How It Works

Summer camps happen each year over America’s summer school holidays, which are longer than in most countries. Therefore, arrival dates are set between 1st May and 20th June and you must be available for a minimum of nine weeks. Preference is often given to applicants who are available at an earlier date and for longer periods of time, so for the best chance of securing a placement, make sure you are open and flexible.

After filling in your online application and paying your deposit, one of our team will be in

touch to arrange a video interview with one of our BUNAC Camp Counsellor Coaches. At the interview, you'll be asked about your skills, interests and recent experience working with children.

The majority of our camps are based on the East Coast, but we work with close to 300 camps across the United States. We have a placement team in America who propose your application to camps based on their needs plus your skillset and experience. We also have our Camp Connect platform where you can go onto the platform, look at what positions are available, and request interviews with the Camp Directors.

The summer camp USA hiring season runs from October/November until May each year. To ensure the best chance of getting a placement, you must apply early. To be in the placement pool you must have submitted one reference and paid your second instalment.

Camp placements are given based on your skills, childcare experience and availability. On your application, you’ll be able to select which camp types you’d ideally like to work at. However, please be aware that these are not guaranteed.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept joint applicants as each placement is based on individual skills, experience and background. Your online application is viewed individually on a database where Camp Directors are usually looking for a specific skill, activity or applicant.

The best way to get placed together is to attend one of our BUNAC Summer Camp Fairs together where you will get to meet and connect with Camp Directors.

What we would say, is that while travelling alone can be intimidating, you’ll be in a supported environment where everyone is in the same boat. In your camp bubble, friends fast become your camp family. And for most of our travellers, going to camp alone can be even more rewarding and empowering.

The US government require all applicants to attend an in-person interview where you will leave your passport for your visa to be processed. The J-1 visa and courier fee is USD $160, and the process can take between two weeks. There may be an additional fee if you wish to have your passport couriered back to your home address rather than to a designated courier location.

Of course! Even though you’re a returner, as you are applying to a new camp you would be applying as a first timer. This means you would need to have an interview with one of our interviewers and obtain two references to support your application. One of your references must come from your previous camp and your Camp Director must complete the reference form.