The best sleepaway camps to work at in America offer an immersive, community-driven experience where you build leadership skills, spend your summer outdoors, and form lifelong friendships. Some of these camps include Camp Laurel, Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge, Camp Birchmont, Camp Weequahic, Camp Robin Hood, and Island Lake Camp.

Finding the best sleepaway camp to work at in America isn’t just about picking a location—it’s about choosing an experience that shapes your summer in a meaningful way.

Whether you’re a college student, recent graduate, or simply looking for something different, working at a sleepaway camp offers a unique blend of adventure, responsibility, and personal growth. It’s not just a job—it’s a full, immersive experience.

This guide explores what makes the best sleepaway camps stand out, what you can expect, and how to find the right fit for your goals.

Why Work at a Sleepaway Camp in America?

Sleepaway camps across the United States are known for their energy, tradition, and strong sense of community. From waterfront camps in Maine to mountain camps out West, each offers a completely different environment—but the core experience remains the same.

What really sets sleepaway camps apart is the lifestyle.

You’re not commuting to work or watching the clock. You’re living on-site, building relationships, and becoming part of a close-knit community.

Working at a sleepaway camp in America allows you to:

• Develop leadership and communication skills
  You’re guiding campers daily, managing challenges, and learning how to lead with confidence.
• Spend your summer outdoors
  Your workplace could be a lake, a field, or a hiking trail—far from screens and routines.
• Meet people from around the world
  Camps bring together staff from diverse backgrounds, creating a truly global environment.
• Travel and explore the U.S.
  Many staff turn their camp experience into a broader travel adventure.
• Make a lasting impact on campers
  The connections you build help shape a child’s confidence and memories for years to come.

For many, working at a sleepaway camp becomes one of the most memorable and rewarding summers of their lives.

What Makes the Best Sleepaway Camps to Work At?

Not every camp offers the same experience. The best sleepaway camps in America tend to share a few key qualities that make them stand out for staff.

Strong Staff Culture and Community

At the best camps, you’re not just an employee—you’re part of a team that supports each other.

From day one, strong leadership helps create an environment where staff feel comfortable, valued, and encouraged to grow. Long days are balanced by shared experiences, and friendships form quickly in this kind of setting.

For many staff, this sense of community is what defines their entire summer.

Incredible Locations and Facilities

Sleepaway camps are often set in some of the most scenic parts of the country—lakes, forests, and mountains that feel far removed from everyday life.

Top camps invest in facilities that enhance both the camper and staff experience, such as:

• Private waterfronts for swimming and boating
• Well-maintained sports fields and equipment
• Creative spaces for arts and performance
• Adventure features like ropes courses and climbing walls

These environments don’t just look great—they make your job more engaging and enjoyable.

Variety of Activities and Programs

One of the biggest perks of working at a sleepaway camp is the variety in your day.

You might coach sports in the morning, lead outdoor activities in the afternoon, and help with evening events. This range keeps things interesting and helps you build a diverse skill set.

Well-run camps also have structured programs, which makes your role clearer and more rewarding.

Support for International Staff

Many of the best sleepaway camps in America actively hire international staff and provide strong support systems.

This often includes:

• Pre-arrival guidance
• Airport pickups and travel coordination
• Orientation and training before camp begins
• Ongoing support throughout the summer

This level of organization allows you to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

Pay, Perks, and Living Experience

While the value of camp goes far beyond money, the best camps still offer solid packages.

Most sleepaway camps provide:

• Competitive pay
• Free on-site accommodation
• All meals included
• Access to camp facilities

Some also offer travel stipends or end-of-summer bonuses.

Because you live where you work, quality housing and organization make a big difference in your overall experience.

Types of Sleepaway Camps You Can Work At

Understanding the different types of camps can help you find the right fit.

Traditional Sleepaway Camps

Classic overnight camps where staff and campers live together. These offer the most immersive experience and strongest sense of community.

Specialty Camps

Focused programs centered on areas like sports, arts, STEM, or outdoor adventure.

Day Camps vs Sleepaway Camps

Day camps operate during set hours, while sleepaway camps involve living on-site—creating a much deeper, more immersive experience.

Benefits of Working at a Sleepaway Camp

Working at a sleepaway camp gives you far more than a summer paycheck.

• Build leadership skills
  You’re responsible for campers daily, learning how to guide, support, and problem-solve.
• Gain valuable experience
  Employers recognize camp work as proof of teamwork, responsibility, and resilience.
• Grow your confidence
  Living away from home pushes you to become more independent and self-assured.
• Travel opportunities
  Many staff explore the U.S. before or after camp.
• Lifelong friendships
  The shared experience creates strong, lasting connections.

These are the kinds of experiences that stay with you long after summer ends.

How to Choose the Right Sleepaway Camp

Finding the best sleepaway camp for you comes down to a few key factors:

• Match your skills and interests
  Think about what you enjoy and where you can contribute.
• Consider location
  Do you prefer lakes, mountains, or wooded settings?
• Think about camp size and culture
  Larger camps offer energy and variety, while smaller camps can feel more personal.
• Define your goals
  Are you looking for adventure, professional development, or cultural exchange?

How to Apply for the Best Sleepaway Camp Jobs

Getting a job at one of the best sleepaway camps in America is more accessible than you might think.

At American Summer Camps (ASC), we help match you with camps that align with your skills, interests, and personality.

The process is straightforward:

1. Apply online
2. Speak with our team
3. Get matched with a camp
4. Prepare for your summer in the USA

We support you throughout the entire process so you feel confident every step of the way.

If you’re ready to make your summer count, working at a sleepaway camp is one of the best ways to do it.

FAQs About Working at Sleepaway Camps

The Best Sleepaway Camps to Work at in America

Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel stands as one of the most prestigious and highly esteemed camps across the nation. It provides top-tier instruction meticulously crafted to enable children to engage in their beloved activities while also opening doors to new and exhilarating opportunities for exploration.

At Camp Laurel, the emphasis lies in fostering a professional yet familial atmosphere, coupled with superior instruction and the cultivation of lifelong bonds forged each summer. Its dedicated staff comprises collegiate individuals and seasoned professionals, all driven by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children.

The camp’s extensive array of activity areas encompasses Boys and Girls Sports, Waterfront Activities, Fine Arts, Theatre, Adventure pursuits, Riding, and beyond. Boasting premier facilities, Camp Laurel features a picturesque waterfront and beach, regulation sports fields, basketball courts, a brilliantly lit roller hockey arena, a beach volleyball court bathed in light, as well as state-of-the-art arts and crafts studios including photography and ceramics workshops.

Moreover, the camp offers an impressive roster of amenities including 15 all-weather tennis courts, an aerial park, climbing towers, stables, riding arenas, and a professionally-equipped theatre, ensuring a diverse and enriching experience for all who partake. 

At Camp Laurel, prepare for an unforgettable adventure! Nestled in a breathtaking natural setting, you’ll dive into a whirlwind of activities from sports to arts and crafts, and thrilling wilderness expeditions. But that’s not all! Forge lifelong connections with your fellow staff members, cultivating friendships that’ll last a lifetime. Learn more about working at Camp Laurel for summer 2024…

Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge

Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge is a brother/sister summer camp with separate boys and girls campuses, located in Equinunk, Pennsylvania. EBR houses children ages 6-16 and offer a wide range of activities and events, including sports, arts and crafts, adventure and wilderness programs, and more.

At Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge, campers and staff have the opportunity to make new friends, develop new skills, and build confidence and independence in a supportive and engaging environment. Counselors and staff on both campuses are dedicated to creating a positive and memorable experience for all campers and are committed to helping them have fun and thrive.

Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge offer an exciting and fulfilling summer experience in a an exquisite natural setting. Come join the fun and make lasting memories at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge! More about summer camp positions at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge this summer…

Camp Birchmont

At Camp Birchmont, kids step into a world of newfound independence, transitioning from home to a welcoming “home away from home.” Set in a stunning camp environment, Birchmont nurtures a supportive community where campers thrive. Encouraging active participation, making friends, and embracing new adventures are key. Friendship, mutual respect, and endless fun are the cornerstones of the Birchmont experience.

At Birchmont, cabin life instills support and camaraderie in every child. Through cooperation and consideration, campers foster a strong sense of community amidst 300 acres of summer fun and adventure.

Joining Birchmont’s staff means being part of an exceptional camper-to-counselor ratio, with roughly one staff member for every three campers! Plus, you’ll receive unparalleled support from a seasoned supervisory team boasting decades of collective Birchmont expertise, ensuring your summer is guided with care and wisdom. Check out summer camp jobs at Camp Birchmont in New Hampshire…

Camp Weequahic

Camp Weequahic is a co-ed summer camp located in Lakewood, Pennsylvania that serves children ages 6-16. Working at Camp Weequahic is an exciting, rewarding and fulfilling experience for many reasons.

Working at Camp Weequahic allows people to make an impact on the lives of kids. You will have the chance as a camp counselor or staff member to be a role model and mentor for campers, assisting them in developing new skills, confidence, and independence, forming long-lasting bonds and friendships with the children in your care.

Working at Camp Weequahic also provides chances for personal and professional development. Through your daily tasks and interactions with campers and coworkers, you will have the opportunity to build and improve your leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities. You will also be able to learn from and collaborate with a varied group of people from various backgrounds and experiences.

Working and playing at Camp Weequahic is an incredible experience! You will live and work in a pristine summer camp setting and take part in a huge range of activities, events and timeless Weequahic traditions. The friendships you make will last forever. Learn more about working at Camp Weequahic in summer 2024…

Brant Lake Camp

Step into the legacy of Brant Lake Camp, one of the earliest single-family-owned camps in the US, established in 1916. With a tailored approach to child care, we understand the evolving needs of each boy as he grows. Nestled on a pristine six-mile lake, our camp offers private waterfronts and beaches for endless summer adventures. Our top-notch facilities provide the perfect backdrop for sports, tradition, and pure fun.

Joining our team as a counselor promises a uniquely fulfilling experience. Guiding young minds and making a tangible impact on their lives will leave you with profound personal growth and lasting fulfillment. More about summer jobs at Brant Lake Camp in New York…

Camp Robin Hood

Camp Robin Hood, nestled in the picturesque Freedom, New Hampshire, offers an electrifying summer experience for children aged 6-17. Joining the team at Camp Robin Hood is not just a job; it’s an opportunity to ignite joy and growth in young hearts.

As a counselor or staff member, you become a beacon of guidance and inspiration, shaping the future of campers by fostering skills, confidence, and independence. Every day is a canvas for creating cherished memories and forging lifelong connections with campers who will forever hold you dear in their hearts.

Beyond the sheer joy of impacting lives, working at Camp Robin Hood propels personal and professional evolution. Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are honed amidst the vibrant camp atmosphere. Collaborating with a diverse array of individuals enriches your experience, fostering a community where growth knows no bounds. Learn more about working at Camp Robin Hood for summer 2024…

Island Lake Camp

Founded in 1986, Island Lake Sports & Arts Center thrives on personalized attention and achievement. We’re dedicated to tailoring the camp experience to meet the unique interests and needs of both staff and campers alike. Our ultimate goal? Ensuring that every moment spent at camp is brimming with excitement and cherished memories.

Nestled in a warm and nurturing environment, Island Lake embraces all who enter as part of our extended family. Our directors and leadership team are always accessible, fostering an atmosphere where communication flows freely and kindness abounds.

At Island Lake Camp, the possibilities are endless. Engage in a myriad of activities from sports to arts and crafts, adventure excursions, and beyond. Forge deep connections with fellow staff members and create enduring bonds with the children under your care. Don’t let this chance to craft an unforgettable summer while leaving a lasting impact slip away. Join the Island Lake Camp team today! Learn more about working at Island Lake Camp this summer…

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