✈
Travel More
See the USA beyond your camp and make time for the places you’ve always wanted to visit.
Earn, Explore, Experience
Turns the lightweight depth effect on or off. Your choice is remembered on this device.
Your American summer starts here.
Work, earn at least $2,430, make lifelong friends and explore the USA with SafriCamps.
✓ Great prices, no surprises✓ Personal support from start to finish✓ Trusted camp & job placements
Your summer, upgraded.Camp life. New friends. Real America.
Summer 2027 applications close April 2027.
Have questions? Book a free consultation and find out everything you need to know about Work & Travel USA.
Why Go with SafriCamps?
Work in the USA, make friends from around the world and spend your summer doing something you’ll actually remember.
⌂
Accommodation & Meals Included
During your camp contract, your accommodation and three meals a day are covered - so you can save more of what you earn.
$
Earn & Save
Get paid for your summer job and have extra money to spend on your American adventure.
◎
Meet Your People
Live and work with other students from around the world. You might arrive alone, but you definitely won’t stay that way.
↗
Come Back Different
Gain confidence, independence, new skills and stories you’ll be telling for years.
Make friends for life
You arrive not knowing anyone and leave with people you will visit for years.
Grow professionally
Leadership, teamwork and responsibility that employers back home actually notice.
Zero cost of living
Accommodation and three meals a day are covered, so what you earn stays yours.
Tailor your summer
What is the best role for you?
Camp Counselor
Live, work and have fun with your campers all summer long. From morning activities to evening games, you’ll be there for the everyday moments, becoming someone your campers can look up to and trust.
Best for: People who are outgoing, responsible and genuinely enjoy spending time with kids.
Apply for this role →
Activity Specialist
Got a skill you love? Turn it into your summer job. Teach sports, arts, swimming, adventure activities or whatever you’re passionate about, while still being part of camp life and cabin life.
Best for: Students who have a hobby, talent or experience they want to share.
Apply for this role →
Special Needs Counselor
Be there for a camper who needs a little extra support. You’ll help them join activities, feel included and get the most out of their summer.
Best for: Students with experience or a strong interest in education, care or working with people with disabilities.
Apply for this role →
Support Staff
Prefer working behind the scenes? Help keep camp going by working in the kitchen, laundry, maintenance or other support roles.
Best for: Students who want a hands-on summer job at camp without working directly with kids all day.
Apply for this role →Costs & payments
A clear view of what you pay, when you pay it and which fees are external.
SafriCamps programme fee
$530
- Deposit after signing the Program Agreement$100
- Final payment after signing the camp contract$430
Paid to SafriCamps in two stages.
Your camp earnings
$2,430+
Earn at least $2,430 while accommodation and three meals a day are provided at camp.
External applicant costs
Paid separately
- SEVIS fee$35
- US Embassy application$185
- Police clearanceabout $10
- Medical screeningdoctor dependent
- Return flightsmarket price
SEVIS and the other costs in this card are not paid to SafriCamps. Estimates can change; always use the official payment page provided during the process.
What is covered?
AccommodationStaff housing for your contract.
FoodThree meals every day.
Medical insuranceCoverage during your contract.
Airport transferCamp pickup from the designated airport.
How it works?
From your first application to your summer in the USA, we’ll guide you through every step.
Create your application
Tell us a little about yourself, your experience and what you’re looking for in a summer camp.
Meet us for a free interview
Have a chat with our team and find out if the programme is the right fit for you. No pressure, just a chance to get to know each other and ask questions.
Join the programme
Start building your profile. Add your experience, preferences and all the required documents so your application is ready to go.
Get approved & find your camp
Once your profile is approved, you can start exploring camp opportunities and choose the one that feels right for you.
Sign your contract
Got your camp? Sign your contract, pay the programme fee and make it official.
Get your visa & fly to the USA
Receive your DS-2019, complete your visa application, attend your US Embassy appointment and get ready for your summer in the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find your answer? Contact us.
How much does the SafriCamps program cost?⌄
The SafriCamps program fee is USD 530 in total: a USD 100 deposit and a USD 430 final payment. SEVIS, the embassy application, police clearance, medical screening and flights are external costs. Accommodation and meals are provided by camp.
What is the J-1 Visa and who sponsors it?⌄
The J-1 Visa is a temporary U.S. visa that allows participants to join approved cultural exchange programs and spend their summer working at an American summer camp. SafriCamps works with Camp Staff USA, our U.S. partner and J-1 visa sponsor. They provide the official visa documentation and support required for the J-1 process, while SafriCamps guides you through the application and helps you prepare everything you need before your interview and departure.
How much can I travel before or after camp?⌄
Your J-1 visa gives you the opportunity to travel in the USA before and after your camp contract. You can have up to 30 days before camp and 30 days after your contract ends, giving you up to 60 days in total to explore the US, depending on your visa dates and program eligibility.
When should I apply?⌄
The earlier you apply, the better! We recommend applying in the autumn or winter before your planned summer in the USA. This gives you plenty of time to complete your application, prepare your documents, find the right camp and go through the J-1 visa process without unnecessary stress. Applying early also means you’ll have more camps and positions to choose from, as availability can change throughout the season. Applications for Summer 2027 are now open, so this is a great time to start your application!
Do I need to be a certain age?⌄
Yes. You need to be 18–30 years old to join the SafriCamps program. You must be at least 18 before your program starts, so if you’re currently 17 but will turn 18 before your camp begins, you can still apply. You’ll also need to meet the other program and J-1 visa requirements. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help.
Trusted by camps & partners across the USA
Work with SafriCamps
Want to partner with us?
Camps, visa sponsors, schools, universities and SafriCamps alumni can all build the next summer with us.
I run a camp
Looking for reliable, prepared international staff for your season?
Get in touch →I am a visa sponsor
Interested in working with us on J-1 visa sponsorship?
Get in touch →I represent a school or university
Connect your students with a structured summer in the USA.
Get in touch →SafriCamps Alumni
Loved your programme? Become an ambassador and help future participants get started.
Get in touch →Earn, Explore, Experience
Your American summer starts here.
Apply today or book a free conversation with our team.