FAQs & Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

First Time to Camp Questions

Q: Who is eligible for the Camp Counselors USA program?
A: Students and non-Students are eligible for Camp Counselors USA. Any nationality can apply to the program. There are some visa restrictions for people applying in a country other than their home country so contact your local CCUSA office for details. The age range for the program is 19-30. If you are older than 35, please check with your local CCUSA office before applying.
Q: I won’t be 18 years old until June 1 - can I still go?
A: It is a U.S. J-1 visa requirement that anyone issued with this cultural exchange visa be over 18 by June 1st and be an active university student. If you don’t turn 18 until June 1st or you are not a university student, CCUSA will welcome your application next season!
Q: What positions can I apply for at camp?
A: There are four types of jobs that you can apply for at camp - General Counselors, Specialists / Activity Counselors, Lifeguards and Support Staff (who work in the kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance). Rest assured there is a position that is perfect for you - check out the website for eligibility and more details.
Q: I want to apply as a Counselor – do I need experience working with children?
A: You need to have some experience if you want to be a Camp Counselor. 'Experience' can include teaching, day care, coaching, babysitting and taking care of younger cousins or siblings for an extended amount of time.
Q: I don't have a particular skill that I could teach at camp. Can I still apply?
A: While it is preferable to have a specialist skill in a particular activity, this is not a requirement of the program. In the CCUSA brochure, you will find a list of over 50 activities…. if you can assist in a few of these areas, then you may be placed as a General Counselor. General Counselors attend most activities with campers and normally assist Specialists in running their activities.
Q: I have experience teaching tennis and my friend has experience teaching horseback riding to children. However we have no official qualifications. Can we still apply?
A: ABSOLUTELY!! CCUSA camps are always on the lookout for riding instructors and tennis coaches, as well as all the other activities listed in our brochure. With most activities, qualifications are helpful but not essential. Don't underestimate your personal experiences. Remember, these are American children you are teaching - not experts. Practical experience working with groups of children is what we’re looking for, however, qualifications are a bonus!
Q: Can I choose the state in America where I want you to place me at a camp?
A: CCUSA carefully matches your skills and interests to a camp that will suit you. Remember, you have time after camp to travel and sightsee… use that time to visit the particular state, area, or relative of your choice. If you're worried about being at camp on your own, don't be - you'll make more than enough friends once camp starts!
Q: I want to work on the same camp as my friend / significant other. Can you place us together?
A: It is very difficult to place friends together at the same camp, so we do not do this. Consider the possibility of going to different camps and meeting up afterwards to travel together. It is difficult to place people together, as often Camp Directors are unwilling to accept joint applications. This can be for a number of reasons - sometimes people who already know each other integrate less with a group, camps may be worried that if one person doesn't enjoy the job or is homesick they will both leave and, in some cases, it may simply be that there is only one space available.
Q: How early should I apply?
A: As a rule of thumb, the earlier you apply, the earlier you get placed.
Q: When will I leave for camp?
A: Camps can start anytime from May 20th to June 30th. Your departure for camp will depend on your travel availability and your camp contract dates. However, it's worth bearing in mind that the earlier you send in your application, the easier it is to place you. So, as soon as you make up your mind to go to camp - GO FOR IT!
Q: What happens if my availability dates change? I don't know my exact exam timetable.
A: If you don't know your exam timetable or college end date, please indicate the earliest date you are certain you will be available to leave. If you become available earlier, we can adjust your application. Remember the earlier your availability date, the more camps we can send your application to, and the better our chances of finding you the perfect placement. If you are applying as Support Staff, your visa dates will be based on your official university break dates.
Q: How many references do I need?
A: Three for counselors and two for support staff. Your selected referees will need to complete the CCUSA Reference Questionnaire. References should be from a person who has known you in a professional capacity for more than 6 months. This could be a teacher/sports coach/employer etc. CCUSA CANNOT accept references from family members or friends!
Q: A camp in the USA has agreed to hire me - do I still have to go through the application process?
A: Yes, please follow the normal application procedure and include a letter of invitation or an email from the camp that is offering you a position. You must make sure your camp is currently an active camp with CCUSA. If not, please have your Camp Director call our head office in the U.S. at 1-800-999-2267. If or when your camp becomes active, we'll make sure the camp receives your completed application form so they can hire you. As your visa sponsor, CCUSA is required to thoroughly screen all applicants, even if they have a job already arranged.
Q: I have a limited budget - how much does the program cost? Do I get paid?
A: Program costs are kept low because CCUSA realizes that money can be tight. Since CCUSA has offices in over 50 countries, the Fees and Pocket Money do vary. However, in all countries CCUSA offers the best value for anyone wishing to work at an American summer camp. Every participant will be paid Pocket Money, although again, the amount varies depending upon your home country. Make sure you check out the What you Pay and What you Get pages on this website to access Program Fees and Pocket Money.
Q: Can I smoke/drink at camp?
A: Smoking and drinking alcohol are both greatly discouraged, and each camp will have their own policy on these issues. You will not be allowed to drink at camp or on camp property. Please remember that if you break these rules you may be fired. It is also important to note – the drinking age throughout the United States is 21!
Q: How much free time will I get?
A: Camps have, on average, one day off a week as well as a period off during the day and one or two evenings off a week. Summer camps organize time off independently, so your days and evenings off will be at their discretion.
Q: Is there someone I can speak to about the program?
A: Yes, CCUSA has many area representatives around Hungary who can talk to you about the program. These are people from your school who have worked at camps in the USA. They also hold Camp Counselor USA presentations at universities around Hungary during the school year. These presentations provide information about working at camp, travel, your visa, flights, insurance, etc. Details about when and where will be these „info meetings” are available on the website. The Camp Counselor USA presentations last approximately one to two hours and while optional, we strongly recommend you attend one. If you’re unsure about what is involved, or if you just want to find out more before applying, feel free to attend
Q: There's not a CCUSA office in my home town. Is it possible for me to be interviewed locally?
A: CCUSA has a number of interviewers who are based in different parts of the country, so it's likely we can interview you close to home. Contact our  Budapest CCUSA office for more details.
Q: Can I apply if I have a medical condition?
A: Due to the nature of the program, there are some medical conditions that may exclude participation. CCUSA has many years of experience sending young people to summer camps. During this time, we have developed considerable expertise in determining which medical conditions are appropriate for the camp environment and which are not. At all times, we seek to put the health and welfare of our participants and the children in their care first. We will always try to be fair and judge each application on a case-by-case basis, but there are some medical conditions which can be made much worse through the excitement and environment of summer camps. There are also other conditions which are regarded more seriously in the U.S. than in other countries, and for which it is consequently impossible for us to obtain insurance coverage. CCUSA's insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions. There are some conditions which completely rule people out of consideration. However, there are others that may be considered depending on individual circumstances. You will be asked to complete a medical disclosure form detailing your condition, and you will be required to have a special letter completed by your doctor. If it is a pre-existing condition, you will also be required to purchase, at your own expense, insurance coverage that covers your condition. Our US Office will then review all this information. Please be aware that anyone who is dishonest on their forms will be cancelled from the program, with no refund of fees. For further information and questions, please contact our Budapest CCUSA office. Please note that all decisions are at the discretion of CCUSA.
Q: How good does my English need to be?
A: When at camp, it's important that you can communicate effectively using English with young children and other camp staff. Every interview will be conducted in English, during which time we will review your English speaking ability and comprehension. You must also be able to speak English over the phone at a normal speed. We ask all applicants to complete their application form in English.
Q: Due to university commitments, I am unavailable to fly until mid July. Is it possible to fly then?
A: Unfortunately, the latest departure date we can accept is June 15th. We are unable to place counselors at camps after this date. By mid-July, some camps are halfway through their session.
Q: I can't commit to 10 weeks work - shall I still apply?
A: No, unfortunately CCUSA must put forward applicants who can commit for an entire ten weeks.
Q: How long after I apply will I hear about my placement?
A: CCUSA will strive to secure you a placement as soon as possible. The more flexible you are about your Camp Type choices and your dates of availability, the better your chance for a quick placement. CCUSA starts placing people in October for the following year. However, bear with us… it does take some time to ensure a "perfect placement" is found for you. CCUSA will not place you just anywhere. REMEMBER THE EARLIER YOU APPLY, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCE FOR AN EARLY PLACEMENT.
Q: What happens if I don't like my placement?
A: For many years, we have perfected our procedures to assure applicants are placed as a result of a close match of their skills and experience. Therefore, it is very rare for someone to actually want to reject their placement. However, extenuating circumstances MAY allow for a rejected placement... keep in mind, this is very rare.
Q: Should I be worried about traveling alone?
A: No, CCUSA will provide you with a list of other people from around the world who are placed at your camp… this list most likely will include other people from your home country. Many countries also do group CCUSA flights, so it is easy to meet people on the way to camp. You won't be alone for long! Once you get to camp, you will meet other internationals who also traveled by themselves. Remember, it's often easier to make new friends if you are not with a group from home. Plus, Americans are incredibly friendly - you won't be "friendless" for long!
Q: Can I work after camp with my visa?
A: No, your camp contract dates will be your visa dates. Beyond these dates you are not allowed to work int he US.

Returning to Camp Questions

Q: I went to a camp last summer and would like to return to the same camp. The camp has agreed to re-hire me, but do I need to wait for their contract to apply as a Returnee?
A: You can apply online at any time. However, to complete your Returnee application process, you will need to include a contract or an invitation letter/email from your camp. Remember, if you filled in your application with CCUSA in 2011 and attended camp, your application is still accessible through our Application Centre… simply log in with your same user ID and password, choose the Camp Counselors program for 2012 and follow the directions. It is very simple, quick and easy.
Q: I went to camp last year with another company… can I return through CCUSA to camp?
A: Absolutely! Every year, many people who have been to camp through other organizations return to camp with CCUSA. All you need to do is complete the 1 page Returnee application and submit it with your invitation letter/email or contract from your camp. Please contact our CCUSA Budapest office to ensure that your camp is currently an active camp with CCUSA.