J-1 Camp Counselor Program
The Camp Counselor Program enables post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers and applicants with specialized skills to share their culture and ideas with the people of the United States in camp settings throughout the country. Participants in the program receive pay and benefits, such as meals and accommodation, commensurate to their American counterparts at the camps. The programs vary in length depending on the season of the camp with a maximum program duration of 4 months. After the program is complete, participants have 30 days to travel and explore the United States before they need to depart the country.
America offers a broad range of camps with different focuses such as sports, outdoor activities, cultural and religious emphases, gender specific, arts and crafts or any combination thereof! There is undoubtedly the perfect camp for you depending on your skills and interests. The only common denominator is that you must be enthusiastic about working with children and interested in exploring America!
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must be able to provide proof of the following in order to participate in the program:
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Fluency in English, as determined by an English interview conducted by an Odyssey International Camp staff member. Additionally, each applicant must have an interview and receive an offer from an Odyssey-approved partner camp.
Proof of your status as a youth worker, student, teacher, or individual with specialized skills. Please see the FAQ for more information on what constitutes a specialized skill.
At least two references from a current or past employer or teacher attesting to your suitability to participate in the program. If you are qualifying based on a specialized skill, at least one of your references should focus on your skill.
Arrival funds in the amount of a minimum of $700 USD to be used if needed.
Criminal background check from your home country dated within the last 6 months.
Step 1:
Submit your application to Odyssey International Camp. You may start the process by completing the application form here. After submitting your online application, an Odyssey Representative will contact you via email. Please check both your inbox and junk/spam folders.
Step 2:
After receiving your application and confirming you meet the initial eligibility criteria, an Odyssey representative will contact you to schedule an online interview.
Step 3:
Once you complete your interview and are accepted into our J-1 Camp Counselor Program, you will pay the Registration Fee and complete your online profile in our system. After this step, you will be eligible to interview with host camps.
Application Process
All-Inclusive Program Application Process
Step 4:
Our team will suggest your profile to host camps, making you visible to any camps recruiting through Odyssey International Camp. If a camp is interested in interviewing you, they will reach out to schedule an interview. You can access our online portal, IMIX, here.
Step 5:
After securing and accepting a placement opportunity with a host camp, you will need to finish submitting any required documents and pay the Program Fees.
Step 6:
Secure your J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy and book your trip to the United States. We will guide you through the interview process to give you the best chance of obtaining your J-1 Visa. Once you receive your J-1 Visa, you will coordinate with your host camp regarding the who, what, where, and when of your arrival.
Step 1:
Check whether your host camp is a current partner of Odyssey International Camp. If it is not, your host camp will need to reach out to begin the host camp process. They can begin the process by completing the form here.
Step 2:
Submit your placement offer, complete the required registration documents, and pay any applicable Program Fees.
Self-Placed Program Application Process
Step 3:
Secure your J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy and book your trip to the United States. We will guide you through the interview process to give you the best chance of obtaining your J-1 Visa. Once you receive your J-1 Visa, you will coordinate with your host camp regarding the who, what, where, and when of your arrival.
Returnee Application Process
Step 1:
A copy of your job offer must be submitted by you or your camp.
Step 2:
Complete the required registration documents and pay any applicable Program Fees.
Step 3:
Secure your J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy and book your trip to the United States. We will guide you through the interview process to give you the best chance of obtaining your J-1 Visa. Once you receive your J-1 Visa, you will coordinate with your host camp regarding the who, what, where, and when of your arrival.
What To Expect
After you receive your J-1 Visa, you will coordinate the details of your arrival with Odyssey and your camp. Most camps will have several days before campers arrive for new counselor orientation where you will learn the camp rules and expectations as well as the fun stuff like camp songs and activities. Most camps last approximately 9 weeks with new campers arriving every 7 days. You will be the leader of your group of campers and responsible for ensuring they have a great experience while making sure they stay safe. You will also lead specific activities for campers throughout the day. One day you may be teaching beginner archery and the next judging a cannonball competition at the lake!
Your accommodation and food will be provided by your camp free of charge. Keep in mind that this is a “camp” so you should expect open-air cabins, sleeping bags, and simple but healthy child friendly food choices. You will be paid between $1,500 - $2,000 for the average 9-week program, commensurate with your American counterparts. As part of your orientation, you will need to apply for a social security number so you can be paid.
At the completion of your program, you will have 30 days to remain in the U.S. to travel and explore! We highly encourage you to take advantage of this grace period and visit all the sites you can before returning home.