Camp America is a fun and rewarding way to spend your summer, working at a summer camp, running activities and events, going on trips and playing sports and games, all while meeting other young people and earning a wage. It is the perfect way to save for and meet people to travel America with after camp. However, with a visa to apply for, background checks to do and an interview to ace, the application process is a little complicated. Here is a student guide to applying for Camp America and finding the perfect location.
1. Choose your camp and role
Before you start your application you need to consider if you want to work in a certain state, with a certain age group or in a certain role. There are an array of camps across America, most of which cater to 8- to 16-year-olds.
While the available roles differ from camp to camp, you will typically choose between working as a specialist in a sport, hobby or activity or as a general counsellor in charge of one group of kids. If you have a specific camp you want to work at, you can usually apply directly to them on their website. If not you can apply through an agency like Americamp who will place you.
2. Apply
Whether you apply to camp through an agency or directly, you will likely be expected to fill in a few questions about why you want to work there, what previous experience working with children you have, and why you think you are the right person for the job.
If your application is approved, you will be expected to attend a short interview over zoom. This is nothing to worry about, and is as much about telling your camp what you want from them as it is them deciding whether to hire you.
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3. Getting started
If you pass through the interview stage, your camp will be in contact with a contract for you to sign. You will be able to join group chats and introduce yourself and start talking with the other councillors. At this point, thinks can get slightly more real for students applying to Camp America because now you need to sort visas and flights. Speaking of which…
4. Visas and flights
Once you have decided that you are definite about working at camp, you can start sorting these two vital components. This will be quite expensive (on average around £1,000) but remember you will be receiving free food and board for two months and will get paid at least $2,000.
First of all you will need to apply for your visa through an agency such as Americamp or iena. Your camp leader will guide you through this process and advise which agency to use.
You will essentially fill out a questionnaire about your personal details, and will later be expected to travel to London for a visa appointment to confirm your identity. With the working visa you will also receive 60 days of travel days for before and after camp.
You will also need to undertake a police background check and medical exam. The requirements for these documents vary from camp to camp, so be sure to ask your camp leader for details on what checks you need.
Finally you will need to book your flights. If you have a rough idea of how long you want to travel for, booking a return flight rather than two singles will save you money. I recommend skyscanner for finding cheap flights from your nearest airport. Make sure you check your flights with your camp before booking them to ensure your dates align.
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