Over a million people are employed in the summer camp industry in the USA and Canada, and about 10 million pupils (aged between 7 and 16) attend summer camps in the USA and Canada each year. The schools close for nearly 3 months over the northern hemisphere’s summer months (June to August), and it has become a tradition for school pupils to go on ‘summer camps’. There are different types of camp catering to children from all economic backgrounds, religious faiths and physical abilities. All camps have one goal in common: to provide a safe, rewarding and positive experience for their campers.

The duration of the camps varies, but most camps operate for the full 3 months. Many older students (18 years and older) are needed over summer to assist with the various activities at the camps, and thousands of students from all over the world are employed over the summer months.

Although it is possible to apply directly to a specific camp, it is more usual (and more effective from outside the USA and Canada) to apply to organizations that will arrange everything for you, such as your visa, flights, transport to the camp and insurance. The fee you pay will be earned back, because you will earn a salary when you work at the camp, and with the bit of money left over you can travel around after you have finished working.

Many of the summer camp organizations hold free information evenings at various venues around the world, including South Africa. In South Africa you will see adverts in the local press from February to about May each year, and it is well worth investing a few hours for one evening to understand what is being offered.

Select a country to find the available options concerning summer camp jobs:

USA and Canada

Australia and New Zealand Asia

Central and South America Rest of Africa