What to Expect in Your First Week As A Camp Counsellor
Becoming a summer camp counsellor in the USA is exciting, life-changing and valuable in many areas. A recent study showed that 65% of previous camp counsellors reported that career opportunities opened more easily for them post-camp, with 74% stating they felt more prepared for further education – all as a result of their USA camp counsellor job experience.
Whether you’re leading camp activities, trying your hand at watersports or simply supporting the camp spirit, your first week as a USA camp counsellor will be packed with exciting experiences. But what does a camp counsellor do in those first few days? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, so you can prepare for the summer of a lifetime!
Let’s dive in!
Ready to land your dream summer job? Visit our guide on How the Process Works for a step-by-step breakdown of our simple application process. With zero interview fees, full Visa support & expert guidance at every stage, Wild Packs empowers you to take the first step towards your American summer adventure. |
Apply For A Camp Counsellor Role At A USA Summer Camp
What Does A Camp Counsellor Do?
USA camp counsellor jobs are some of the most rewarding, dynamic and exciting roles for young people seeking adventure. If you’re considering a working summer abroad this year, you may wonder, what is the role of a camp counsellor? With Wild Packs, you’ll create an incredible summer camp experience and act as a role model for campers.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect in your position:
One of the best things about our camp counsellor roles is that no 2 days are the same. To make sure you’re fully prepared for your USA summer camp, check out our previous USA Travel Guide, where we break down everything you need to bring, camp counsellor essentials and expert packing tips for your American summer adventure!
Wondering which summer camp counsellor job is perfect for you? Visit our Positions at Camp page to see the wide range of roles we have available! From cabin staff to dance teachers, our huge directory of 300+ ACA-Accredited camps has something for everyone. Turn your passion into earnings with Wild Packs summer camps! |
Camp Counsellor USA: Week 1
Your first week as a camp counsellor in the USA will be a whirlwind of excitement, learning and unforgettable memories. It’s the perfect place to develop your confidence, enhance career skills and bulk up your savings!
Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect in your first week as a camp counsellor:
Day | What to Expect |
Arrival at Camp & Orientation | Meet your fellow staffs & camp directors, settle into your cabin and explore the camp grounds. |
Training & Safety Briefings | Learn about camp rules, emergency procedures & how to solve problems between campers. We will provide specialist training for specific roles (i.e. sports roles & watersports roles) and equip you with the necessary First Aid training. |
Team Bonding | Icebreakers, team games & team building exercises to bond you and other camp staff. |
Activity Preparation | Get familiar with your assigned activities, set up equipment, immerse yourself in camp life & practice leading sessions. |
Camper Arrival | Welcome campers, help settle them in & start building camp friendships. Introduce them to camp traditions and familiarise them with activities. |
First Full Activity Day | Lead activities, guide campers & make sure everyone is having fun! Provide lots of energy & enthusiasm. |
Recharge | As your first week comes to a close, take some time to reflect, review your experiences with camp leaders & prepare for an exciting summer! |
The Benefits of Being A Camp Counsellor, USA
Being a camp counsellor is more than just a summer job. With Wild Packs USA summer camps, you’ll gain invaluable skills, make friends for life and enhance your CV, all while getting paid to have fun! Here are some of the incredible benefits of a camp counsellor position with Wild Packs:
- Expert Support & Training – At Wild Packs, we have been matching adventure-seekers with their perfect camp counsellor position for over 15 years. All of our expert staff are previous camp counsellors themselves, so you can trust us to support you with first-hand experience and specialist guidance.
- Highest Industry Salary – We proudly boast the highest industry-rate salary of up to $2,400, with FREE accommodation and meals included. Bulk up your savings and enjoy the summer of a lifetime with Wild Packs American summer camp counsellor roles!
- No Hidden Fees – We offer no additional charge for our interview process and fully support you through the J-1 American Visa process for FREE! For additional information on pricing, visit our First-Timer Costs page or Returning to Camp if you’re a previous camp counsellor.
- 300+ ACA-Accredited Camps – Our camp directory hosts over 300 amazing and accredited USA summer camps with a huge range of roles available, including specialist positions for sports coaching, equestrian roles and creative arts direction.
- J-1 Visa Travel Period – Explore the amazing sights and culture America offers during 30 days of free travel time before or after camp with your J-1 Visa. Visit iconic destinations and cities such as New York, Los Angeles and the Grand Canyon!
- Make A Difference – Becoming a summer camp counsellor is one of the most rewarding positions for young people seeking adventure. Inspire and mentor campers, grow their confidence while making memories that last a lifetime.
Not sure whether a summer camp counsellor position is for you? Visit our previous guide, How to Know if Summer Camp is Right for You, where you can learn everything you need to know about camp, the benefits & what to expect from the experience. All of our camp counsellor roles require NO previous skills or qualifications, so we can find the perfect fit for you easily. |
Travel, Earn & Adventure with Wild Packs USA Camp Counsellor Jobs
If you’re ready for a summer filled with travel and adventure, Wild Packs USA summer camp counsellor positions are perfect for you. Earn the highest industry-rate salary, gain valuable skills and immerse yourself in American culture – all while making a difference in the lives of young campers.
With zero registration fees, ongoing support and 300+ accredited camps to choose from, your summer adventure starts here.
Apply today and secure your spot for an incredible USA summer camp counsellor job in 2027!