Skills
Bring the skill — we’ll match the camp.
Exchange Path specialises in placing enthusiastic, experienced specialists and leaders to teach or coach an in-demand skill at a premium summer camp in the USA.
What counts as in-demand?
Camps want qualifications, certifications, or real coaching experience — and the ability to teach safely.
If you hold a coaching ticket, an instructor qualification, or have advanced experience in any of the sports or crafts below, you’re a strong candidate to be placed as a specialist activity staff member. Tap a category to see what camps typically look for.
Ball Sports
Coaches and players across the major team and racquet sports.
- Soccer / football
- Basketball
- Baseball & softball
- American football
- Volleyball
- Tennis · Squash · Badminton
- Lacrosse · Hockey
Circus
Performers and rigging-trained instructors for circus camps.
- Aerial silks · trapeze
- Juggling
- Acro & balance
- Stilts · unicycle
- Rigging experience
Outdoor Adventure
Field-skilled instructors comfortable leading groups outdoors.
- Hiking & backpacking
- Mountain biking
- Wilderness first aid
- Bushcraft · survival
- Orienteering · navigation
Performing Arts
Drama, dance and music staff for performing arts programs.
- Theatre direction
- Musical theatre
- Dance (any style)
- Stage management
- Vocal coaching
Horse Riding
Qualified equestrian instructors and confident barn staff.
- BHS / IGEQ / ARIA-qualified
- English & Western seat
- Jumping & dressage
- Trail riding
- Stable management
Arts & Crafts
Visual artists who can teach a well-stocked studio.
- Drawing & painting
- Pottery & ceramics
- Jewellery making
- Textiles & weaving
- Woodwork basics
Media Arts
Photo, video and digital-content creators for media programs.
- Photography
- Video & filmmaking
- Audio production
- Editing (Premiere, Final Cut)
- Camp social media
Watersports
Lake and pool staff with valid lifeguard or instructor tickets.
- Lifeguarding (NPLQ / NLS)
- Sailing (RYA)
- Canoeing & kayaking (BC)
- Swimming instructor
- Water-skiing & wakeboarding
Athletics
Track, field and running coaches for athletics-focused camps.
- Sprinting & distance
- Long & high jump
- Throwing events
- Strength & conditioning
- Coaching qualifications
Specialist Staff
Behind-the-scenes leaders that keep camp running smoothly.
- Head of waterfront
- Trip leader
- Camp nurse / EMT
- Kitchen & food service
- Maintenance & grounds
Extreme Sports
Action-sport instructors with strong safety credentials.
- Climbing & high ropes
- Mountain biking (DH/XC)
- Skateboarding & BMX
- Surfing
- Rope-rescue training
Sports & Fitness
Strength, conditioning and lifestyle coaches for older campers.
- Personal trainers
- Yoga / Pilates
- CrossFit-style coaching
- Nutrition basics
- Group fitness leaders
Common questions about skills
Three things applicants ask us about every week.
Do I need teaching experience?
Formal teaching experience isn’t always required. Camps look for people who are skilled in their field and passionate about passing those skills on — but camp directors do need to feel confident that you can teach safely and clearly.
Think about a time you helped teach a sibling, a friend, or coached a junior team — small bits of experience like that are worth listing on your application.
Do you place general camp counsellors?
A camp team is made up of general counsellors and specialist activity staff.
A general counsellor doesn’t need a sport qualification but looks after a cabin, runs the daily routine and keeps the energy up — childcare experience and an active imagination are what camps care about most.
A specialist activity staff member runs sessions in their field of expertise, usually without a permanent cabin.
We accept general counsellor applications from people who are 19+ by 1 June 2026, with proven childcare experience and a background in arts, drama, dance, sport or the outdoors.
Skills in healthcare or special needs?
We also place applicants who have a background working with children and adults with additional needs — physical, learning or developmental. Some of the camps we work with have outstanding facilities and look specifically for skilled staff to give their campers the best possible summer.
Previous experience is preferred but not essential. If you are heading into a healthcare or social-care career, this is a fantastic addition to your CV.
Skill not listed? Get in touch — we can usually still place you.
Placements at premium camps across all 50 US states.
1 in 3 specialists return for a second summer with us.
Got the skills we’re looking for?
Take a few minutes to start your file.
Start your application for just $25 — the rest only applies once you receive a confirmed camp offer. Short on funds? Apply for financial aid and we’ll review your story personally — deserving applicants get a real chance.