A first-time participant is defined as someone who did not participate in a LifeTRAVELED ACE program the previous year and needs assistance with a camp job offer.

A returnee participant is defined as a someone who is returning to the same camp as the previous year, was sponsored by LifeTRAVELED the previous year, and is applying before January 1 of the program start year.

A direct participant is defined as a someone who sources their own camp job offer independently from LifeTRAVELED.

If the host camp is minimum wage exempt, the monetary compensation is considered a stipend. If the host camp pays hourly, the monetary compensation is considered is considered a wage. If the host camp is minimum wage exempt, the exchange visitor must receive a minimum stipend of $2,200 for a nine-week contract. For fewer weeks, the host camp can pro-rate the stipend. For each additional week, the host camp must pay a minimum of $244 per week. The final stipend will be negotiated with the exchange visitor directly, however, may not be below those terms. If the host camp pays hourly, the exchange visitor must receive at minimum a wage that meets local, state, and federal requirements.

The camp must provide exchange visitors with equal compensation to domestic employees and other exchange visitor program exchange visitors, regardless of visa sponsor. All local, state, and federal laws must be followed.

If the host camp is minimum wage exempt, the camp must provide exchange visitors with appropriate accommodation and three meals per day as part of the compensation package. If the host camp pays an hourly wage, the camp must arrange appropriate accommodation, but the financial responsibility may be placed on the exchange visitor if the weekly wages minus the weekly housing and meals equals at least $244 per week. Should the result be less than $244 per week, the camp must offer a housing and/or meal stipend.

LifeTRAVELED strives to make the American Camp Exchanges program accessible to all camps. With over 20 years of experience sourcing housing for exchange visitors, we are thrilled to annouce that we now offer housing assistance services to camps. Our team will partner with your camp to locate appropriate exchange visitor housing, such as short-term rentals, dorms, extended stay hotels, host families, and more. Kickstart a collaborative housing search with LifeTRAVELED by contacting Camp@LifeTRAVELED.org. 

For first time exchange visitors, camps are responsible for the program fee.

Program Fee: $1,450
*The program fee includes medical insurance for the exchange visitor’s original program dates. The program fee does not include LifeTRAVELED registration, SEVIS or Embassy fees which will be covered by the exchange visitor.

For returnee or direct camp counselor and support staff exchange visitors, camps are responsible for the program fee.

Camp Counselor Program Fee: $475
*The program fee includes medical insurance for the exchange visitor’s original program dates. The program fee does not include LifeTRAVELED registration, SEVIS or Embassy fees which will be covered by the exchange visitor.

Support Staff Program Fee: $1,100
*The program fee includes medical insurance for the exchange visitor’s original program dates. The program fee does not include LifeTRAVELED registration, SEVIS or Embassy fees which will be covered by the exchange visitor.

LifeTRAVELED sponsors a limited number of returnee/direct camp counselor and support staff participants each year, on a first come, first served basis. We open the registration on September 15 of the year prior to participation, and those spots fill up very quickly.

Due to the limited availability of slots, LifeTRAVELED will accept applicants based on the order the applications are completed. Please note that an exchange visitor merely initiating an application and making a payment does not guarantee their acceptance. The spot is secured only once the application has been officially processed and approved by LifeTRAVELED. If all the spots are filled for the year, the exchange visitor may join the program at the regular ACE program fee detailed in the first-time camp counselor and first-time support staff sections.

The State Department BridgeUSA Camp Counselor and Summer Work and Travel programs are Exchange Visitor Programs designed to achieve the educational objectives of international and cultural exchange by involving young adults in the daily life of the host country through summer camp counselor and support staff positions. It is vital that the exchange visitors return home to share their experiences and encourage Americans to participate in the educational and cultural programs in other countries.

Camp counselors and support staff are participating in the Exchange Visitor Program in two different visa categories, with two separate sets of Department of State regulations. The largest differences are between how participants are eligible for each program and what duties they are allowed to perform at the camp. For information on eligibility, please see our ACE page for participants. Camp counselors should not partake in supporting roles, and support staff should not be responsible for any oversight of children or camp activities.

Host camp must be ACA accredited, or they must undergo a site visit from LifeTRAVELED.

While camp counselor exchange visitors can assist with daily chores, the majority of their tasks cannot be support duties such as administrative tasks, cooking, janitorial, etc. There are restrictions to support staff exchange visitors, and LifeTRAVELED will provide a comprehensive list in onboarding materials.

The beauty of our world lies in the differences of individuals and cultures. Our exchange visitor come from more than 30 countries, such as Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Turkey, and more.