Summer Camps in the US and working holidays | BUNAC

Summer Camps in the US and working holidays | BUNAC
Saving summers since 1972
Summer camps + working holidays
From coaching sports to teaching arts – get paid to do what you love working at summer camp in America. Earn money, explore America, make a difference. Here's our pitch...
LET'S TALK
No summer plans? We're still hiring for skilled and specialist roles for summer '26!
Why Bunac Summer Camp USA?
Crew since '72
With access to 800+ American summer camps and a team who’ve been – we’re always in your camp.
No middle folk
As both the camp agency and US visa sponsor, we have one of the lowest program costs and highest camp salaries.
Pass it on
5% of profits go to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that more young people can work the world.
As seen on
Bunac Camp
Why go to summer camp in America?
Working as a Camp Counsellor in America is the chance to turn your passion into a paid summer job.
A summer of lakeside days and campfire nights, you'll get to live in incredible locations with like-minded 18-30s from all over the world.
All while positively impacting the lives of children and young adults (otherwise known as the camp warm + fuzzies) and picking up a bunkload of new skills that future employers or admissions tutors will love. With at least USD $2,300 pocket money and meals and accommodation included – Summer Camp USA is the ultimate way to earn and explore.
TAKE ME THERE
Jenza Work + Intern
But what if I don't like summer?
Or kids? Or grass? Head over to our JENZA site – the new home for BUNAC working holidays + international internships.
Our ‘less-likely-to-live-in-the-woods' sibling brand, earn as you explore in Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and UK.
Whether you’re looking to bankroll your gap year with a working holiday, fund your winter with a ski season or get ahead with a professional internship – JENZA does the works. Setting you up with the visa help, job support and arrival assistance you need to work the world.
TAKE ME THERE
What's new
News that will send you packing
Deadline extension
News: Summer '26 applications still open for skilled roles
Camps are still searching for specialist staff for this summer – including lifeguards, strong swimmers, waterski, tennis, ropes, ziplining, pottery, circus, golf, gymnastics, equestrian + more.
Camps are still searching for specialist staff for this summer – including lifeguards, strong swimmers, waterski, tennis, ropes, ziplining, pottery, circus, golf, gymnastics, equestrian + more.
APPLY NOW
APPLY NOW
At 2026 prices
News: Summer Camp '27 applications are open!
Secure Summer Camp USA '27 at 2026 prices, and attend our monthly BUNAC Camp Clinics to get your application ready for when Camp Directors start hiring from Sep/Oct.
Secure Summer Camp USA '27 at 2026 prices, and attend our monthly BUNAC Camp Clinics to get your application ready for when Camp Directors start hiring from Sep/Oct.
APPLY NOW
APPLY NOW
Take the quiz!
Quiz: Which summer camp is best for you?
Are you a rustic "a tent and a sunset is all I need" kind of person? Should you lead an activity or be an all-rounder? Quickfire questions at the ready for our Summer Camp USA quiz!
Are you a rustic "a tent and a sunset is all I need" kind of person? Should you lead an activity or be an all-rounder? Quickfire questions at the ready for our Summer Camp USA quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
TAKE THE QUIZ
The camp collection
Swag: BUNAC merch for your summer
Look good + do good with our camp apparel. A power trip for your travel wardrobe – all our camp apparel is sustainably-made, gender neutral, with profits going to our youth scholarship fund.
Look good + do good with our camp apparel. A power trip for your travel wardrobe – all our camp apparel is sustainably-made, gender neutral, with profits going to our youth scholarship fund.
SHOP THE DROP
SHOP THE DROP
More ways to work the world
With our Jenza crew
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Work Canada
18-30/35 | 24-month visa | Summer or ski job
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Work Japan
18-30 | 12-month visa | Ski season job
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Work Australia
18-30/35 | 12+ month visa | Job support
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Work USA 12 months
Student/grad | 12-month visa | Seasonal job
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Work USA 4 months
Student only | 4-month visa | Summer job
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Intern UK
18+ | 1-12 month visa | Student + grad
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Work South Korea
18-30/35 | 12-month visa | Language lessons
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Work New Zealand
18-30/35 | 12+ month visa | Job support
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Intern USA
18+ | 1-12 month visa | Student + grad only
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Work UK
18-30/35 | 2-5 year visa | Job support
Meet the BUNAC Camp Crew
The team who've been
Riley
Camp Specialist
Camp:
Falling Creek Camp, North Carolina
Summers at camp:
Job:
Sailing Counsellor
This one time, at camp...
we hosted a sailing regatta with all the summer camps on beautiful Lake Summit. The race was epic – we 'circumnavigated' the globe (the lake), with different landmarks representing different continents. But instead of racing, I found myself consoling an 8 year-old who was heartbroken over the death of a dog in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book. Oh, the wonderful world of camp!
Courtney
Camp Specialist
Camp:
Camp Lokanda, New York
Summers at camp:
7!
Job:
General Counsellor
This one time, at camp...
we started a hair braiding salon on our bunk steps, where we'd have the campers line up with their hair products and give them a salon experience before dinner. It quickly became a thing with multiple stations, music blasting on speakers and dance/singing breaks in-between 'customers'. We called it the 'Hot Mess Express' – core memory locked in for many summers!
Heather
Camp Specialist
Camp:
Summer Trails Day Camp, New York
Summers at camp:
2 (soon to be 3!)
Job:
Lifeguard
This one time, at camp...
there was a crazy rain storm rolling through camp whilst there was a music performance on the stage. The kids did not care one bit and we all got soaked, but it was so much fun dancing and singing in the rain! I'll remember that moment forever.
Roisin
Marketing Exec
Camp:
Camp Pondicherry, Maine
Summers at camp:
Job:
Assistant Camp Director
This one time, at camp...
in my first summer, I was teaching archery (I'd never done archery before FYI, so it was something cool to learn). Anyway, I was coaching a group of seven-year olds and one of them shot their arrow a bit too far and hit a water pipe. Ooops.
Niall
Operations Manager
Camp:
Island Lake Camp, Pennsylvania
Summers at camp:
Job:
Group Leader
This one time, at camp...
there was a skunk outside our bunk that got scared and sprayed. The whole bunk had to be evacuated, everyone's clothes had to be washed five or six times, and it took two days before we were able to sleep in there again.
Kish
The Social Squad
Camp:
Camp Pontiac, New York
Summers at camp:
Job:
Videographer
This one time, at camp...
during orientation all the staff went to the turf to star gaze. We blasted HSM and Coldplay songs, it was so wholesome and that was the first time I saw a shooting star!
Victoria
The Social Squad
Camp:
Tyler Hill Camp, Pennsylvania
Summers at camp:
Job:
Girls Head Counsellor
This one time, at camp...
I decided to put together an end of summer slideshow for my campers. We all took blankets and pillows down to the lake and had a projector and screen set up, it was easily one of my fave nights in my whole camp career and a memory that will stay with me forever.
The BUNAC blog
All the summer camp inspo and intel
Read more about What to expect at your J1 visa appointment
Need to know / Summer camp
What to expect at your J1 visa appointment
Victoria Whitehouse
Jan 15 2026
Victoria is here with all the info – from what to do with socials to what to wear
Read more about Transforming your camp skills into valuable work experience
Need to know / Summer camp
Transforming your camp skills into valuable work experience
BUNAC camp community
Sep 9 2025
How to fill in the gaps after your summer working at camp
Read more about How working at summer camp USA can help your career
Travel Talk / Summer Camp
How working at summer camp USA can help your career
Victoria Whitehouse
Sep 10 2024
Giving you a bunkload of transferrable skills, here’s why working as a Camp Counsellor is a total bootcamp for your CV
Read more about Everything I wish I knew before applying for summer camp in the USA
Need to know / USA / Summer camp
Everything I wish I knew before applying for summer camp in the USA
BUNAC camp community
Sep 10 2024
Want to know all about summer camp? Camp counsellor Megan tells her story.
Read more about How to create a winning camp application video
Need to know / Summer Camp
How to create a winning camp application video
BUNAC camp community
Oct 5 2024
Lights, camera, read this blog to make sure your application gets all the action it deserves from Camp Directors.
Read more about Camp skills: activities you can teach at summer camp
Need to know / Summer camp
Camp skills: activities you can teach at summer camp
BUNAC camp community
Sep 1 2025
Have you got the skills to thrill... Camp Directors when they read your application?
Read more about What childcare experience do I need to work at summer camp in America?
Staff stories / Summer camp
What childcare experience do I need to work at summer camp in America?
Hannah Jeffery
Sep 3 2024
Our Camp Crew on their childcare experience prior to working at summer camp and how it shaped them.
Read more about My BEST Scholarship year at The New School, NYC
Travel talk / USA
My BEST Scholarship year at The New School, NYC
BUNAC camp community
Jan 6 2025
From classroom to conferences, here's scholarship awardee Anna on her experience studying abroad at The New School.
Read more about Is summer camp USA worth it?
Travel Talk / Summer camp
Is summer camp USA worth it?
Hannah Logan
Oct 25 2023
Life lessons around the campfire. Roadtester Hannah shares her adventure at summer camp in Maine and beyond...
Read more about My BEST Scholarship year at Harvard Kennedy School
Travel talk / USA
My BEST Scholarship year at Harvard Kennedy School
BUNAC camp community
Jan 6 2025
BUNAC BEST Scholarship awardee, Peter, talks about his experience studying at Harvard.
Read more about Real talk: The realities of working at summer camp in America
Staff stories / Summer camp
Real talk: The realities of working at summer camp in America
Hannah Jeffery
Sep 3 2024
The hardest job you’ll ever love. But is it for me? Our Camp Crew reveal all.
Read more about How to deal with the unexpected at summer camp
Travel Talk / Summer camp
How to deal with the unexpected at summer camp
BUNAC camp community
Jan 30 2025
Camper Chloe's tips on making the most out of camp life and what it can throw at you.
Read more about Choosing your American summer camp role
Travel Talk / Summer camp
Choosing your American summer camp role
BUNAC camp community
Jan 30 2025
Here's a little help from camper Chloe on how to choose the right camp job for you.
Read more about The ultimate guide: an extensive travel pack list for summer camp
Need to know / Summer camp
The ultimate guide: an extensive travel pack list for summer camp
BUNAC camp community
Apr 11 2024
From crocs to extension cables, here's what you need to stuff in your travel bag for the summer of a lifetime.
Read more about The very best Pride celebrations around the world
Travel Guide / Worldwide
The very best Pride celebrations around the world
Sam Hopkins
Oct 20 2025
Where the glitter's loud, the message is louder, and the vibes are really vibin’.
We're in your camp
Travel happy with our Extra Mile Promise
Our company's values are all about the four A's. Authenticity, Accessibility, Accountability and not being an A-hole. So when it comes to what we do, we own it. If you're not happy with part of your BUNAC experience, we'll put a human on it to sort it - or refund it. T&Cs apply.
HOW IT WORKS
Events
Get hired or get the intel
Summer Camp USA | Everything you need to know
Virtual travel talk | 22 Apr @ 17:00-17:30 BST
Spend your summer living, working and having the time of your life as a Camp Counsellor in America. In this session, our UK Camp Crew will run through who can go, when to apply, what roles you can do, and talk about their own time at camp. Plus, answer all your campfire burning questions.
SIGN ME UP
to reserve a spot for BUNAC Summer Camp event.
Summer Camp USA | Everything you need to know
Virtual travel talk | 30 Apr @ 18:00-19:00 AEST
Spend your summer living, working and having the time of your life as a Camp Counsellor in America. In this session, our Aussie Camp Crew will run through who can go, when to apply, what roles you can do, and talk about their own time at camp. Plus, answer all your campfire burning questions.
SIGN ME UP
BUNAC Camp Clinic | Skills + childcare experience
Virtual travel talk | 06 May @ 17:00-17:30 BST
Join our BUNAC Crew for all things childcare. What qualifies as childcare experience, what skills Camp Directors look for, and how you can use this summer to improve your camp application – ready for when hiring starts in Sep.
Note: Our camp clinics are for booked travellers only. Book Summer Camp '27 to attend
APPLY FOR CAMP '27
Canada winter hiring event | London + virtual
12, 13 + 14 Jun, London (+ virtual AU+NZ video interviews)
Looking to do back-to-back work abroad adventures after camp? We'll hook you up with a 4-6 month ski season job starting from Nov. Find out more on our JENZA site about in-person hiring – or remote hiring if you'll be at camp.
JENZA WORK CANADA
Camp hiring fair | LONDON, UK
This event has already happened
That's a wrap for our BUNAC camp hiring fairs! Don't worry if you couldn't attend, we have virtual hiring fairs coming up. Plus, our Camp Crew will be working hard over the next few weeks to place you on review with camps that are a good fit for your skills.
Camp hiring fair | MANCHESTER, UK
This event has already happened
That's a wrap for our BUNAC camp hiring fairs! Don't worry if you couldn't attend, we have virtual hiring fairs coming up. Plus, our Camp Crew will be working hard over the next few weeks to place you on review with camps that are a good fit for your skills.
Camp hiring fair | DUBLIN, IRELAND
This event has already happened
That's a wrap for our BUNAC camp hiring fairs! Don't worry if you couldn't attend, we have virtual hiring fairs coming up. Plus, our Camp Crew will be working hard over the next few weeks to place you on review with camps that are a good fit for your skills.
Camp hiring fair | MADRID, SPAIN
This event has already happened
That's a wrap for our BUNAC camp hiring fairs! Don't worry if you couldn't attend, we have virtual hiring fairs coming up. Plus, our Camp Crew will be working hard over the next few weeks to place you on review with camps that are a good fit for your skills.
Camp hiring fair | SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
This event has already happened
That's a wrap for our BUNAC camp hiring fairs! Don't worry if you couldn't attend, we have virtual hiring fairs coming up. Plus, our Camp Crew will be working hard over the next few weeks to place you on review with camps that are a good fit for your skills.
Camp hiring fair | BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
This event has already happened
That's a wrap for our BUNAC camp hiring fairs! Don't worry if you couldn't attend, we have virtual hiring fairs coming up. Plus, our Camp Crew will be working hard over the next few weeks to place you on review with camps that are a good fit for your skills.
View all events
Friends = benefits
Unlock 10% off Contiki when you book with BUNAC
Looking for a little pre or post trip action? We've teamed up with Contiki to bring you the ultimate work and travel dream team. Check your online account to access your 10% off code to use before you head to camp.
#BunkTalk
Call the team
To our BUNAC Camp Crew, summer camp is the happiest place on Earth. (Sorry Disney, you’re also quite fun). We’ve all worked at summer camp - so are here for first-hand intel and info on who can go, what jobs you can do, and how the heck to fill out that J-1 visa form...
BOOK A CALL
Around the campfire
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