Dreaming of adventure and sunshine for summer 2027? Welcome to the world of American summer camps – a place where you can spend your summer making lifelong memories, meeting people from around the world, and having a serious impact on kids’ lives.
You’re not alone in heading across the pond – in 2024 alone, approximately 4.04 million UK citizens visited the USA. And with FREE meals, accommodation, medical insurance and training included with Wild Packs summer camp counsellor roles, we take care of the details so you can focus on the experience.
Throughout this blog, we’ll explore:
- What makes American summer camps so special
- The best summer camps in America to work at in 2027
- How Wild Packs can help you explore the USA and earn the highest industry rate salary with a summer 2027 camp counsellor job
Let’s dive in!
Browse our Wild Packs summer camp locations to discover some of the best American summer camps we partner with across the USA. From lakeside retreats in Maine to mountain camps in West Virginia, find the perfect fit for your 2027 summer adventure! |
What Is Summer Camp in America?
To really understand what is summer camp in America, it helps to know just how important camps are in U.S. culture. Every summer, millions of American children aged 7–15 leave the familiarity of home to attend camp, where they live, learn, and grow in a supportive community.
For UK students, summer camp in America usually means working as a counsellor or specialist staff member. There is a huge variety of summer camp roles, but generally you’ll help mentor, teach, and care for young campers while fully immersing yourself in the American way of life. Camps can be as short as one week or as long as two months, with some hosting up to 600 campers per session – and plenty of staff support to match.
Wondering which American summer camp position is your perfect match? Take a look at the huge range of camp counsellor roles on offer for summer 2027:
For more information on our camp counsellor positions, visit our dedicated Positions At Camp page! |
The Summer of a Lifetime
When people ask what is American summer camp, past Wild Packers will often say one thing: it was the highlight of their lives. Camp consistently beats any summer job back home by a mile.
Camp provides staff from around the globe with the opportunity to:
- Enjoy a traditional American summer
- Work at premier camp locations across the USA
- Help children have an unforgettable summer break
- Build friendships that last a lifetime
- Earn money while doing something meaningful
From galloping on horseback and jamming out to music, to tearing down mountain biking trails or scaling climbing walls, camp life is packed with unforgettable moments. Many staff describe camp as their ticket to fully immersing themselves in American culture while making incredible memories along the way.
Where Are American Summer Camps Located?
Camps are usually based in stunning natural environments – lakes, forests, mountains, and countryside.
Here at Wild Packs, we work with over 300 ACA-accredited camps across the USA. The American Camp Association (ACA) is essentially the Ofsted of the camping world, ensuring high standards of safety, care, and programming.
We primarily work with camps across the North East of America and regularly place staff in:
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- And more
These locations offer the perfect balance of nature, tradition, and access to nearby towns and cities.
Overnight Camps vs. Day Camps
Understanding what is summer camp in America also means knowing the different camp formats.
Overnight (Sleepaway) Camps
Most camps that hire international staff are overnight camps. Campers stay on-site, sleeping in cabins or bunks, and staff live with them to provide round-the-clock care. This is the most traditional and immersive camp experience.
Day Camps
At day camps, campers go home in the evening and return the next day. Staff usually live together in shared accommodation nearby rather than on-site with campers.
Co-Ed vs. Single-Sex Camps
Location: Bridgton, Maine – on an 80-acre site surrounded by beautiful ponds.
Why it’s one of the best: This boys’ camp blends old-school tradition with modern activities. From sailing and soccer to wilderness trips and musical performances, there’s always something exciting happening.
Does Wild Packs recruit for it? Yes. Wild Packs places staff here regularly – perfect for those looking for a vibrant, structured environment with loads of outdoor fun!
Types of American Summer Camps
Traditional Camps
The majority of camps we work with fall into this category. Traditional camps offer a wide range of activities including:
- Sports
- Outdoor adventure
- Aquatics
- Performing & creative arts
- Horseback riding
Campers can try everything or focus on their favourites, with special events throughout the summer that celebrate long-standing camp traditions.
Faith-Based Camps
Some camps cater to specific faiths, usually Christianity or Judaism. These camps still offer traditional activities but incorporate religious practices into daily life. Many non-denominational camps also serve Kosher food to cater for Jewish campers.
Specialist Camps
These camps focus on specific areas such as:
- Sports
- Arts
- Outdoor adventure
- Camps for children and adults with additional needs
They generally look for skilled or experienced staff who can provide a higher level of care and instruction.
Non-Profit Camps
These camps aim to give children from less-privileged backgrounds the chance to experience camp. Facilities may be more rustic, but the sense of purpose and reward can be huge.
YMCA Camps
Run by the largest camping organisation in the USA, YMCA camps offer phenomenal programmes for hundreds of thousands of children every year.
Girl Scout Camps
All-female camps focused on outdoor living skills, adventure, and personal development for members of the Girl Scouts organisation.
What Roles Are Available at Summer Camps in America?
Whether you’re an all-rounder or have a specific skill, there’s a role for you.
Even if you don’t have previous experience, camps value enthusiasm, responsibility, and a willingness to learn.
What’s Included When You Work at an American Summer Camp?
Working at camp is one of the most cost-effective ways to spend a summer in the USA.
When you apply through Wild Packs, you’ll receive:
- A minimum salary of $2,400
- All food and accommodation included
- Full camp training
- Four months of medical insurance
- J-1 Visa support and guidance
- Ongoing support throughout your summer
This makes the experience comfortable, affordable, and stress-free.
How to Become a Counsellor at an American Summer Camp
If you now understand what is American summer camp and want to take the next step, we’ve got you covered.
We recommend reading:
These guides explain the full application process, interviews, visas, and preparation in detail.
Travel & Life After Camp
After camp finishes, you can travel the USA for up to 30 days. Many staff explore cities, national parks, and iconic landmarks with their new friends.
Working at summer camp could be the perfect gateway to an unforgettable year of travel, sport, and culture.
Why Choose Wild Packs?
We’re proud to have over 15 years of experience helping young people enjoy summers full of growth, memories, and friendships.
Why choose us?
- No registration or interview fees
- J-1 Visa & insurance included
- Run and managed by camp professionals
- Starting salaries from $2,400
- Support before, during, and after camp
Want to Learn More Before You Decide?
If working at a U.S. summer camp is starting to sound like something you could genuinely see yourself doing, you don’t have to make a decision straight away. Sometimes it helps to read a little deeper into what camp life is really like and how it might fit into the bigger picture of your life.
We’ve put together a few guides that UK students often find helpful when they’re weighing things up:
If you’re curious about how camp can shape you as a person and what you actually gain from the experience, our blog on the benefits of being a summer camp counsellor breaks it all down in more detail:
https://www.wildpacks.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-being-a-summer-camp-counsellor/
If you’re finishing your A-levels and debating whether to head straight to uni or take a different path, you might find our guide on the pros and cons of taking a gap year in America useful. It looks honestly at both sides so you can decide what’s right for you:
https://www.wildpacks.com/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-taking-a-gap-year-in-america/
And if you’re wondering how camp experience actually translates into real-world confidence and maturity, our article on the life skills you develop in a summer camp job explores exactly how camp helps you grow in ways you don’t always expect:
https://www.wildpacks.com/which-life-skills-will-you-develop-in-a-summer-camp-job/
Reading these can really help you picture yourself at camp and decide whether this is the kind of challenge and adventure you want before university or your next step.
Is an American Summer Camp Right for You?
Now you know exactly what is American summer camp and why it’s such a popular choice for UK students. If you’re looking for a summer packed with adventure, personal development, and unforgettable experiences, camp could be the perfect fit.
Apply now – it only takes a few minutes – and start planning the summer of a lifetime.