CHI Camp Leaders provides summer camps all around the U.S. with a diverse and skilled applicant pool from around the world. The Program is designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor qualified participants in an Exchange Visitor Program under the “Summer Camp Counselor” category.
TRUST CHI CAMP LEADERS
Our core focus is to build quality relationships through meaningful cultural exchange programs.
Campers closely engage with positive role models from other cultures greatly enhancing the educational value of the camp experience.
CHI Camp Leaders gives American staff the opportunity to create bonds with international exchange students that will broaden their overall view of the world.
To date, we have helped over 32,000 participants enjoy the summer of a lifetime at more than 500 camps across the U.S.!
Why you can trust CHI
How the Program Works
- The BeginningParticipant applies from his/her home country, by submitting their information into the CHI Camp Leaders website.
- InterviewingCHI Camp Leaders schedules a brief interview after the participant pays an introductory refundable fee.
- Getting to Know the ParticipantThe participant is scheduled for one of the upcoming country fairs.
- The Camp Director's TurnA Camp Director signs a contract with CHI to become a CHI Partner.
- Job FairsJobs Fairs are organized with carefully pre-selected participants who a Camp Director can recruit for his/her Camp.
- Short paperworkAfter the required paperwork is completed, we will issue and send the participant’s forms so he/she can get his/her J-1 visa.
- VisaThe participant signs his/her Camp Contract and book his/her visa interview.
- The ProgramUpon visa approval, participants book their flight, the Camp receives the itinerary and the real fun is about to begin!
Directors' Fairs
Our Directors’ Fairs offer Camp Directors the chance to recruit key staff members to be hired on the spot. All of our participants attending on the day have already been screened by our trained interviewers and passionate office staff members – all of whom have already been to American Camps with CHI Camp Leaders.
We personally believe that every participant attending has the capability and personality to become a fantastic camp staff member! With an attitude that reflects us as a company and fits perfectly within the summer camp industry.
We run fairs all over the world, including the UK, Central Europe, Down Under and Mexico to help you find the high-quality staff you need for a successful summer at Camp. Our fairs can be combined to suit your needs. You have the option to pick and choose which fairs will work best for you, your schedule and your staffing needs. We’re happy to put together customized itineraries for you to find the best staff for your Camp.
Opportunities as a Camp Counselor
- Camp LeaderGeneral Camp Counselors with a range of skills and experience, these participants are excited to live and work with campers day in and day out!
- SpecialistParticipants who have earned qualifications are recognized as "Specialists”, they are comfortable leading and teaching specific activity areas at Camp.
- Special Needs LeaderCamp Counselors who live and work with children and adults with a range of physical and developmental disabilities, often in a "full care" environment assisting with basic hygienic needs in addition to their typical Camp Counselor duties.
- Christian or Jewish LeaderCamp Counselors who are active in their faith and are interested in working at a Camp with an active faith-based program.
- Qualified Life GuardCamp Counselors who participate in a lifeguard course before traveling to camp will arrive already certified and ready to go!
- Support StaffThe backbone of your Camp community, these participants keep things running behind the scenes in roles such as kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and the office!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the J1 Visa is for a maximum of 4 months during the summer period.
That is great! As long as they turn 18 by the time they arrive in the U.S.
Yes, once participants are in the U.S., they will be able to check in with their CHI account.
