Our Camps · Exchange Path
What Is Camp?
Since the J-1 cultural exchange programme was established in 1961, hundreds of thousands of people have spent a summer working at a US summer camp. You may be wondering — what exactly is camp?
Our promise
It is an experience like no other — you’ll meet people from all over the world and make friends for life. It’s one of the hardest yet most rewarding jobs you will ever have, where your job is to teach campers your skills, your talents and — most importantly — your culture and way of life.
Day-to-day
What can I expect from working at a summer camp?
The programme is usually 9–12 weeks long, and in most cases you'll be working either as a camp counsellor or activity instructor. You'll live and work on-site with your campers and, in most cases, share accommodation with them in allocated cabins.
Your role is to be a mentor, role model and instructor — you're there to make sure your campers have the summer of a lifetime, growing and developing as individuals.
You'll take part in their day-to-day, which means an early start to get them ready for a fun-packed day of activities — making sure everyone is showered, dressed and at breakfast on time. You'll then either lead specific activity sessions or stay with your cabin group through the day's schedule.
The experience I was able to gain at summer camp went well beyond what I could possibly imagine back home. It was beneficial to my skill set, but also an incredible cultural journey.
Past camper · UK 
Culture
Why a US summer camp is unlike anywhere else.
The summer camp culture is unique to the US, and for people who love travelling, working with children and trying new experiences, it's the perfect way to get paid to do something you love.
You'll meet friends for life — staff who didn't even exist in your world a few weeks earlier. The team works together as a family. You'll laugh together, more than likely cry together, and stay in touch for years.
It's also genuinely good for your CV. A summer at camp shows you're willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone, and that you're confident, motivated and able to work in unfamiliar environments.
Camp is the most fun you will ever have.
Past camper · IE 
Travel
And then there’s the travel month.
The J-1 cultural exchange visa lets you travel inside the United States for up to 30 days after your camp contract ends — and most camp staff make the most of it.
You'll have time off during the season to explore your local area on day-trips, but it's the post-camp month that becomes the trip of a lifetime: New York, California, Florida, road-trips through the national parks. Whatever you choose, you'll do it with the friends you just spent a summer making.
Exchange Path works with you on flight dates and routes so the travel month fits around your contract — no scrambling at the last minute.
Camp changed my life. My four summers spent in Wisconsin made me into the person I am today.
Past camper · Spain 
Ready to find out more?
Take the first step.
Submit a quick application — the Exchange Path team will be back in touch the same week.