| PRICES START FROM: | ||
|---|---|---|
| EUR | GBP | AUD |
| €525 | £449 | $849 |
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a $99 deposit. Find out more here.
J-1 Camp Counselor Program |
Summer Camp in USAWORK AND TRAVEL USA – 12 WEEKS |
| EUR | GBP | AUD |
|---|---|---|
| €525 | £449 | $849 |
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a $99 deposit. Find out more here.
You’ve seen the movies – cabins in the woods, endless lakes, campfires, epic team challenges, and those legendary camp counsellors leading the way. Now it’s your turn to make it real.
Spend your summer working at a classic American summer camp, helping kids aged 6–16 have the best time of their lives – all in some of the most beautiful natural spots across the USA.
Here’s the deal:
In exchange for all the fun, you’ll get free camp accommodation, three meals a day, and a minimum stipend of $2,250 USD for a 9-week camp. That means almost everything you earn can go straight into funding your post-camp adventures across the States!
You’ve seen the movies – cabins in the woods, endless lakes, campfires, epic team challenges, and those legendary camp counsellors leading the way. Now it’s your turn to make it real. Spend your summer working at a classic American summer camp, helping kids aged 6–16 have the best time of their lives – all in some of the most beautiful natural spots across the USA.
Here’s the deal:
In exchange for all the fun, you’ll get free camp accommodation, three meals a day, and a minimum stipend of $2,250 USD for a 9-week camp. That means almost everything you earn can go straight into funding your post-camp adventures across the States!
No need to worry about rent, commuting or meals. It’s all part of the full camp experience – think cabins, bunk beds, 3 meals a day, no additional expenses and those classic campfire vibes.
You’ll earn a minimum of $2,250 USD for your time at camp – and because your meals and accommodation are already covered, you can put those earnings straight into your post-camp adventures.
We support you with finding a summer camp before you leave Australia, so there’s no last-minute stress or job hunting when you arrive and you can get started right away.
Getting your J-1 visa sorted is essential – and we’ll guide you through every step. From sponsorship paperwork to embassy appointments, we make the process simple, so you can focus on getting excited for your summer ahead.
Stay protected with government-approved medical insurance that covers you during your time at camp and for your post-camp travels too. Because when you’re adventuring across the US, it’s best to have backup just in case.
The adventure doesn’t stop when camp ends! Your J-1 visa includes up to 30 extra days to travel around the USA. Hit the road with your new mates, explore national parks, visit iconic cities, or just take it easy before heading home.
Spend 9–12 weeks living and working at camp in the USA! Most placements run from June to mid-August, but if you’re free from May to late August, even better – more camps can match with you. So… What Is a Camp Counsellor Anyway? In short: you’re the magic that makes camp unforgettable. Camp Counsellors are the heartbeat of camp life, making sure kids have the time of their lives all summer long. There are two main types of roles you might take on: Activity Leader or General Counsellor. Here’s the lowdown:
Activity Leader
Got a skill you love—like football, dance, archery or kayaking? This one’s for you.
As an Activity Leader, you’ll run sessions in your chosen activity, helping kids build confidence while having a blast. You’ll plan fun, engaging lessons and get stuck into camp life too. You might also live in a cabin with your campers and join in on all sorts of other activities you’ve never tried before!
General Counsellor
Think of this role like being a big brother or sister. You’ll be living in a cabin with a group of campers, helping them through daily routines—meals, free time, and getting them to and from activities.
You’ll build strong bonds, be a role model, and probably jump in on activities yourself. You might even get the chance to plan games, lead events, or try your hand at something new.
Camp Types
We work with hundreds of camps to find the perfect match for you. Here’s what’s out there: Traditional Camps: The classic summer camp vibe – cabins by the lake, overnight stays, heaps of activities like sports, watersports, arts, and more. We also access a number of Special Needs, Single-gender camps and Faith-Based Camps.
Your Summer Camp Adventure with Ultimate Travel
Every summer camp is unique—different locations, themes, and people. While there’s no set itinerary, here’s a solid idea of what your journey will look like:
STEP 1: REGISTER YOUR INTEREST & APPLY
Complete your online application form, telling us about your skills, experience, and motivation for working at Camp.
Pay your $99 AUD Application Fee (refundable up to 2 weeks after payment or before your interview).
Book your virtual AmeriCamp Interview with one of our Brand Ambassadors to help match you with your perfect Camp!
STEP 2: INTERVIEW & PROGRAM APPROVAL
Smash your interview and officially pass the first stage!
Pay your $350 AUD Assessment Fee to move forward.
Once paid, your application goes live to Camps across the USA. We’ll match you with Camps that fit your skills and preferences!
STEP 3: PLACEMENT CONFIRMATION & VISA PROCESS
Accept your Camp Placement and pay the final $400 AUD Placement Fee.
AmeriCamp will then issue your DS-2019 Visa Sponsorship Form, allowing you to book your J-1 Visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
Book your flights (after securing your Visa!) and attend a fun in-person Orientation before heading off for a Summer of Non-Stop Fun!
Application Fee $99 AUD Paid before interview (non-refundable after interview)
Assessment Fee $350 AUD Paid after successful interview
Placement Fee $400 AUD Paid after accepting your Camp placement
TOTAL PROGRAM FEE $849 AUD
WHAT YOUR PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO BUDGET FOR
STEP 1: REGISTER YOUR INTEREST & APPLY
Complete your online application form, telling us about your skills, experience, and motivation for working at Camp.
Pay your $99 AUD Application Fee (refundable up to 2 weeks after payment or before your interview).
Book your virtual AmeriCamp Interview with one of our Brand Ambassadors to help match you with your perfect Camp!
STEP 2: INTERVIEW & PROGRAM APPROVAL
Smash your interview and officially pass the first stage!
Pay your $350 AUD Assessment Fee to move forward.
Once paid, your application goes live to Camps across the USA. We’ll match you with Camps that fit your skills and preferences!
STEP 3: PLACEMENT CONFIRMATION & VISA PROCESS
Accept your Camp Placement and pay the final $400 AUD Placement Fee.
AmeriCamp will then issue your DS-2019 Visa Sponsorship Form, allowing you to book your J-1 Visa appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
Book your flights (after securing your Visa!) and attend a fun in-person Orientation before heading off for a Summer of Non-Stop Fun!
Application Fee $99 AUD Paid before interview (non-refundable after interview)
Assessment Fee $350 AUD Paid after successful interview
Placement Fee $400 AUD Paid after accepting your Camp placement
TOTAL PROGRAM FEE $849 AUD
WHAT YOUR PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO BUDGET FOR
Summer camps in the U.S. run a huge range of activities, so they need staff who can teach skills like team sports (football, soccer), water sports (canoeing, sailing), outdoor activities (zip-lining, climbing), arts and crafts, horseback riding, theatre, martial arts, computers, and more. When you apply, you’ll need to show what skills you can teach and talk about any childcare experience you have.
You must be 18 years old by the 1st January of your program year.
Most camps run for about eight weeks, plus one week of orientation. Camp typically runs from June to August. After camp ends, you can travel in the U.S. until 31 October.
Yes! You’ll need a J-1 Camp Counselor visa to work at camp. It’s part of the U.S. Exchange Visitor Program, designed to allow cultural and educational exchanges.
No formal qualifications are required, but camps look for skills and certifications in lifeguarding, waterskiing, sailing, boat driving, climbing, outdoor adventure, fine arts, stage crew, theater, gymnastics, archery and more. Enthusiasm, childcare experience, or relevant experience are also great!
It’s not mandatory, but a genuine interest in working with children is essential.
You should be available from around 1st June to 15th August. Being available earlier can boost your chances of getting placed.
Just hit the "APPLY NOW" button on the AmeriCamp website to get started. You can express interest or pay your deposit straight away.
Applications are usually open until the end of February. Apply early for the best chance at securing a place.
Yes, you'll have a casual 30–40 minute video chat via Google Meets with a Brand Ambassador.
Fees include your application processing, access to camp placements, visa sponsorship (DS-2019 form), SEVIS receipt, and medical insurance while you’re in the U.S.
You’ll book your own flights after securing your visa. Camps will give you instructions on arrival times and locations.
No, but most people do. If it’s not the right fit, AmeriCamp will work with you to find another placement — being flexible helps!
After you're placed, our fee guides you through the visa process step-by-step, including issuing your DS-2019 form. It is not possible to obtain the J-1 Visa directly to the US Embassy.
Medical insurance is included. For extras like trip cancellations, missed flights, or lost luggage, you should arrange extra travel insurance separately.
We are Group Adventure and Gap Year specialists and can’t wait to help you plan your next adventure.
806 George Street.
Sydney, NSW 2000
ABN: 91 133 215 166
#TRAVELULTIMATE COMPETITION
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
This Competition is open to all Ultimate Travel customers. Posts must have been published from 01 Jan 2019 onwards, be original content captured or produced by the traveller and must be posted to a personal Instagram account. Qualifying entries must be deemed by Ultimate Travel to reflect the style of Ultimate’s brand and reflect experiences accessible by Ultimate customers. Posts with no association to Ultimate will not qualify. The winning post will be decided at the discretion of Ultimate Adventure Travel Pty Ltd. If you qualify for a prize, your acceptance of the prize consents Ultimate to a worldwide license to use the image within its marketing material and promotional activities. Entries must include the relevant Ultimate Travel hashtags at the time of posting. These must be clearly displayed and not hidden after bulk text or hashtags. Winners must be following Ultimate Travel on Instagram. Ultimate Travel reserve the right to withdraw and end this competition at any time.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ENTRY!
YOU'RE NOW IN THE RUNNING TO WIN A SPOT ON OUR 10-DAY ULTIMATE BALI TOUR FOR YOU & A MATE!
THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED ON 4TH MARCH 2019.
WANT TO SUBMIT A VIDEO ENTRY? EMAIL MARKETING@ULTIMATE.TRAVEL.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR COMPETITION UPDATES!
@ULTIMATE.TRAVEL
