New York Travel Guide for Summer Camp Counsellors
At Wild Packs, we help young people land their dream role at the best East Coast summer camps – from lakeside cabins in upstate New York to the coastal summer camps of Maine. When camp ends, there’s no better way to spend your 30 day J-1 Visa travel window than visiting the iconic New York City.
This New York City travel guide is tailored for UK students and Wild Packs camp counsellors to discover the best ways to explore NYC after your American summer camp role.
With 4 months FREE medical insurance, meals and accommodation included in your Wildpacks fees, exploring New York with your free travel period has never been easier!
Throughout this guide, we’ll cover:
- Why New York City is the perfect post-camp destination for UK students
- Places to visit in New York
- Wild Packs insider tips for budget-friendly travel
- How Wild Packs summer camp counsellor positions can help you get there
Let’s dive in!
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With Wild Packs, you can explore New York City, develop vital career skills & earn the highest industry-rate salary of minimum $2400 with our summer camp counsellor positions. With competitive pay & FREE accommodation and meals provided at camp, you can earn money while making lifelong friendships. Explore our camp counsellor roles today! |
Your application and interviews are totally free!
Why Visiting New York is a Must After Your USA Summer Camp Adventure
After a summer of campfires, lake swims and making memories at one of our incredible East Coast summer camps, there’s no better way to round off your adventure than a trip to New York City. With over 60 million tourists visiting every year, NYC offers the perfect contrast to camp life, packed with buzzing streets, famous landmarks and world-class food.
With your 30 day J-1 Visa travel period, you have the freedom to explore after your USA camp contract ends – and visiting New York is one of the most popular choices among Wild Packs summer camp counsellors.
Here’s why the Big Apple is a must-visit destination:
- Bucket List Landmarks – From the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, you can experience some of the best things to do in NYC.
- Energetic Atmosphere – New York City is considered a cultural powerhouse, packed with museums, Broadway shows, street performers and world-class food options.
- Travel Easily from Camp – Many of our East Coast summer camps are just a short bus or train ride away from the city. Visit our Travel Opportunities page for more details.
- Cheap Things to Do in New York – With Wildpacks fees covering food and accommodation while you earn at least $2400, your post-camp trip can be fun and affordable!
At Wild Packs, we proudly work with 300+ ACA-accredited summer camps across the United States, including East Coast summer camps near New York City. Explore our camp directory to discover amazing camp counsellor jobs across the creative arts, sports, outdoor adventure & watersports positions! |
Best Things to Do in NYC for UK Students After Camp
After your Wild Packs summer camp counsellor role ends, you can trade lakes for landmarks in New York City! Whether you like food, fashion, American history or hidden gems, we will uncover the best things to do in NYC for UK students during their J-1 Visa travel period.
Visit our previous blog, The Ultimate USA Travel Guide, where you can use our interactive map to plan your New York trip and discover major airports from your Wild Packs summer camp East Coast location.
Here’s our ultimate list of the best things to do in NYC for UK students:
- Ellis Island & The Statue of Liberty – Join the 3 million annual visitors to this iconic symbol of freedom and learn about Ellis Island’s history as a major immigration station.
- Upper West Side & Central Park – Known as the ‘beating heart of Manhattan’, Central Park is an urban hotspot, featuring attractions like the Central Park Carousel and Conservatory Garden.
- Times Square – Chaotic, crowded and totally unforgettable, the unmissable Times Square is full of bright lights, street performers and world-class Broadway Shows.
- Brooklyn Bridge – Take a summer stroll or cycle across the world’s first steel-wire suspension bridge for unbeatable views of Manhattan and New York City.
- Rockefeller Center – Home to the famous winter ice-skating rink, enjoy stunning views from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Hidden Gems for UK Students Exploring New York
Beyond the endless list of tourist hotspots, NYC is packed with trendy neighbourhoods and lesser-known gems – perfect for exploring with campmates or solo after your East Coast summer camp adventure. Here are some spots that offer a true taste of New York City culture:
- SoHo – Generating the 2nd most retail revenue out of all New York City locations, SoHo is famed for its designer boutiques, art galleries and gorgeous cobbled streets.
- Williamsburg – A hipster haven packed with rooftop bars, stunning street art and vintage markets. Grab a traditional NYC bagel and wander the waterfront!
- Greenwich Village – Since the 19th century, Greenwich Village has been famed as a community of dynamic, creative spirits. It’s even home to the iconic Friends (1994-2004) apartment building!
- DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) – One of the best hidden locations for photos of the skyline and delicious, classic New York pizza.
Ready to make your American summer camp dream a reality? Visit our previous guide, J-1 Visas: Everything You Need to Know, for a breakdown of everything from the application process to important deadlines to interview tips. Prepare for your amazing summer camp experience in the USA today! |
New York Travel Guide: Budget Tips for UK Students
Exploring the best things to do in NYC doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re keen to experience iconic places in New York or discover hidden gems, there are plenty of ways to make your trip affordable.
Here are some New York tips for UK students wanting to explore after Wild Packs summer camps, without blowing their budgets:
Budget Transport | Low-Cost Attractions | Budget Accommodation |
Subway Lines – The cheapest way to travel in NYC. Grab a 7 day MetroCard for unlimited rides. | Staten Island Ferry – This free boat trip service is available 24/7 and offers amazing views of the NYC skyline. | Hostels – Explore options like HI New York City Hostel for affordable hotel recommendations in prime locations. |
Central Park Bike Rental – Get an affordable daily or weekly pass and travel the city at your own pace! | The High Line – A unique, elevated park with free art installations, green spaces and views of the city. | Budget Hotels – Search for budget-friendly hotels in areas like Brooklyn or Queens, such as 31 Street Broadway Hotel, for more reasonable prices. |
NYC Walking Tours – There are many free walking tours available across New York City. | Grand Central Terminal – More than just a train station! View the celestial ceiling, historic architecture and hidden gallery. | Airbnb – Rent a room or apartment in one of NYC’s outer boroughs to save money on accommodation. |
Governors Island Ferry – Take the ferry for free on weekends before 11am. | Free Museum Days – Many museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), offer free entry on certain days. | Couchsurfing – Use trusted websites such as Couchsurfing to meet New York locals and stay with them for free! |
Planning your American summer camp counsellor adventure but concerned about costs? Visit our guide on American Summer Camp Costs for a transparent breakdown on Wildpacks fees, third party costs & varying expenses based on your location. Make the most of your summer camp counsellor role & skip financial stress! |
New York Tips for UK Students: Staying Safe & Planning Ahead
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve explored NYC before, these practical travel tips will help you make the most of your post-camp travel period while staying safe and within budget:
How Wild Packs Supports UK Students Before & After USA Summer Camp
At Wild Packs, we believe your summer camp experience is just the beginning of your American summer adventure. After working as a USA summer camp counsellor, you’ll be ready to embrace the excitement of New York City with confidence.
With full J-1 Visa support from us and the multitude of skills you’ll develop at camp, here’s how we ensure you’re fully prepared for the summer of a lifetime:
- Comprehensive J-1 Visa Support – We will guide you through the entire J-1 Visa process, ensuring your travel time after camp runs smoothly. For expert advice on how to ace your J-1 Visa interview, check out our previous blog
- Personal & Professional Growth – Working as a camp counsellor develops your leadership skills, problem-solving ability and independence. Whether you’re managing groups or leading activities, you’ll gain vital life skills that are essential for city life.
- No Hidden Fees – When you join Wild Packs, we provide full support throughout the J-1 Visa process, camp life and your post-travel period with NO hidden fees. Enjoy the highest industry salary with low program costs and make the most of your travel period!
- Expert Guidance – With over 15 years of industry experience, we provide expert advice and guidance throughout your summer camp counsellor experience and after. Don’t hesitate to contact our expert team if you have any queries!
Discover the Best Things to Do in NYC with Wild Packs
At Wild Packs, we offer more than just summer camp jobs USA — we help UK students create full work and travel experiences they’ll never forget.
Spend your summer gaining experience, building friendships and earning money at the best East Coast summer camps. Then use your 30-day free travel period to explore the incredible energy of New York City!
Apply today and start planning your unforgettable journey, from a summer camp placement for UK students to the bright lights of NYC.