Summer '27 returner applications are open
We know what you did last summer...
Summer Camp USA Returner
Not your first rodeo at camp?
Our Returner program provides the J1 visa sponsorship, required medical cover, and application support to return to the same camp each summer – with a salary and start dates negotiated directly with your Camp Director.
About
What are my options?
BUNAC Returner
If you've previously booked with BUNAC (or any of our sibling brands – USIT, JENZA, SWAP or American Summers) then welcome back! It doesn't matter if you skipped a summer (or a few), if you're heading back to the same camp... Read more
Visa + cost
Who can apply?
BUNAC Returner
Deposit
USD $49
Next payment
USD $200
Final payment
USD $250
Total
USD $499
Police check
This a condition of your visa sponsorship, and is typically done online in your home country for free or a small fee.
US Embassy fee
This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $215 for Australia passport holders)
I-94 arrival fee
Paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and currently costs USD $24
Visa integrity fee
We're anticipating the US will bring in a refundable USD $250 visa integrity fee for future departures. More info to follow
Support funds
You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800
Travel insurance for camp
Medical cover is included, but you must also purchase travel insurance
Flights
We don’t recommend booking flights until your J-1 visa is approved
Travel after camp
Get 10% off worldwide Contiki trips before you go! Friends = benefits
New Returner
Deposit
USD $49
Next payment
USD $200
Final payment
USD $350
Total
USD $599
Police check
This a condition of your visa sponsorship, and is typically done online in your home country for free or a small fee.
US Embassy fee
This is paid directly to the US Embassy and currently costs USD $185 (+ an additional $215 for Australia passport holders)
I-94 arrival fee
Paid directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and currently costs USD $24
Visa integrity fee
We're anticipating the US will bring in a refundable USD $250 visa integrity fee for future departures. More info to follow
Support funds
You may be required to show proof that you can access USD $800
Travel insurance for camp
Medical cover is included, but you must also purchase travel insurance
Flights
We don’t recommend booking flights until your J-1 visa is approved
Travel after camp
Get 10% off worldwide Contiki trips before you go! Friends = benefits
About our Youth Access Scholarship Fund
Balancing profit with purpose, summer camp only works for us if it works for others too. BUNAC donates 5% of profits to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that young people from under-served and lower-income backgrounds can experience working at camp. Find out more on our JENZA Travel Group scholarship page.
How it works
What's the process to apply?
You’ll still need to complete the required application, documents, references and visa steps – but the sponsor application is shorter.
We advise applying as early as possible to avoid having to hustle for an embassy appointment.
The countdown to camp
Ready for another summer at camp?
Start your Returner application above and pay your deposit. As you’ll be returning to the same camp, make sure you’ve confirmed your place with your camp before signing up with BUNAC.
Once you’ve applied, you’ll complete your sponsorship application with IENA.
As a Returner, this application is shorter than the one you completed for your first summer, so you’ll be one step closer to camp life in no time. Make sure you complete all required sections and upload all documents and references requested.
Once your application is complete and all your documents and references are in place, you’ll need to make your second payment before we can submit your application to IENA for review.
Your second payment is all that’s required at this stage, but if you’re able to pay your program balance in full, we encourage you to do so. This means we can move through the process as quickly as possible and get your visa sponsorship paperwork issued sooner.
Once your application has been accepted by IENA, you’ll need to make your final payment before your DS-2019 can be issued and released to you.
Once your final payment has been received and IENA has issued your DS-2019, this paperwork will be available to download on your IENA application and you’ll be able to move on to the visa stage.
It’s time to get your J1 visa!
Complete your DS-160, pay the required visa fees and book your US Embassy appointment.
Embassy appointments can be limited, so we recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible. We’ll provide step by step guidance to help you apply for your visa and prepare for your interview.
Visa approved? Time to book your flights and travel insurance.
Check your camp’s required arrival date before booking and make sure your travel plans fit within your dates.
Welcome back to camp!
Arrive at camp on your agreed arrival date, take part in your camp’s arrival orientation, get settled in and get ready for another unforgettable summer. Don't forget to tag us @bunactravel over the summer.
Got questions?
We’ve got answers
If you haven’t been to summer camp in America before, you need to select our First-timer program. This includes your initial Camp Counsellor job.
It's then typical for Camp Counsellors to return to their camp each summer. The Camp Directors will know you, your personality and skills by then – so will independently offer you a role and salary for the following summer. You'll then book our Returner program so that we can ensure your role meets the visa requirements and provide the sponsorship to apply for your J1 visa to work in the US.
- No. Our Returner program is open to anyone who is returning to the same camp. If you haven't booked with BUNAC (or any of our sibling brands in the past – USIT, JENZA, SWAP, American Summers) the cost as a New Returner is slightly higher, but then you'll get our loyalty price when you come back for your third, fourth, fifth summer... we can keep going!
- Yes, it’s very typical for Camp Counsellors to return to the same camp each summer. That said, please be aware that camp placement is not guaranteed, and you’ll need to be offered a position by your camp for the upcoming summer. Be sure to reach out to your camp directly and confirm your place before signing up.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to explore opportunities at different camps. Your previous camp experience can be a great advantage when applying to new camps, particularly if you have developed additional skills or experience since your first summer. If you want to apply to a different camp, you will need to apply on our First-timer page as this will be your first summer at that camp.
Please note, if you want to apply to a different camp you will also be required to obtain a reference from your previous camp.
We love our Returners – no one knows camp like you. We live for your content and stories each summer, and are never happier than when our First-timers wants to return to camp!
Here's how we reward our Returners:
- If you travelled with us before, our Returner cost is now the same as our First-timer cost.
- Part of the same travel family as US visa sponsors, IENA, all your vetting and visa paperwork is now done in-house – and we're working on how we can make this process even smoother for you.
- Returners can apply for a Community Code to share with friends and followers where you'll earn £50/€50/$50 every time a First-timer pays using your code. You can apply for a code and check all the T&Cs in your online BUNAC account.
- The process is very similar to a First-timer application! You’ll still need to complete the required application, documents, references and visa steps, but the sponsor application is shorter and there is no need to have a coaching call with us.
- Yes. Eventhough you’ve been through the process before, you’ll need to complete the required application steps for the upcoming summer. This allows us, your sponsor and your camp to confirm that your information, experience and eligibility are up to date.
- Yes, you'll need to provide 2x up-to-date references for your application. Please note, you are unable to get references completed from the camp you are returning to.
Around the campfire