Connecting Camp-minded people

International Camps Network
Hero Background

For Americans · 19+

Spend this summer working at a camp in Europe

No visa for stays under 90 days. Room, board and training included, and the camp pays you every week.

See open placementsWhat does it cost?
  • No visa for stays under 90 days: you travel on your US passport.
  • The camp pays you €75 a week (≈ $80).
  • Room, board and training included, and you're picked up when you arrive.

What an 8-week summer from the US costs

Straight numbers, in euros and dollars, with Camp Europe as the example. Approximate figures are our estimates from October 22, 2026; International Camps Network's fees are exact.

What you pay

  • Pre-interview fee (early bird)not refunded on Camp Europe placements€55
  • Confirmation deposit€300
  • Return flight from United Statestypical summer fare≈ €850
  • Medical and travel insurance, 56 daysabout €3 a day≈ €168
  • First Aid Certificate€55
  • Criminal record check (United States)≈ €45

Total€1,473 ≈ $1,650

What comes back

  • Deposit paid back by the camp, weeks 1–4 (€75 a week)+€300
  • Weekly TCC from the camp: 4 × €75+€300
  • Transportation Cost Compensation (TCC), against your travel invoice+€150

Total+€750

Also included: training, room and all meals, pick-up on arrival and certificates.

Your summer, in the end

−€723

≈ $810

Most of it is your flight, which any summer abroad costs. Not a fortune, but a lifetime experience money can't buy.

No visa needed for under 90 days. From 2027, visa-free travellers to Europe will need an ETIAS travel authorisation (about €20).

Open placements

Each camp offers one of the two programs: the Cultural Camp Experience or the Paid Counselor Placement.

Getting there from the US

  • No visa for stays under 90 days, which covers every summer placement. Bring a passport valid for at least 3 months after you leave Europe. From 2027: the online ETIAS travel authorization (about €20).
  • Flights from New York, Chicago, Atlanta and most big US airports: about €850 round trip (≈ $950), booked 2 to 4 months ahead. The camp picks you up at the nearest train or bus station.
  • Documents: a criminal record (background) 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 summer there is really like, including from counselors who have been.

Message us on WhatsApp

In their words

American counselors who have been

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

Scott T.

Footloose

“This is an experience I wouldn't have traded for anything else in the world. This opportunity allowed me to grow and learn more about myself through inspiring others and creating memories and friendships that I will never forget. The camp’s environment fostered personal development and a sense of belonging that made every moment worthwhile. I’m truly grateful for the chance to be part of such a special and impactful experience.”

Scott T.

United States

Cooper H.

Best summer ever.

“When I found Camp Europe I ended up quitting my job to go to Europe for the first time and it was the best decision I have ever made. Not only did I get to work and have fun with a bunch of enthusiastic children, but I met people from all around the world who will be friends for life. I loved it so much that I am coming back my second year for even longer to do the outdoor education diploma program!”

Cooper H.

USA

Colton W.

Incredible experience.

“If you are looking to meet incredible people, travel abroad in Europe, and impact other peoples' lives, I highly recommend working with Camp Europe. I worked with Camp Europe this past summer for about six weeks as an English teacher in Bath, UK, and Walsrode, Germany. The training week in Walsrode was one of the best weeks of my life. I am incredibly thankful to have made such good friend and to have been apart of such a great team. It's extremely fulfilling to work with kids and teens and to do so in such a great community. As for the camp itself, it is a very unique experience. You live in tents, eat camp food in a large dining hall, and enjoy the great outdoors. It makes for a great working environment and encourage teamwork with your peers.”

Colton W.

United States

Caitlin H.

Great

“Camp Europe was a great place to meet other international people and form amazing friendships. Working together in smaller teams throughout the day really helped to form a comfortable support system. Having larger team meetings at the beginning and end of the day was also great in creating cohesion and uphold the expectations and work ethic of all Camp Counselors. Overall it was an amazing experience that increased my confidence and ability to lead.”

Caitlin H.

United States of America

Madison Y.

Enriching

“This was my second year here at Camp and I can't say enough positive things about my experience. Each week spent volunteering offered something different that made my time in Europe unforgettable. As an aspiring teacher in the United States, my passion for leading and inspiring the youth has been far fulfilled with this program. I must also add that the professional and personal development that I made during my stay has not gone unnoticed.”

Madison Y.

USA

Questions

›Do Americans need a visa to work at a summer camp in Europe?

No, not for stays under 90 days, which covers every summer placement: you travel on your US passport. From 2027, visa-free travelers to Europe also need the online ETIAS travel authorization (about €20). For the 6-month Outdoor Education Diploma, Camp Europe arranges the volunteer permit.

›How much does a summer in Europe cost from the US?

The flight is the big part: about €850 round trip (≈ $950) booked 2 to 4 months ahead. Room, board and training are included, and at Camp Europe the camp pays you €75 every week. Over an 8-week summer you spend about €723 in total (≈ $810), mostly the flight.

›Do I get paid?

Yes. On Camp Europe placements you pay a €75 pre-interview fee (€55 until December 21), which is not refunded, and €300 to confirm. The camp pays you €75 every week: the first 4 weeks pay your deposit back, and from week 5 it is a weekly Transportation Cost Compensation (TCC), plus €150 TCC towards your travel.

›Do I need to speak German?

No. English is the working language at camp; another language is a plus, never a requirement.

›Who can apply, and when?

Anyone 19 or over (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 (background) 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 (a one-day course if you do not have one) and travel medical insurance for your whole stay. Not sure which check to request? Message us before you order it.

›Is this like Camp America, but the other way round?

In a way: instead of coming to a US camp, you spend your summer at a camp in Europe, with campers and staff from many countries, room and board included, and weekends to travel.

See all placementsFree info session