Eligibility

What dates do I need to be available?

Camps start between early May and mid-June. Depending on your role, you will need to be available for 9-11 weeks after your start date. Our minimum availability for the 2025 season is June 19th to August 17th.

Is there an age limit for summer camp?

The only age requirement is that you must be aged 19-30 by June 1st.

Do I have to be a student to apply?

To participate in the Camp Canada program for the 2025 season, you must be eligible for student status based on the following definition:

• You are currently enrolled as a full-time student, and you will graduate in or after April 2025.
• You intend on becoming a full-time student within one year of finishing camp. 

Here are some examples of individuals who are eligible for student status:

• Someone who is on a gap year, and will start university when they return from their Canadian adventure.
• Someone who is planning to do a Masters, or further education program when they return from camp.
• Someone who is completing a full-time apprenticeship or training program for a particular profession.

I'm a student and don't know my exam dates yet, what should I do?

Camp roles have various start dates, typically between May 1st and June 25th, and finish 9 weeks after the start date. The dates you enter on your application at this stage are not set in stone but we'd like to know sooner rather than later.

Do I need to have a police check to go to summer camp?

Yes, everyone needs an enhanced valid police check. The police check must be in date from September 1st of the year you are applying. 

I have a criminal history (caution or conviction). Am I eligible for the program?

Participants must be honest and forthcoming about any criminal history that may appear on their police check.

Acceptances will be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the other factors of their application.

Participants with a criminal background may not be approved for their work permit and therefore would be unable to participate in the Camp Canada program.

Your conviction may affect your admission to Canada. Before proceeding with your application, you will need to apply for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to ensure you can travel to Canada.

Details of your conviction and your police check will be shared with your camp employer. It is important to note that your camp will assess your employability at their discretion, and they may have some queries regarding the offence.

Do I need to have experience working with children?

No. For any camp counsellor role, as long as you're willing to work with children, you can apply for summer camp. Any previous experience is a bonus, no matter how small. 

For support staff roles you do not need experience with children and you will not be working directly with children.

Why do I need references to go to summer camp?

To work at summer camp you need 2 professional references. Your 2 referees need to have known you for over 6 months, can’t be a relative, and should be one of the following:

• Employer/Supervisor
• Teacher
• Coach
• Lecturer
• Religious Leader

If you have previously worked at a summer camp abroad through a similar program, please note that we cannot progress your application until we have received a camp reference. In this case, don't worry if your referee has known you for less than 6 months and you must advise us of the referee's name.

I'm struggling to find 2 references, what should I do?

You can have 2 of the same type of referee e.g. you can have 2 references from 2 different teachers, these can also all be from the same organization e.g. your school/university. If you're struggling to get a reply to your reference request you can resend the request from your profile.

Do I need to be able to speak English?

Yes. It is a visa requirement to be able to speak a basic level of English.

Do I need to be from a particular country to apply?

Yes, the full list of visa-exempt countries is listed here.

When is the deadline to apply for summer camp with Camp Canada?

The latest date to apply for the season is mid/late April but we advise getting in early to have the best shot at being hired in a role that you love!

Should I disclose my medical history on my application?

Supplying us with information on your medical history is optional, however, your camp may require you to supply medical history information, due to the fact they may need to provide you with medical assistance during your time at camp.

If you feel comfortable sharing your medical history information please do so below, and we will then follow up with our dedicated well-being team who will open a conversation on how we can provide whatever additional support we can provide.