Exploring Our J-1 Camp Counselor Programs
All You Need To Know About Our J-1 Camp Counselor Program In The United States
When the weather is heating up and American schools are out for the summer vacation, that means it is time for summer camp!
Summer camps play a major role in American culture and, for decades, it’s been a tradition for families in the United States to send their children and teenagers to the camp. For American youth, summer camps represent an important part of their lives at a young age as they learn new things, experience new activities and have fun with other campers in an educational, athletic and cultural environment.
There are more than 12,000 summer camps operating in the United States and, every year, over 10 million children and adolescents are waiting with excitement to go to the camp and experience some of the best summers in their lives. Later on in life, many Americans look back and cherish the memories they made at the camp. Summer camps are embedded into the American culture and, because of that, they could not be missed from popular culture as well. Some of the best movies about summer camps include The Parent Trap, Troop Beverly Hills, Moonrise Kingdom, Camp and many others.
Summer camps are excited to bring internationals in BridgeUSA J-1 Camp Counselor Programs as they can diversify their teams and have an international environment for the campers.
The J-1 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. J-1 Camp Counselor participants have the opportunity to share their language, culture and customs with the Americans that they meet in the local community, at the camp, or during their travels.
In addition to that, J-1 Camp Counselor participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves into the American culture and values, and to live an authentic summer camp experience that may help them improve their personal skills. This program will provide them with many opportunities to experience new outdoor and cultural activities, to meet l people from around the world and explore the United States.
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.
Our sister company, Odyssey International Camp, is a designated J-1 sponsor by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor international applicants who wish to participate in the J-1 BridgeUSA Camp Counselor Exchange Program. The team at Odyssey International Camp may assist you with all the necessary documents, insurance and support needed to successfully complete a J-1 Camp Counselor program in the United States.
For the J-1 Camp Counselor Program, Odyssey International Camp has two program options:
1. All-Inclusive Program:
Similar to our All-Inclusive J-1 Intern/Trainee program option, the All-Inclusive J-1 Camp Counselor program option includes everything you need to have an amazing summer in the U.S. That includes matching you with one of our host camps as well as all the necessary documents, insurance and support you need to arrive successfully at camp and have an unforgettable summer!
2. Self-Placed Program:
This option is for applicants who already have an offer from a host camp and need Odyssey’s sponsorship in order to obtain a DS-2019. Whether you are a first-time counselor or returning to the same camp for your 5th season, we can provide you all the necessary documents and support to secure your J-1 visa and arrive successfully at your camp!
Benefits of a J-1 Camp Counselor Program
There are numerous benefits of the J-1 Camp Counselor program, but we decided to put together a short list which includes the most important ones.
Low program costs - The program fees associated to the program are very affordable compared to other J-1 BridgeUSA Programs.
You will receive accommodation, meals, and a minimum of $1,500 provided by camp during the program.
Camp Counselors can practice their English, improve their leadership skills and build their CV with international experience.
You will experience an unforgettable summer in the U.S. with other internationals from around the world.
Camp Counselors are entitled to 30 days to explore the USA after the end date of the program.
Am I Eligible for a J-1 Camp Counselor Program?
You may be wondering if you are eligible for a J-1 Camp Counselor Program, and we are here to assist you. The eligibility criteria for this program are not as strict as compared to other BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitor programs. Candidates must:
Be 18 or older by the start date of the program
Have an upper-intermediate level of spoken English
Be able to supervise and interact with American youth
Be a post-secondary student, graduate, youth worker, teacher or individual with specialized skills.
The specialized skills can be related to team sports, water sports, arts & crafts, theater & music, outdoors or wellness & education. We recommend that you check with Odyssey International Camp’s team if your skills qualify you for a program.
If you are looking for a short-term BridgeUSA J-1 Exchange Visitors Program for the summer, we definitely recommend that you check out the J-1 Camp Counselor Program. The recruitment for the next summer camp season has started and if you apply before October 15th, you will receive a special discount on the program fees. The team at Odyssey International Camp is ready to assist you with your application and to begin your American Journey in the summer of 2023. Start the application process today by filling out the form here!
