Requirements
Age, English, skills, references and availability.
J-1 Camp Counselor · Summer 2027
Camp and Travel 2027: be a camp counselor in the USA
Spend a summer leading American kids in sports, arts and outdoor adventures, then travel the country when camp ends. You don't need to be a student: if you're 18 or older, you can apply.
- 18+years old; no student status needed
- Up to 4 monthsprogram length
- Room + boardusually provided by camp
What is Camp and Travel?
Camp and Travel is the J-1 cultural exchange program that lets you work as a camp counselor in the USA: you spend the summer with children and teens at an American summer camp, then explore the country once the season wraps up. Officially called Camp Counselor, it's one of the J-1 programs the U.S. Department of State offers under the BridgeUSA name, and in Türkiye it's also widely known as "Camp USA".
As a camp counselor, you guide a group of campers all summer and join them for everything from swimming to theater. The season usually runs from early June to late August. Room and board are typically covered by the camp, you earn a seasonal salary for your work, and when camp ends you can travel for up to 30 days.
Best of all, there's no student requirement: students, graduates, teachers and youth workers aged 18 or older can all apply. The program is run through sponsor organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State, and Bridge USA Türkiye is your advisor on the ground in Türkiye. You can read the official overview on the Camp Counselor page, or compare your options across all J-1 programs.
The 2027 season at a glance
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8–11 weeks
typical camp season
Often around 9 weeks, including staff training
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Equal pay
and benefits
The same as your American colleagues at camp
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30 days
of travel after camp
Once your program ends
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$35
SEVIS fee
As of September 2026; subject to change
Why spend a summer at an American camp?
Mornings that start on the lake, evenings that end around the campfire. One summer, and memories you'll carry for years.
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A summer in nature
Most camps sit by lakes, forests and mountains. You spend your summer outdoors and on the move.
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Inspire young people
Be a role model for your campers and enjoy the thrill of teaching them something new.
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English every day
Games, songs, conversations: you live in English from morning to night, and your everyday speaking takes off.
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Room and board at camp
You live and eat at camp, so your costs stay low all season long.
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A standout line on your CV
Real leadership and responsibility, especially valuable if you're in education, psychology or sports.
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Hit the road after camp
Use your 30-day travel period to explore America with the friends you made at camp.
A day in the life of a camp counselor
Your day starts by waking your campers and heading to breakfast together. Mornings and afternoons are split into activity periods: depending on your skills, you might lead or assist with swimming, canoeing, soccer, archery, arts and crafts or a music workshop.
Evenings are when camp spirit peaks: talent shows, theme nights and stories around the campfire. You get some free time every day and a set number of days off during the season. Learn more on our camp types and camp counselor duties page.
Types of summer camps in America
Your interests and experience decide which kind of camp suits you best.
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Sleepaway camps
Campers stay for weeks at a time, and counselors live alongside them in cabins.
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Day camps
Kids come to camp during the day on weekdays and head home in the evening.
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Sports and water sports
Soccer, tennis, swimming, canoeing, sailing. A sports background really shines here.
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Arts, music and theater
Painting, ceramics, dance and the performing arts. Share your creativity with kids.
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Special needs camps
Deeply rewarding camps serving children and adults with disabilities.
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Scout, club and faith-based
Camps run by youth organizations and communities, many with long traditions.
What does a camp counselor do?
A camp counselor's core job is to keep American children and teens safe and give them a summer they'll never forget. Camps have two main roles:
- General counselor: responsible for a small group of campers, sharing the daily schedule with them from wake-up to lights-out.
- Specialist: runs one activity, such as swimming, tennis, art or music, and teaches it to campers.
Either way, your work always centers on the kids. Kitchen, cleaning, maintenance and office jobs at camp fall outside this program; those positions run through the Work and Travel program, which is for university students.
Free consultation
Free eligibility check for Camp and Travel 2027
Let's look at your age, English level and skills in a short call, then pin down the right type of camp and your application timeline.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
Who can apply?
The short answer: anyone aged 18 or older who loves working with kids and can communicate in English. Unlike Work and Travel, you don't need to be a student.
- Age: at least 18 when the program starts. Some sponsors also set an upper age limit.
- Background: university student, graduate, teacher, youth worker or someone with a specialized skill.
- English: good enough to talk with kids comfortably and guide them.
- Experience and references: experience with children (volunteering counts) and references from people who know you.
- Availability: an uninterrupted summer from June to late August.
Because child safety comes first, you'll also provide a criminal record check and a health declaration.
Program length, pay, room and board
The program can last up to 4 months, while the camp season itself usually runs 8–11 weeks depending on the sponsor and camp, and is often around 9 weeks. Staff training before campers arrive is included in that time.
Pay: camp counselors receive pay and benefits equal to their American counterparts at the same camp. Your seasonal salary depends on the sponsor, camp and position, and it's written into your contract.
Room and board: camp staff usually stay in cabins, platform tents or dorm-style rooms, and all meals are served at camp.
Costs: the program fee, the SEVIS fee ($35), the visa application fee ($185), insurance and your flight. Official fees are as of September 2026 and may change. See the full list of Camp USA costs ›
Get your 2027 fees
We'll send you a quote built around your sponsor options, with every included and excluded item spelled out.
How to apply, and the 2027 timeline
Applications open in the fall and continue with camp placement through winter and spring. Camps plan their staffing early, so fall applicants get to meet more camps, and some sponsors can't guarantee placement for applications received after March.
Once your camp offer is confirmed, your sponsor issues your DS-2019, followed by the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 and your visa interview. We walk through every step in our J-1 visa guide and cover likely questions in our visa interview questions article. The visa decision rests with the consulate; our job is to make sure you arrive fully prepared.
The 2027 timeline in brief
The main milestones of a typical season; exact dates depend on your sponsor, camp and visa appointment.
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Sep–Dec 2026
First call and profile
Eligibility check, application form, references and a short intro video.
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Nov 2026–Mar 2027
Camp placement
After your sponsor interview, you talk with a camp director and receive your camp offer.
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Mar–May 2027
DS-2019 and visa
SEVIS payment, the DS-160 and your visa interview in Ankara or Istanbul.
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Late May–Jun 2027
Orientation and flight
Pre-departure orientation, then staff training at camp.
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Jun–Sep 2027
Camp and travel
A summer at camp, then up to 30 days of travel before you fly home.
Travel after camp: 30 days of America
When the last campers head home, a new adventure begins for you. After your program ends, you can travel for up to 30 days; this time is for exploring, not working.
The skyline of New York, the California coast, the red rocks of the Grand Canyon... Plan your route during the season and book your return flight within those 30 days.
Camp and Travel or Work and Travel?
Two popular summer programs, side by side:
| Camp and Travel | Work and Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Students, graduates and teachers aged 18+ | Full-time, classroom-based university students |
| Your role | Counseling kids and leading activities | Seasonal jobs at hotels, restaurants, theme parks and more |
| Length | Camp season usually 8–11 weeks | Up to 4 months within your summer break |
| Room and board | Usually provided by the camp | Rent is usually paid by you |
| Earnings | Seasonal salary set out in your contract | Hourly wage, at least minimum wage |
| Travel | Up to 30 days after the program | Up to 30 days after the program |
Which one is right for you?
If you love spending time with kids and feel confident leading sports, arts or outdoor activities, camp is made for you. If you want an hourly wage and a more independent life, Work and Travel is the stronger fit; if career experience is your goal, look at Intern / Trainee.
Why Bridge USA Türkiye?
We focus only on J-1 programs. At our office in Yalıkavak, Bodrum, or online from anywhere, we manage your journey with you from start to finish.
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One-to-one guidance
Your personal advisor follows your application step by step and answers your questions fast.
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A strong camp profile
We shape your application, skills and references so they catch camp directors' attention.
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Interview practice
We run one-to-one mock interviews for your sponsor, camp director and visa interviews.
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Documents and visa support
From references to the DS-160, we help you complete every document on time.
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Pre-departure orientation
Camp life, flights, arrival and your travel period, all covered before you leave.
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Support all summer
You can reach us throughout your program, and we'll help you liaise with your sponsor when needed.
For U.S. camps and J-1 sponsors
Are you an American summer camp or a designated J-1 sponsor looking for a reliable partner in Türkiye? We connect with motivated young adults who genuinely enjoy working with kids and prepare them carefully: eligibility and English pre-screening, well-rounded applications, interview coaching and a thorough pre-departure orientation on camp life and child-safety expectations. Get in touch to explore how we could work together for summer 2027 and beyond.
Your Camp and Travel guide
Every topic on its own page.
Camp types and roles
Sleepaway and day camps, counselor roles and a sample day.
Application and fees
Step-by-step application, cost items and what the camp provides.
Visa interview questions
What the consulate asks, and how to prepare.
Free consultation
Pre-register for 2027 camp placements
Camps plan their staffing early. Leave your details and we'll call you within 1 business day to talk through your eligibility and timeline.
- We help you pick the right program
- We check your eligibility and plan your timeline
- We share every cost item in writing
Prefer to talk right now?
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is Camp and Travel, and what does a camp counselor do?
Camp and Travel is the J-1 Camp Counselor program: you work with children and teens at an American summer camp, then travel the country when camp ends. A camp counselor either guides a group of campers or runs an activity such as swimming, sports, art or music. At the heart of the job are the kids' safety and giving them a fun summer where they learn something new.
Who can be a camp counselor in the USA? Is there an age limit?
You need to be at least 18 when the program starts, and you don't have to be a student. University students, graduates, teachers, youth workers and people with specialized skills can all apply. The program's general rules set no upper age limit, but some sponsors apply their own. See our requirements page for details.
How much do camp counselors get paid in the USA?
Camp counselors receive pay and benefits equal to their American counterparts at the same camp for the season. The amount depends on the sponsor, camp, position and your experience, and it's written into your contract. Since room and board are usually covered by the camp, your costs stay low. We'll share current options with you personally in a consultation.
Are room and board free at camp?
Room and board are usually provided by the camp. Counselors mostly stay in cabins, platform tents or dorm-style rooms and eat all their meals at camp; rooms and bathrooms are usually shared. Camp life is simple and close to nature. What's provided is spelled out clearly in your sponsor package and camp offer.
How long does summer camp in the USA last?
The camp season usually runs 8–11 weeks depending on the sponsor and camp, often around 9 weeks, including staff training before campers arrive. The whole program can last up to 4 months. After camp ends, you can travel for up to 30 days before heading back to Türkiye.
Can I travel around the USA after camp?
Yes. After your program ends, you can travel in the U.S. for up to 30 days; you can't work during this time. Many counselors explore big cities and national parks with friends they made at camp. Just plan your return flight within those 30 days. We'll map out your route and budget together at your pre-departure orientation.
When should I apply for Camp and Travel 2027?
Fall is the best time. Camps shape their staffing plans over the winter, so applicants who start between September and December 2026 get to meet more camps. Some sponsors can't guarantee placement for applications received after March. Starting early also leaves you plenty of time for your references and visa preparation.
Can I work in the camp kitchen or on maintenance instead?
In the Camp Counselor program, your role always involves working directly with kids; kitchen, cleaning, maintenance and office jobs fall outside it. These support positions run under the Work and Travel category and require you to be a full-time university student. If you're a student, we can look at these positions together among your Work and Travel options.
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