. Where possible, include the age groups you worked with, the activities you supported, and any training or certifications you earned.

If you're applying for future roles in teaching, youth work, sports coaching, or outdoor education, connect your camp experience to the skills those employers value. Even if you're pursuing a different career, examples of teamwork, problem-solving, responsibility, and communication can help demonstrate what you bring to a workplace.

Your Stipend and Other Perks

Through AmeriCamp UK, you'll receive a guaranteed minimum of $2,250 USD for the season, along with free accommodation and meals while you're at camp. Medical insurance is also included, with coverage extending into your post-camp travel period. These benefits help keep your costs down while you're living and working in the United States.

One of the biggest perks is the 30-day travel window after camp. The J-1 visa programme allows you to remain in the US for up to 30 days after your camp placement ends, giving you time to explore beyond Lake George. You could visit New York City, head to national parks, take a road trip with friends, or spend time in other parts of the country you've always wanted to see. Your travel plans and accommodation are your responsibility, so it's worth setting aside some of your stipend for transport, lodging, food, and activities. You must leave the US by the end of the authorised period, and leaving the country during this window can affect your ability to re-enter.

Other benefits include J-1 visa sponsorship, guidance throughout the application and placement process, pre-camp orientation, and access to a 24-hour emergency helpline in the US. You'll also meet fellow counsellors from different countries, making it easier to build friendships and potentially find travel buddies for the weeks after camp.

Remember to budget for costs that aren't included, particularly flights, programme fees, visa-related expenses, and personal spending money.

From the UK to Lake George: Your Route to Camp Chingachgook

The easiest way to land yourself a summer job at a camp like Chingachgook is through AmeriCamp UK. We can connect you with the camp of your dreams, sponsor your J-1 visa, organise your medical insurance, and support you every step of the way.

The first step is to familiarise yourself with the requirements:

• Age: You must be 18 or older by 1 June of your programme year.
• Availability: Camps typically require availability for the entire season (mid-June to mid-August)
• English: You must be proficient in spoken English so you can communicate with children and your team.
• Checks and health: You need a clean criminal background, a clear background check, good health, and the ability to provide your medical history.
• Working with children: You need experience or an interest in supporting children, and willingness to take an active role in daily camp life.

How to Apply for a Camp Chingachgook Job

Once you've checked that you're eligible, the AmeriCamp UK application process is straightforward:

• Register online: Complete the initial application form on the AmeriCamp website to get started. Registering your interest is free.
• Complete your application: Next, you'll receive access to the application portal. Add your personal details, availability, health information, relevant skills, and experience working with children. You'll also need to provide references and other supporting documents.
• Attend your interview: You'll have an informal video interview with an AmeriCamp team member to discuss your interests, experience, and why you want to work at camp.
• Get matched with a camp: Once your application is complete, your profile can go live. Camp directors may review your application, invite you to interview, or offer you a position.
• Arrange your visa: After you accept a placement and complete the necessary paperwork, AmeriCamp UK will guide you through the J-1 visa application. You'll receive your DS-2019 form and instructions for completing the DS-160 and attending your US embassy appointment in the UK.

Then, you’re good to go!

How Much Does It Cost to Apply?

AmeriCamp's programme fee covers the application and placement process, visa sponsorship and associated documentation, medical insurance, and support before and during your summer in the US. Accommodation and meals are provided while you're at camp.

In terms of what you pay, there are two options:

• £399 if paid in full, or
• £419 if paid in four stages

Flights, the background check, the medical form, and the embassy visa fee are all separate.

Your Route to a Lake George Summer

A summer at Camp Chingachgook could be a good fit if you want to spend your days outdoors, help children develop new skills, and be part of a residential camp community on Lake George. Before committing, check the season dates, ask about your likely duties and training, and make sure the programme fees and travel costs fit your budget.

If you’re ready to take the next step, apply through AmeriCamp UK and tell us why Chingachgook appeals to you, along with the skills and vibes you'd bring to camp.

YMCA Camp Chingachgook FAQs

What Is YMCA Camp Chingachgook?

YMCA Camp Chingachgook is a summer camp and outdoor centre on the east shore of Lake George in Kattskill Bay, New York. It began at Basin Bay in 1913 and moved to its current Pilot Knob site for the 1914 season.

How Do You Pronounce Chingachgook?

Chingachgook is pronounced "chin-ja-cook." The name comes from a motor-powered war canoe used by a Schenectady YMCA group on a Lake George expedition in 1912.

Is YMCA Camp Chingachgook a Sleepaway Camp?

Yes. Its overnight programme serves campers aged seven to 15 in one- and two-week sessions. Cabins or yurts house eight to 10 campers with two counsellors and a counsellor-in-training, with bathhouses nearby.

Who Runs YMCA Camp Chingachgook?

YMCA Camp Chingachgook is part of the Capital District YMCA. The American Camp Association lists the camp as accredited under Camp ID 434.

How Much Does YMCA Camp Chingachgook Cost for Campers?

As of September 2026, Chingachgook has published its 2027 session dates, with camper rates still to be announced. Those tuition fees do not apply to camp counsellors applying to work at camp through AmeriCamp UK.

How Much Do Counsellors Get Paid at Camp Chingachgook?

Through AmeriCamp UK, we guarantee earnings of at least $2,250 USD for your time at camp, with accommodation and meals during camp and medical insurance included. Some camps offer a higher rate of pay, based on your role, experience, and any specialised training or skills.

When Does the Camp Chingachgook Season Run?

The published 2027 overnight programme has six camper sessions running from 27 June to 27 August. Your staff contract may include earlier training and other duties, so confirm your arrival and finish dates before booking flights.

What Activities Does Camp Chingachgook Offer?

Chingachgook offers activities including sailing, paddling, swimming, archery, climbing, sports, and creative classes. One-week overnight sessions include an afternoon excursion, and two-week sessions include a three-day, two-night wilderness excursion.

Is YMCA Camp Chingachgook Safe?

Chingachgook holds ACA accreditation and conducts staff interviews, reference checks, background checks, and role-specific training. Staff who run the excursion groups are trained in wilderness first aid and familiar with the location. If you have any questions or concerns, ask how the camp handles supervision, emergencies, and medical support for the role you are offered.

Where Is YMCA Camp Chingachgook?

YMCA Camp Chingachgook is at 1872 Pilot Knob Road, Kattskill Bay, New York 12844, on the east shore of Lake George. Confirm your arrival route and transport arrangements with the camp before you travel.

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