Summer Camp FAQs

Becoming a summer camp counsellor through Hopscotch is simple and fully supported from start to finish. 

We guide you through every step of the process:

• It all begins with completing a “Do I Qualify?” form. 
• If you’re eligible, we’ll send you all the information you need to make an informed decision. 
• From there, you’ll complete your application and have the opportunity to book an interview with our experience coordinator. 
• Once accepted, we’ll support and assist you through the hiring process, followed by all visa requirements and pre-departure preparations. You’ll never feel like you're navigating the journey alone.

To apply for a camp counsellor role, you need to:

• Be 18-26 years old 
• Be a good English speaker 
• Have substantial childcare experience or have a specialised skill
• Be a High School or University student, if you have no childcare experience 

If you’ve done any of the below, that should count as childcare experience. 

• Youth leader/Sunday school teacher 
• Babysitting
• Au Pair 
• Tutor
• Coach

Here are some examples:

• Outdoor skills: camping, hiking, rock climbing, swimming
• Sport: hockey, netball, cricket, archery, soccer, gymnastics, horse riding
• Childcare skills: coaching, Sunday school teacher, babysitter 

Not all camps run for the same amount of time, but it’s typically between 9 and 12 weeks long, between May and August.

We’ve got access to over 7000 camps across the USA. Choose from different types of camps like private camps, non-profit camps, religious camps, special needs camps, specialty camps and single-gender camps. 

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. You’ll be placed according to your specific skills and experience. 

Good news! We have a 99% placement rate – that’s pretty close to perfect. If you apply earlier, when there are still many positions available, it will also help your chances. 

You’ll get one to two days off per week. Use these days to travel and explore the beautiful surrounding areas.

Of course! You’ll get a 30-day travel period before and after your camp duration. You can’t legally work during this period, so it’s the perfect time to travel and see the sights you’ve only seen in the movies. 

Yes, you’ll receive basic health coverage for the duration of your camp programme.

The minimum earning is USD $2250 pre-tax for the 9 weeks that you’re working as a counsellor. If your camp runs for longer than 9 weeks, naturally you’ll be paid more too. And the good news is that in many cases, the camps may contract you for more, as this is just the minimum amount of time.

In most cases, counsellors make a profit. Since you’re not paying for accommodation or food, you’ll be able to save a lot of money to spend on future adventures.

Federal tax is automatically deducted from your payments, and state tax is only deducted according to your state regulations. 

Yes! Your camp will take you to your nearest Social Security office to apply for yours. You’ll then receive your Social Security card around two weeks later. Once you have it, you can open a US Bank account, get paid and file your tax returns. 

You can file for your tax returns before April of the following year. And luckily, since it’s an exchange programme, you’re eligible for a tax back. You can do your tax returns independently or with a company like Sprintax.

Unlike other agencies, we guide you through every step, from your camp profile and visa to ongoing support while you’re abroad. All our camps are fully screened for safe placements, and we run info sessions, training, and onboarding so you always know what’s next.