Summer Camp USA

Applications run from August to February. You must arrive in the United States between May and June 10 at the latest, or on the date agreed with your camp, and stay at least 9 weeks (63 days or more). You leave in mid-August, and then you have a 4-week grace period to travel around the United States.

Yes, you get the same pay as local staff, but it is not a program designed to earn money: it is about living a different experience. Since you get accommodation, all your meals and the activities, you barely have expenses. You get paid at the end of the program.

CV, passport, signed contract with Interlatina, an introduction video showing your skills, academic certificate, reference letters, participation agreement, medical form, criminal record certificate and the program documents for the J-1 visa.

The insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, dentist, check-ups or prescriptions. Hospital visits have a high copay, so go only for real emergencies; for minor issues you can use TELADOC consultations.

As a Camp Counselor you live in the cabin with the kids, usually aged 7 to 15, and teach activities such as sports, arts or other skills. You eat every meal with them, you are responsible for them day and night and you lead the evening activities.

You work 6 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day, and you are responsible for the campers 24/7. The day starts at 7:30 am; there are morning, afternoon and evening activities, a break from 1:30 to 2:30 pm and at 9 pm everyone goes to rest. The hard part: you are with the campers all day. The best part: the water, games, campfires and talent shows.

You get one day off a week, that is, 24 hours in a row, according to the schedule your camp assigns you. Many people use it to explore nearby towns and parks.

It is usually rather rustic, shared and far from cities. Cabins are shared with the campers, so you will have little privacy; they usually have no air conditioning and are in remote places surrounded by nature, and the food will be very different from home. At the same time you will enjoy starry skies, amazing views and s'mores, and, disconnected from social media, you will build a strong bond with the people you share the experience with: your camp family.

You get to know American culture from the inside, make friends from all over the world and share your skills in a safe, caring environment. You build leadership, teamwork and self-confidence, your English improves enormously and you live an experience that changes the way you see the world.

The first two weeks are usually the hardest, since you are adapting to a new place, meeting your coworkers and starting activities with the campers. Once you get through that stage you will enjoy the experience and feel more comfortable and confident. Just remember: camp rules are golden and must not be broken, because it may mean being sent home early.

Yes. It is mandatory for everyone who travels and is filed before April each year (the US tax year), with the W-2 form issued by your employer. It is important to do it right and read the information carefully to fill in the form when you arrive in the United States. Interlatina offers the filing as a separate service.