Experience Canadian culture while working at a Canadian summer camp for 8-10+ weeks during the North American summer. Work as a General Counselor, Activity Counselor, or Support Staff. Earn money, receive free room and board, and gain valuable experience working with children. Form close friendships and share your culture with campers/staff from around the world. Summer camp is demanding as you will be caring for children around the clock, but the rewards are endless.
The job requires you to:
CCUSA is here to help you every step of the way! With over 40 years of experience, you will receive the highest level of personal service and support.
When looking to go on the program, you can select between two different roles: Camp Counselor or Support Staff
Counselors will live in a cabin or platform tent with co-counselors and campers, in a room adjacent to campers, or in separate staff housing. Cabins may have a bathroom, but it is more common to share a large centralized bath and shower facility.
Staff and campers eat in what is typically called the “Dining Hall”. Depending on your camp, you get food from a “buffet” or served “family style” (with platters of food brought to your table). The dining hall is a fun and lively part of camp with lots of talking, chants, and singing.
You will fill the role of an Activity Counselor or General Counselor depending on your skill level and experience. In either role, you will lead or assist campers of all ages in one or more activities.
Participants are expected to work a minimum of 8-10 weeks, with opportunities for longer experiences. You will get an average of 1 day off per week, with schedules varying by individual camps.
As a leader, role model, friend, instructor, cheerleader and hero to campers of various ages, your primary responsibility is overall supervision. The primary role of a Camp Counselor is to ensure the safety and well-being of the campers. The secondary role is to make the camp experience fun! During the application and interview process, your skills and experience will be assessed to determine whether you can be hired as a General Counselor or Activity Counselor.
Support Staff generally share their own housing (cabins, dormitories, or platform tents) with co-workers and do not share cabins with children. During time off, Support Staff can use camp facilities to relax, exercise, and learn new skills.
The dining hall is the heart of camp and it takes a large number of kitchen staff to prepare meals and serve campers. Support Staff are strongly encouraged to get involved with the chants and singing. There is never a dull moment in the dining hall.
Support Staff work up to 10 hours per day and no more than 60 hours per week. Depending on your specific position, you may be given time-off during various times throughout the day and at least one day off per week. Your camp will encourage you to get involved with camp activities during your free time.
Support Staff are expected to work a minimum of 8 weeks. During this time, you will get an average of 1 day off per week, though schedules vary by camp.
Are you interested in the summer camp experience but prefer a position outside of working directly with campers? Support Staff keep camp running smoothly and efficiently. Your job will range from preparing meals and cleaning the kitchen, to office work, maintenance, or grounds work. Support Staff fill key roles at camp and receive a higher stipend.
You don’t need to be an olympic athlete to teach activities. The experience and knowledge you already possess from practicing in a team or playing socially are enough to prepare you for camp. Below is a list of skills directors are looking for:
Note: These positions are only available to native English speakers.
The benefits of going with CCUSA are endless, but here are just a few highlights.
CCUSA works hard to find just the right camp placement for your unique personality and skill set. During your interview, we will get to know you and help you understand the camp experience.
Included with your program is up to ten weeks of insurance coverage. If your placement and arrival orientation is longer than 10 weeks, you are responsible for paying the additional cost of insurance coverage over 10 weeks, which must be done prior to departure.
All participants receive room and board for the full duration of their camp placement.
Participants will need to obtain either a camp counselor work permit or the IEC Working Holiday. We help you decide which is best for you and assist you every step of the way.
Upon arrival in Canada all participants will receive instructions on how to obtain a Social Insurance Number that will allow you to work legally in Canada.
CCUSA provides you with exceptional service. We are always just a phone call away 24/7 if an emergency occurs during your stay in Canada.
We provide a step-by-step on-line application process that is easy to follow and understand. Follow the link to Apply Now.
Canadian camps provide the ideal environment for developing lasting friendships with people from around the world. Camps work hard to create strong communities, especially among past staff.
You will be an ambassador for your country and make lifelong friends from around the world.
The stipend varies according to your position, but you can expect to earn the following amounts during an 8-10 week contract.
If a camp hires you for longer than 10 weeks, you will be paid an additional stipend.
Please note, camps will deduct taxes from your pay. You may file a tax return beginning in March the following year, and you may not receive all the taxes you paid back.
The stipend listed is in Canadian dollars.
*Apply now for the best pricing. Discounts available for returnees. For more information contact your local office.
Please note there are additional costs to consider as part of the program. These amounts are paid directly to the third party listed (not paid to CCUSA):
Simple steps to get you on your way.
Participants will be required to obtain a work permit. You are responsible for all associated costs for the work permit. You will receive support from CCUSA’s in-house immigration consultant, and/or your camp’s work permit support depending on where you are placed. Additionally, Australian passport holders are eligible for the Working Holiday Permit which allows you to work at camp and continue working for up to 24 months in Canada.
