A Love Letter to the Job That Set Me Free

I was 18 the first time I experienced what it’s like working at a summer camp in the USA. I had no idea what I was doing – I just knew I wanted to go overseas, meet new people, and have an adventure.

I thought it would be a one-time thing.

Seven years later, I went back.

At 25, I left my stable job, sold all my stuff, packed my bags, and returned to that same magical all-girls camp in Maine. I was terrified I’d be “too old”. That maybe I’d outgrown it, or it wouldn’t hit the same.

I was so wrong… it hit harder.

Whether you’re 18 and fresh out of school or 26 and looking for a reset, working at camp is an experience that meets you exactly where you’re at. And it’ll change your life.

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It’s Like The Parent Trap…But Real Life

The camp I worked at was the most “Parent Trap” place you could imagine: wooden cabins nestled in the forest, paddle boards lined up on the shore of Sebago Lake, tetherball poles, s’mores by the campfire, songs that got stuck in your head for weeks. It was cinematic. And it was real.

It was an all-girls camp bursting with energy, chaos, magic, and heart. We started every day with a bugle and ended it under the stars. It felt like stepping into another world.

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Working at a Summer Camp Doesn’t Require Qualifications – Just Passion

One of the best parts? You don’t need a degree or formal training to work at camp.

If you have a passion, whether it’s music, sport, arts & crafts, drama, swimming, even horse riding, there’s a camp that will want you to share it. You’ll teach or assist in that area, and live in a cabin with the kids you’re working with.

If you don’t have a specific skill area, no stress! Many camps also hire general counsellors who accompany their group of campers through all the day’s activities. Think of it like being a big sibling for the summer.

My first year, I was a general counsellor. When I returned years later, I took on a leadership role as a Unit Leader and was responsible for an entire age group (around 50 girls). No matter the role, the impact was the same.

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The Skills You’ll Carry Forever

Camp is fun, chaotic, messy, and deeply meaningful. You’ll leave with life-long memories and BONUS – you’ll gain actual life skills that stay with you long after the summer ends:

• Conflict resolution (yes, you’ll mediate bunkmate squabbles at 9pm)
• Emotional support (you become a shoulder to cry on for homesick campers)
• Leadership & delegation (especially in senior roles)
• Time management (ever gotten 10 kids up and dressed before morning line-up?)
• Flexibility, resilience, independence… and the ability to lose your inhibitions. (As in, you’re happy to go to dinner dressed as a fairy princess – men, I’m talking to you too.)

Whether I was nail painting, giving pep talks, or running morning meetings, every moment taught me something.

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The Friendships Are Instant and Real

There’s something magical about camp friendships. Maybe it’s because you live, work, and cry-laugh together 24/7. Maybe it’s the lack of phones. Maybe it’s just the kind of people camp attracts.

But the bonds you form are real and fast. I’ve made friends from all over the world who I still travel with and talk to constantly. They’re the kind of people who just get you, and who always want to go on wild adventures.

I talked about camp so much that eventually both of my siblings joined me, and we ended up spending an entire summer together. Living, working, and making memories as a trio was something I’ll never forget. And guess what? They brought their friends too! That’s the thing about camp: once you’ve felt the magic, it’s impossible not to share it.

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Bonus: Travel the USA After Camp (Legally!)

Another massive perk? The J-1 Visa that most camp staff are on allows you to travel in the USA for up to 30 days before and after your camp contract.

That means after camp ends, you can:

• Road trip through the mid-west
• Hike through national parks
• Dance in Nashville
• See New York City for the first (or tenth) time

You’re going there already, your visa is already approved, you’ve got new friends from around the world who are also looking to travel. It’s a perfect storm of opportunity, and it’s one I’ll be writing more about soon.

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🧭 How to Actually Do This

If working at a summer camp is starting to sound like your kind of adventure, here’s how to make it happen!

✅ Apply Through a Camp Agency

Most people go through one of these:

Agency	Approx. Cost (AUD)	Notes
CCUSA	~$1,000	The one I used – great support, flexible placements, global network
Camp America	~$900–$1,300	The biggest name in the game, solid reputation
Camp Leaders	~$800–$1,200	Popular with UK/Europe applicants
IENA	~$850–$1,100	Slightly less known in Aus, good U.S.-based camp network

Most agencies help with visa paperwork, camp placement, orientation, and often assist with flights or travel insurance.

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Camp Application Tips:

• Show enthusiasm over perfection
• Highlight any childcare experience (even babysitting)
• Don’t stress about age – camps need mature staff too
• Be honest about your personality, preferences & skills (don’t worry – they’ll find the right camp fit!). Do NOT say you can teach horse riding if your past experience with horses is watching Saddle Club.
• Apply by March at the latest for the best selection – but ultimately, the earlier the better. Many agencies run early bird deals starting as early as September/October the year before!

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Quick Questions I Always Get

Do I need a degree?
Nope! Just energy, kindness, and a willingness to work hard.

Will I know anyone?
Probably not at first. But you’ll know everyone by week one. Promise.

Can I go alone?
Absolutely. Most people do, and leave with best friends!

Is it safe?
Camps are tight-knit communities with lots of structure and support. You’re never alone.

Do I get paid?
Yes! It’s not a fortune, but your food and accommodation are included. Plus, the life experience? Priceless.

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Things I’ll Never Forget

• The entire camp sitting together on the edge of the lake, watching fireworks burst over the water on the 4th of July
• Being overtired, overcaffeinated, and totally grumpy until one of my campers ran up, wrapped her arms around me, and reminded me exactly why I was there.
• Cramming onto one tiny bunk bed with my friends, laughing uncontrollably about things that wouldn’t make sense to anyone else
• Taking the paddle boards out on an evening off, floating in silence, looking back at the glowing campgrounds and thinking, “This is what peace feels like”
• That one magical day off in Boston – freedom, iced coffee, vintage stores, and belly laughs
• The final night of camp – nobody sleeps, tears fall freely, and you realise: you’ve just had one of the best summers of your life

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✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re even thinking about doing this, please, take the leap.

Camp isn’t just for the young, or the extroverted, or the super sporty. It’s for anyone who’s craving meaning, friendship, fun, and a chance to press pause on the noise of everyday life.

You’re not too old. You’re not underqualified. You’re right on time.

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Thinking about working at a summer camp? You don’t have to figure it out alone. DM me on Instagram – I’ll happily point you in the right direction!
Better yet, subscribe to She Roams Free for upcoming posts on overseas job options you can do without qualifications. Your next adventure might be closer than you think.

💌 Let’s Keep Roaming Together

Until next time — keep roaming free 🤍
Francesca x