Arriving in the USA for summer camp is exciting, but a little preparation can make your journey much easier. Keep your travel documents accessible, follow your camp’s arrival instructions, plan your transportation in advance, and give yourself time to settle into life in America.

You’ve packed your bags, completed your paperwork, and made it through the airport. Now your summer camp adventure is about to begin.

For international staff, arriving in the USA for summer camp can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You may be visiting America for the first time, traveling alone, or heading somewhere completely unfamiliar.

Fortunately, most camps are used to welcoming international staff each summer. They understand that you may have questions about transportation, orientation, money, jet lag, and everyday life in the United States.

Knowing what to expect can make your first few days much easier.

Before You Fly to the USA

Your arrival experience starts before you board the plane.

Make sure you understand your camp’s travel instructions before leaving home. Some camps ask international staff to arrive at a particular airport, terminal, date, or time so they can coordinate transportation.

Read all arrival information from your camp and visa sponsor carefully. If something is unclear, ask before you travel.

You should also keep your most important documents somewhere easy to reach. Do not pack essential travel documents in your checked luggage.

Consider carrying:

• Your passport
• Your visa and related immigration documents
• Your DS-2019
• Camp contact information
• Your camp’s address
• Sponsor contact information
• Flight details
• Transportation instructions
• Emergency contact information
• Any essential medication

It is also smart to keep a change of clothes and a few basic toiletries in your carry-on. That way, you will still have essentials if your checked luggage is delayed.

What to Expect When You Arrive in the USA

After your plane lands, you will normally go through immigration before officially entering the United States.

Follow airport signs for passport control or immigration. Keep your passport and supporting documents accessible while you wait.

An immigration officer may ask about your reason for visiting the United States, where you are staying, or where you will be working. Answer clearly and honestly.

After immigration, you will usually collect your checked luggage and continue through customs.

Airport procedures can vary depending on where you arrive, so follow signs and instructions from airport and immigration staff.

Once you have cleared the arrival process, you can focus on the next step: getting to camp.

Keep Important Documents in Your Carry-On

It is worth repeating: never put your essential travel documents in checked luggage.

Your passport, visa documents, camp contact information, and travel instructions should stay with you throughout your journey.

You may also want screenshots or offline copies of important details on your phone. Airport Wi-Fi can be unreliable, and international mobile service may not work immediately.

Save information such as:

• Your camp’s phone number
• Your camp director or staff coordinator’s contact details
• Your camp address
• Your pickup location
• Your sponsor’s contact information

Having these details available offline can make a stressful travel situation much easier to manage.

Getting From the Airport to Summer Camp

Every camp handles staff transportation differently.

Some summer camps organize airport pickups for international counselors. Others may arrange buses, shuttles, trains, or meeting points where groups of staff travel together.

Your camp should provide instructions before you leave home.

Before traveling, make sure you know:

• Which airport you should use
• When you should arrive
• Where you should meet your camp representative
• Whether transportation is provided
• Who to contact if your flight is delayed
• What to do if you miss your scheduled pickup

Most importantly, follow your camp’s instructions rather than planning your own route without checking first.

If transportation is not provided, confirm your travel plans with camp staff before booking a train, bus, shuttle, or other connection.

Summer camps can be located in rural areas, so the closest major airport may still be several hours away.

What Happens When You Arrive at Camp?

Reaching camp can feel like a huge milestone.

After hours of airports, flights, buses, and travel, you will finally get to see the place you have been hearing about for months.

Your first day will usually involve checking in, meeting staff, finding your accommodation, and learning your way around the property.

Depending on the camp, you may receive:

• A cabin or staff housing assignment
• A tour of camp
• Staff introductions
• Your schedule
• Camp clothing or equipment
• Safety information
• Activity assignments
• Orientation materials

The first few days are designed to help new staff understand how camp works.

Camp Orientation and Staff Training

Most camps hold staff orientation before campers arrive.

Orientation gives counselors and support staff time to learn camp routines, safety procedures, expectations, and traditions.

You may participate in training on topics such as:

• Camper supervision
• Emergency procedures
• Activity safety
• Camp rules and policies
• Behavior management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Your specific activity area

You will also spend plenty of time getting to know the other people you will be working with.

For international staff, this can be one of the best parts of arriving at camp. You may meet counselors from the United States and countries around the world within your first few days.

Those people will soon become your coworkers, teammates, roommates, and friends.

Setting Up Money and Banking in the USA

Before opening a bank account or making financial arrangements, ask your camp how staff are paid.

Payroll systems vary between camps. Some employers may have specific recommendations or requirements for international staff.

Find out:

• How you will receive your pay
• Whether you need a U.S. bank account
• When staff are normally paid
• Whether your existing bank card will work in America
• Whether your bank charges foreign transaction fees
• Where the nearest ATM or bank is located

It is also helpful to arrive with access to some spending money for your first few days.

Most of your basic living expenses at camp, such as housing and meals, are typically included as part of your employment. However, you may want money for travel days, days off, snacks, shopping, or activities outside camp.

Adjusting to Jet Lag

If you have traveled across several time zones, your body may need a few days to adjust.

Try to get onto local time as soon as possible. Staying awake until a normal local bedtime can help your body adapt.

Drinking water, eating regular meals, and getting enough sleep can also make the transition easier.

Staff orientation can be busy, so do not be surprised if you feel tired during your first few days.

Jet lag usually becomes easier as your body adjusts to the new schedule.

Adjusting to Life in America

Working at summer camp is not only a new job. For international counselors, it may also mean adjusting to a new country.

Some differences will be obvious. Others may take you by surprise.

You might notice different accents, slang, food portions, meal times, tipping customs, or social habits.

Even small things may take some adjustment.

For example, temperatures are usually measured in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. Distances may be discussed in miles rather than kilometers. Electrical outlets may also be different from the ones you use at home.

None of this should stop you from enjoying the experience. In fact, learning these everyday differences is part of what makes spending a summer in America interesting.

You will also be surrounded by other staff members who are learning and adjusting alongside you.

Staying Connected With Home

It is natural to want to stay in touch with family and friends while you are away.

Before leaving home, find out whether your phone will work in the United States and what international roaming may cost.

Some staff choose to use an international phone plan, local SIM card, or Wi-Fi-based messaging instead.

Your camp may have limited Wi-Fi or specific rules about phone use during working hours, especially when you are responsible for campers.

Staying connected with home is important. However, giving yourself space to become part of camp life can make the experience much more rewarding.

You will probably be surprised by how quickly camp begins to feel familiar.

What If Your Flight Is Delayed?

Flight delays happen, especially during international travel.

If your travel plans change, contact your camp as soon as possible.

Tell them:

• Your new arrival time
• Your flight number
• Which airport you are arriving at
• Whether you will miss a scheduled pickup

Do not assume that a camp representative will automatically know your flight has changed.

Depending on the situation, you may also need to contact your visa sponsor.

Keep important phone numbers somewhere you can access even without mobile data.

Then follow your camp’s instructions before arranging alternative transportation on your own.

What If Your Luggage Does Not Arrive?

Delayed luggage is frustrating, but it does happen.

This is another reason to keep essentials in your carry-on.

If your checked bag does not appear, speak with the airline’s baggage service desk before leaving the airport. Provide the address where you will be staying and keep any baggage claim information they give you.

Let your camp know what happened as well.

Camp staff have probably helped someone through a similar situation before, and they may be able to help you get basic supplies until your luggage arrives.

Your First Week at Summer Camp

Your first week can feel like a whirlwind.

One day you are walking through an unfamiliar airport. A few days later, you know your way around camp, recognize dozens of new faces, and have started learning songs, traditions, activities, and routines.

Staff training brings everyone together quickly.

You may help prepare cabins, set up activity areas, practice emergency procedures, or rehearse the schedule before campers arrive.

It can be tiring, but it is also when many of the friendships that define the summer begin.

Try to stay open-minded during this stage. Ask questions, introduce yourself to people, and participate in orientation.

Give Yourself Time to Settle In

It is normal for your first few days in America to feel unfamiliar.

You are adjusting to a new country, new workplace, new people, and potentially a very different daily routine.

Give yourself some time.

Soon, the airport journey that felt complicated will be behind you. You will know where everything is at camp, recognize the people around you, and understand the routines that once seemed confusing.

Before long, campers will arrive and the summer will truly begin.

Ready for Your Summer in America?

Arriving in the USA for summer camp is one of the final steps before an unforgettable summer begins.

Prepare your documents, follow your camp’s travel instructions, keep important contact information accessible, and do not worry if everything feels new at first.

Camp is built around community. You will have people around you who can help you adjust, answer questions, and find your feet.

And once you settle in, you can focus on what you came for: meeting new people, building new skills, exploring America, and helping create an incredible summer for your campers.

Still preparing for your trip? Read our guide to getting ready for summer camp for more advice on what to expect before you leave home.

If you are still looking for a summer camp job in America, American Summer Camps can help you connect with camps that are hiring for the upcoming summer.