​Private/Traditional Camps
These camps are independently owned and will generally focus on giving children a chance to try sports, arts & crafts, waterfront and other outdoor activities. They usually last between 4 to 8 weeks and, depending on the camp, are often located in the rustic outdoors, or they could have well-appointed cabins and great sports facilities like tennis courts, a swimming pool and football pitches.

The majority of the camps in America are of this type but every camp is unique in terms of the traditions they might follow.


Day Camps
Day camps offer a range of activities and are normally located on private sites, parks or on part of a residential camp. The majority of day camps tend to operate during business hours only; normally 8am till 5pm Monday to Friday. Because of this, the children do not stay overnight and the counsellors work during the day and have more free time during the evening. Despite this, the staff will still live at the camp site for the duration of the summer season. Although it is primarily a day camp, their may be occasions where the camp will have organised an evening trip or a late-running activity for both staff and campers.



​Scout Camps
Scout camps are popular and are a unique experience for counsellors that have never been involved with scouts before. This is not necessarily just for boys. Girl scouts are becoming increasingly popular due to traditions in developing outdoor skills and making new friends from across the country. Scout camps are focused on camping and the outdoors. These camps will often have tents as a form of accommodation and custom built areas to teach the children new skills. Because they are focused on the outdoors, some of the activities will include hill walking, outdoor cooking and horse riding.

Religious Camps
There are many camps across the states that operate by different religions and their various traditions. Children are usually attracted to these camps through their associated churches. Counsellors who work at these types of camps are generally (but not limited to) people who believe strongly in their faith and would be able to lead traditions and offer children guidance alongside the usual activities. However, you do not have to be of a camps religion to work there. Although it is important that you respect their views and keep your personal beliefs to yourself and do not try to influence or change the beliefs of others. The duration of these camps vary but they tend to last between 1 to 4 weeks. As a counselor you will therefore be working with different groups of children through out your time at camp.

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Camps for Disadvantaged Children

Normally operated by social agencies, these camps give children from an under privaliged back ground the chance to have a taste of camp life. The duration of these camps tend to be between 1 to 2 weeks so as a staff member you will have the chance to meet a lot of children throughout your time working there. These camps focus on relaxed games and team building. Facilities can sometimes be more limited than those of a traditional camp, but children will still have as much fun at these camps. Playing and living together are the most important experiences of the camp life. The work is often demanding but it is great if you have experience and dedication.

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Special Needs Camps
Special needs camps offer programs for those with a physical or mental disability. These types of camps are not just for children but for adults as well. These camps are often run by non-profit agencies. You do not necessarily need to have previous experience in this field as full training will be given, but you will need to be extremely dedicated, patient and prepared to help out in dressing and washing campers, assisting them at meal times, etc. The program material will be slightly different to that of a traditional camp. For some camps, basic skills and certain sports can be taught and enjoyed by the campers, while other camps may focus specifically on helping the children in other areas. Counsellors for special needs camps are often in high demand. Whilst it may be hard work, the rewards are extremely high. 

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