Camp Counselor - LifeTraveled
The LifeTRAVELED American Camp Exchanges program is a cultural exchange initiative that provides students, teachers, youth workers, and those with specialized skills the life-changing opportunity to exchange their culture and create impactful connections.
The Camp Counselor Program enables post-secondary students, youth workers, teachers and applicants with specialized skills to share their culture and ideas with the people of the United States in camp settings throughout the country. Participants in the program receive pay and benefits, such as meals and accommodation, commensurate to their American counterparts at the camps. The programs vary in length depending on the season of the camp with a maximum program duration of minimum 9 weeks. After the program is complete, participants have 30 days to travel and explore the United States before they need to depart the country.
America offers a broad range of camps with different focuses such as sports, outdoor activities, cultural and religious emphases, gender specific, arts and crafts or any combination thereof! There is undoubtedly the perfect camp for you depending on your skills and interests. The only common denominator is that you must be enthusiastic about working with children and interested in exploring America!
Eligibility Criteria
Interested applicants must be able to provide proof of the following in order to participate in the program:
- Must be 18-33 years (age exemption for special needs counselors).
- Valid Passport above 6 months.
- Digital Passport Photo.
- A copy of your CV/Resume
- Proof of your status as a student College or University (Part-Time & Full Time), teacher or youth worker. Having specialized skills is a accepted: Lifeguard, Childcare, Teaching and Personal Care.
- At least two references from a current or past employer or teacher attesting to your suitability to participate in the program. If you are qualifying based on a specialized skill, at least one of your references should focus on your skill. (This can be provided before or after your submission).
- Police Record dated within the last 6 months (This can be provided before or after your submission).
Application Process
Step 1: Pay Registration Fee & 1st Portion of Program Fee
- Interested clients must pay their Registration Fee of $2,500JMD at the below account: Note: The below account is a JMD account and fees must be paid in JMD Dollars.
VMBS Account#: 688472316
Branch: 50 - Corporate Branch (Liguanea)
Account: Savings
Account Name: The Passport Work & Travel Services Ltd.
- Interested clients must pay their Program Fee Deposit of $250USD at the below account: Note: The below account is a US account and fees must be paid in US Dollars.
VMBS Account#: 696566503
Branch: 50 - Corporate Branch (Liguanea)
Account: Savings
Account Name: The Passport Work & Travel Services Ltd.
Once payment has been made, ensure to have photo or a scanned copy of your receipt.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Submit your application for the J-1 USA Camp Counselor Program. Ensure to have the list of items before submitting your application. They are:
- Payment Receipts of Registration Fee & Program Fee Deposit.
- Digital Passport Photo (This is taken at passport photo studio)
- A scanned copy of your passport bio page.
- A copy of your CV/Resume (Please use the Camp Resume Template here)
- Proof of your status as a student (College or University) with minimum GPA 2.0 , youth worker or teacher: School Status Letter for students or Job Letter for youth worker or teacher.
- Print, signed and scanned the Agency: J-1 Camp Counselor Program Terms and Conditions. You can download the terms and condition it here.
- Police Record dated within the last 6 months (This can be provided before or after submission).
Step 3: Application Processing & Pre-screening Interview
Please allow the agent 3-5 business days to process your application, upon completion the agent will issue you a receipt for payment. If you should have any questions, please email us at apply@thepassportja.com
Step 4: Complete Your Interview with Host Camp Interview & Pay your 2nd Portion of Program Fee
Once Lifetraveled has confirmed your placement, you will be required to pay your remaining fees and provide any outstanding documents. Note: The following fees will be due in 10 business days, 2nd Portion Program fee of $245USD + $35USD SEVIS.
Step 5: Secure Your J-1 Visa
Secure your J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy and book your travel! The Passport Work and Travel Services Limited will walk you through the embassy interview process to give you the best chance of securing your visa. Once you receive your visa, you will coordinate with your host camp on the who, what, where, and when of your arrival.
What To Expect
After you receive your J-1 Visa, you will coordinate the details of your arrival with Lifetraveled and your camp. Most camps will have several days before campers arrive for new counselor orientation where you will learn the camp rules and expectations as well as the fun stuff like camp songs and activities. Most camps last approximately 9 weeks with new campers arriving every 7 days. You will be the leader of your group of campers and responsible for ensuring they have a great experience while making sure they stay safe. You will also lead specific activities for campers throughout the day. One day you may be teaching beginner archery and the next judging a cannonball competition at the lake!
Your accommodation and food will be provided by your camp free of charge. Keep in mind that this is a “camp” so you should expect open-air cabins, sleeping bags, and simple but healthy food choices. Payment varies based on different Host Camps, commensurate with your American counterparts. As part of your orientation, you will need to apply for a social security number so you can be paid.
At the completion of your program, you will have 30 days to remain in the U.S. to travel and explore! We highly encourage you to take advantage of this grace period and visit all the sites you can before returning home.
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.