Camp Exchange 2027
Summer camp in America
The Camp Exchange programme lets young people work as counsellors at a children’s summer camp in the USA and then travel around the country for up to 30 days as tourists. Approved by the US State Department, it is your chance at an unforgettable summer, new skills and experiences across the ocean.
Who can take part in Camp Exchange?
Participants need to meet a few requirements.
Experience working with children
and a willingness to work at camps where the main activities are outdoors
Excellent English
and skills in at least two of the areas counsellors are sought for
A desire to see the USA
and to learn more about the American way of life
Aged between 18 and 30
(you do not need to be a student) and be able to leave in May or June
What does the summer camp programme cost and what does it include?
There is no participation fee for Camp Exchange.
NO FEE
✓ Issuing of the DS-2019 certificate.
✓ Full medical insurance for the whole programme period.
✓ A job offer for 8 to 10 weeks that meets US State Department requirements.
✓ Free accommodation and meals during the working period at the summer camp.
✓ Payment of $2,000 on completion of the working period.
✓ A 30-day tourist period for travelling in the USA once the work is finished.
✓ A 24-hour helpline.
✓ Full administrative service: completing and translating the necessary documents, preparation for the visa interview and submission of documents to the embassy, printed materials and information on every stage and requirement of the programme.
Costs
Visa interview fee
Payment to the US Consulate
Flight ticket
Depending on the destination and travel period
Working at a children’s camp in the USA
Find out how a placement is found and what the work involves.
How do I find a placement?
Finding a position is our American partner’s job. Once you have had an interview with us and completed your application form, directors of hundreds of summer camps across the USA will be able to see your application.
When a camp shows interest in you, you will have an interview by phone or online to discuss the details. Once a job offer is confirmed, a work permit is issued.
What is the work at a camp like?
Camps are spread across the whole country and come in different kinds, depending on the activities the children do and on their age, gender and so on. There are camps for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and for children with developmental difficulties.
When you apply, you state which types interest you. Camps are usually away from towns; children spend between one and three weeks there and then the groups change over. Your job is to be with the participants at all times, to look after their safety, to pass on your skills, to play games together and to keep to the camp rules.
Arts and science
- Arts and crafts
- Ceramics and pottery
- Leatherwork
- Tie-dye and textile work
- Weaving
- Jewellery making
- Drawing and painting
- Photography
- Stained glass
- Woodcarving
- Acting
- Computers
- Cooking
- Music
- Singing
Outdoor activities
- Hiking
- Orienteering
- Camping
- Scouting skills
Sport
- Archery
- Baseball
- Basketball
- BMX
- Rafting
- Cycling
- Athletics
- Fencing
- Field hockey
- Go-karting
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Lacrosse
- Martial arts
- Mountain biking
- Paintball
- Rock climbing
- Ropes course skills
- Sailing
- Skateboarding
- Football
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wakeboarding
- Waterskiing
- Windsurfing
Physical activity
- Aerobics
- Dance
- Yoga
What are the benefits of going on Camp Exchange?
There is more than one – here are a few.
You will see America
As a participant you will be paid. You will get to see some of the most famous places in the world, enjoy remarkable landscapes and be part of American celebrations and festivals – all things worth doing.
You will make new friends
During the programme you will meet people from all over the world, live alongside them at camp and have the chance to make new friends. Some may stay a fond memory of one summer; others will last a lifetime.
You will gain valuable experience
Employers around the world regard work as a camp counsellor as extremely valuable experience, and people with it on their CV usually find work far more easily. Employers in Bulgaria are no exception.
You will be a leader
As a Camp Exchange USA counsellor you become a role model, mentor and leader for the children. Working with them daily puts you in fast-moving situations that build and sharpen key skills. That will serve you well.
What are the application stages for Camp Exchange USA?
From start to finish: what to expect when applying for a summer camp in the USA
Sign-up
Signing up for the programme and completing the sponsor’s application form.
Finding a placement
Finding the position that best matches your skills.
Visa application
Issuing of the work permit and applying for a visa.
Departure
Orientation and departure for the USA.