Each summer, over 75 members of our staff travel from across the globe to call Camp Coleman home. They come from countries like England, Mexico, Israel, Colombia, Uganda, Australia, Hungary, New Zealand, and more, filling roles in every area of camp: counselors, specialists, maintenance, housekeeping, and kitchen.
You’ll see their flags proudly flying in our dining hall — but their real impact shows up in the way they shape camp culture: introducing new perspectives, modeling global citizenship, and building deep, personal connections with campers and peers alike.
How It Works:
Our international staff come to us through cultural exchange visa programs like Camp Leaders, Camp America, IENA, and others. We meet many through Zoom interviews or at international hiring fairs — including major events in London, Mexico, and beyond. Once hired, their agency handles the J-1 visa process, medical insurance, and embassy meetings. On our end, we handle contracts, travel logistics, and everything it takes to make sure they feel at home when they arrive.
Most international staff arrive a few days before our domestic staff to settle in, adjust to the time change, and begin orientation. They bring their stories, their languages, their traditions — and we bring ours. Together, we create a uniquely Coleman community: one that transcends borders and feels like home to everyone.
When we have the opportunity, we also place international staff with host families during their time off throughout the summer. It’s a chance to offer them a taste of our culture — whether that’s a homemade dinner, a trip to Walmart, or a lazy Sunday in the South. These moments of connection bring our exchange full circle and help shape a truly shared “camp culture.”
Some return for one summer. Some return for five. And some return for life — bringing Camp Coleman home with them, marrying someone they met here, or staying connected to their camp friends across miles and oceans.
These staff members are an essential part of our Coleman community. They model our values — Kehilah, Shalom, Kavod, Chesed — simply by being who they are: passionate, caring, open-hearted humans who choose to spend their summers making a difference, far from home.
