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International Camps Network
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Every nationality · 19+

Volunteer at a summer camp in Europe

Room, board, training and certificates included, with campers and staff from all over the world.

See open placementsHow it works
  • €0 in the end: your deposits come back when you complete your placement (Camp Europe: the camp pays you weekly instead).
  • At Camp Europe, the camp pays you €75 a week on top of room, board and training.
  • Training and certificates before the campers arrive, and pick-up when you arrive.

How volunteering at camp works

Volunteering is our Cultural Camp Experience. Prefer a paid job? Some camps offer the Paid Counselor Placement instead; the camp that makes the offer decides which it is.

Cultural Camp Experience

Volunteer
  • You volunteer: training and certificates, room and board, pick-up on arrival and, if the camp offers it, a Transportation Cost Compensation (TCC) set in the offer.
  • €0 in the end: an initial deposit of €75 (€55 until 21 December) and a final deposit of €300, refunded in full by International Camps Network when you complete your placement.
  • Camp Europe works differently for now: the €75 pre-interview fee is not refunded; the camp pays you €75 every placement week after the training week (the first 4 pay your €300 deposit back, then €75 a week extra as TCC, plus €150 TCC at the start).

Paid Counselor Placement

Work
  • The camp employs and pays you: typically around $2,000 for 8 weeks, less after visa and paperwork costs.
  • Our fees: an application fee of €75 (€55 until 21 December) and a placement fee of €300. They pay for our matching, so they are not refunded, except the application fee if we offer you no placement.
  • At least 8 weeks, at the camps that offer it (not every camp does).

Your flight is the main cost of a volunteer summer. Our calculator works out yours, from your country and in your currency.

Applying from one of these countries? Your own page:

Open placements

Each placement says which program it is (Cultural Camp Experience or Paid Counselor Placement) and what the camp offers.

Before you go

  • Visa: for stays under 90 days, citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, Mexico, Australia and many other countries need no visa for Europe (from 2027, the online ETIAS authorization, about €20). EU citizens need nothing. Others: we tell you what applies before you pay anything.
  • Flights: booked 2 to 4 months ahead. The camp picks you up at the nearest train or bus station.
  • Documents: a criminal record check less than 1 year old, issued specifically for working with children or the vulnerable sector (online printouts are not accepted), a first aid certificate and travel medical insurance for your whole stay. Not sure which check to request? Message us before you order it.

Questions?

We help you choose a camp and tell you what a volunteer summer there is really like, including from volunteers who have been.

Message us on WhatsApp

In their words

Volunteers who have been

Olga A.

Fantastic

“Being a teamer offered a multitude of rewarding experiences that left lasting impressions. At the heart of it, the role allowed me to foster a sense of community and mentorship among campers. Each day presented the opportunity to positively influence young minds, guiding them as they learn new skills, embrace challenges, and build self-confidence. This interaction often lead to witnessing campers' personal growth, which is profoundly fulfilling.”

Olga A.

United Kingdom

Marco M.

Intense

“Most of the best life experiences I’ve ever had happened at camp. It was an incredible experience to work with kids and meet people from diverse backgrounds. The camp environment was supportive and allowed me to grow personally and professionally. From the fun activities to the friendships formed, every moment was special. I appreciate the opportunity to have been part of such a unique and enriching summer experience.”

Marco M.

Venezuela

Omar F.

Totally worth it!

“One of the best experiences in my life. The camp is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t have in any other place. From meeting people from all around the world and making so many friends to the nonstop fun and activities, it made my summer special and unforgettable. I personally enjoyed my time a lot and recommend this experience to everyone.”

Omar F.

Egypt

Tasmin G.

Fun

“Camp really is great! The people you meet and the experiences you get to have are unmatched. It’s like a little community where everyone supports each other for the kids. I describe this job to my friends as ‘getting paid to be a big kid’ because it truly feels like that. The teamer games and inside jokes make it an amazing experience to be part of. I loved every moment of it!”

Tasmin G.

New Zealand

Robert D.

Fantastic

“A great opportunity to learn about other cultures and make friends from all over the world. The camp provided an incredible environment where people from diverse backgrounds came together, sharing their traditions, stories, and experiences. It was fascinating to see how quickly we all bonded, despite our different languages and customs. The activities encouraged us to work as a team, and through that, I developed friendships that I know will last a lifetime.”

Robert D.

Netherlands

Jacob N.

Great time!

“I had a great time and really look forward to returning next year! I met amazing people and really enjoyed the Camp Europe experience. If you look for opportunities to meet new people and experience new things -- This is for you. Bavaria was beautiful and can't believe I saw such picture-perfect views in real life.”

Jacob N.

USA

Questions

›Is volunteering at a summer camp in Europe really free?

With the Cultural Camp Experience, yes, in the end: you pay an initial deposit of €75 (€55 until 21 December) and a final deposit of €300, and International Camps Network refunds both in full when you complete your placement. Room, board, training and certificates are covered. Your own costs are mainly the flight and your insurance. Camp Europe works differently for now: the pre-interview fee is not refunded, and the camp pays you €75 for every placement week after the training week instead.

›What does a camp volunteer do?

You live with the campers and look after a group, run activities (sport, arts, outdoor, languages, games) and join the whole camp programme: campfires, evening events, excursions. Every camp trains you before the campers arrive.

›Do volunteers get paid?

Not with a salary: as a volunteer you get room, board, training, certificates and pick-up, and some camps add a Transportation Cost Compensation (TCC) towards your travel. If you want a paid job, look at the Paid Counselor Placement: the camp employs you, typically around $2,000 for 8 weeks, at the camps that offer it.

›Do I need a visa to volunteer?

For summer placements under 90 days, many nationalities need none, and EU citizens never do. It depends on your passport: tell us your nationality and we tell you what applies before you pay anything.

›Who can volunteer, and when?

Anyone 19 or over with fluent English (some placements ask for more). Applications are open from November 1 to April 30.

›Which documents do I need?

A valid passport; a criminal record check less than 1 year old, issued specifically for working with children or the vulnerable sector (online printouts are not accepted); a first aid certificate and travel medical insurance for your whole stay. Not sure which check to request? Message us before you order it.

See all placementsFree info session