(image from google)
(image from google)
This summer I have an amazing opportunity to take part in Camp America (CA)! This is something I have always wanted to do and for some reason I never got round to it. However this year I have started to do things for myself and not let opportunities pass me by and more importantly, not have any regrets. So I made the decision to apply for Camp America and thought what happens, happens!
Application-Interview
For those of you haven't heard of CA, I'll explain a little bit about it and the process on getting on the programme. Before I start, please note that applications for summer 2014 are closed, so if you're thinking about going, it will be summer 2015! In a nutshell, CA is a programme where internationals can work in America at a summer camp in various different roles (think The Parent Trap film and Beaver Falls TV show).
Firstly you have to start by filling out an application on line. This is quite detailed and can take some time, but make sure you fill it out in as much detail as possible, particularly the skills section as camps are looking for people who can bring something extra to camp. You also have to create a sort video about yourself to give potential camps a bit more insight into what you're like (cringe!). They also ask for 2 references, which can be from employers or someone from your university/college.
After you have submitted your completed application, you will be able to select an interviewer. For some people, they can get placed at a CA Recruitment fair, which are held throughout the country. This is where representatives from camps come over to find counsellors and gives you the chance to find out about camps in detail, and more importantly, show them your personality face to face and if they like you, they can hire you on the spot (just make sure you bring a printed copy of your application as well as references with you and your deposit if you have paid already). I didn't attend a fair, however I heard from others that it gets very busy and crazy, so be warned.
Next for me was my interview. On your CA profile, you can select an interviewer near your area. These are people who have been previous counsellors or work in the CA office. This isn't like a normal job interview; it's very relaxed and casual and I met someone in a coffee shop, but sometimes people meet at the interviewers house. My interview lasted about an hour and it was very informal and gives you the chance to ask questions that aren't answered online. About a week after my interview, I found out my application was approved and that I was now on the programme as a general counsellor (I'll explain the different roles in a minute).
Placement
The thing to remember here is that just because CA has accepted you, doesn't mean you're going to camp; the next step is being placed. If you're not offered a place at a fair, then it's just a waiting game really, hoping that a camp will get in touch with you. It was only a couple of weeks later that a camp was interested in me and I carried out an interview via a series of emails. They offered me a job, however I made the decision to turn it down as I didn't feel it was right for me. This was a huge risk as there is no guarantee that another camp is going to be interested, but for me it was the right choice. I was lucky enough that a couple of weeks later another camp interviewed me, this time via video chat and offered me a job there and then and it was a camp that was definitely more suited to me. I will be spending my summer in charity funded camp in New York State for underprivileged children from inner city New York. I will be working as a Camper Liaison, where I will be dealing with the behaviour side and difficult children, as well as helping counsellors deal with them.
Visa
Roles and types of camps
Originally I was put on the general counsellor programme, which I think is the most common (I was offered the Camper Liaison job later on). This basically means all-rounder and you will be with a group of kids throughout a set period and usually bunk with them, as well and taking them to every activity. Advanced skills counsellors are specialised in certain areas, such as Sports, Film/media, Arts and Crafts, plus many more. The counsellors will be planning and running the activities. You can also be hired as a Lifeguard. Finally there is Campower, where you work behind the scenes, such as working in the kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance worker.
Costs
The thing that most people want to know first is how much do I have to pay and how much do I get paid. In terms of wages, CA prefer to call it 'pocket money'. This is because it really isn't a proper wage, it's more like, well pocket money! The current rates are listed below (in US Dollars) and what you get it determined on your skills and qualifications.
Counsellor- Standard- $600-$850
Advanced Skills Counsellor-$700-$950
Counsellor- Special Needs- $700-$950
Campower $1200
This year, the CA fee was £731. This includes flights, insurance, visa, police check and taxes.
Firstly you have to start by filling out an application on line. This is quite detailed and can take some time, but make sure you fill it out in as much detail as possible, particularly the skills section as camps are looking for people who can bring something extra to camp. You also have to create a sort video about yourself to give potential camps a bit more insight into what you're like (cringe!). They also ask for 2 references, which can be from employers or someone from your university/college.
After you have submitted your completed application, you will be able to select an interviewer. For some people, they can get placed at a CA Recruitment fair, which are held throughout the country. This is where representatives from camps come over to find counsellors and gives you the chance to find out about camps in detail, and more importantly, show them your personality face to face and if they like you, they can hire you on the spot (just make sure you bring a printed copy of your application as well as references with you and your deposit if you have paid already). I didn't attend a fair, however I heard from others that it gets very busy and crazy, so be warned.
Next for me was my interview. On your CA profile, you can select an interviewer near your area. These are people who have been previous counsellors or work in the CA office. This isn't like a normal job interview; it's very relaxed and casual and I met someone in a coffee shop, but sometimes people meet at the interviewers house. My interview lasted about an hour and it was very informal and gives you the chance to ask questions that aren't answered online. About a week after my interview, I found out my application was approved and that I was now on the programme as a general counsellor (I'll explain the different roles in a minute).
Placement
The thing to remember here is that just because CA has accepted you, doesn't mean you're going to camp; the next step is being placed. If you're not offered a place at a fair, then it's just a waiting game really, hoping that a camp will get in touch with you. It was only a couple of weeks later that a camp was interested in me and I carried out an interview via a series of emails. They offered me a job, however I made the decision to turn it down as I didn't feel it was right for me. This was a huge risk as there is no guarantee that another camp is going to be interested, but for me it was the right choice. I was lucky enough that a couple of weeks later another camp interviewed me, this time via video chat and offered me a job there and then and it was a camp that was definitely more suited to me. I will be spending my summer in charity funded camp in New York State for underprivileged children from inner city New York. I will be working as a Camper Liaison, where I will be dealing with the behaviour side and difficult children, as well as helping counsellors deal with them.
Visa
Once you have been placed, CA will send out your Visa pack and CA t-shirt. You then have to fill out special visa forms (which I won't go into as it's quite long) and then select your embassy appointment. The USA Embassy is in either London or Belfast, so fortunately for me I didn't have to travel far to the London office. My visa appointment was very quick and I was in and out in less than an hour.
Roles and types of camps
Originally I was put on the general counsellor programme, which I think is the most common (I was offered the Camper Liaison job later on). This basically means all-rounder and you will be with a group of kids throughout a set period and usually bunk with them, as well and taking them to every activity. Advanced skills counsellors are specialised in certain areas, such as Sports, Film/media, Arts and Crafts, plus many more. The counsellors will be planning and running the activities. You can also be hired as a Lifeguard. Finally there is Campower, where you work behind the scenes, such as working in the kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance worker.
There are many types of camps that you can work in and on your application you can select a preference, as well as stating ones you aren't prepared to go to. The Types of camps are:
Private/Independent
Special Needs
Agency/non-profit
Girl Scouts
Faith Based
Speciality Camps
Underprivileged
Day Camp
The thing that most people want to know first is how much do I have to pay and how much do I get paid. In terms of wages, CA prefer to call it 'pocket money'. This is because it really isn't a proper wage, it's more like, well pocket money! The current rates are listed below (in US Dollars) and what you get it determined on your skills and qualifications.
Counsellor- Standard- $600-$850
Advanced Skills Counsellor-$700-$950
Counsellor- Special Needs- $700-$950
Campower $1200
This year, the CA fee was £731. This includes flights, insurance, visa, police check and taxes.
Throughout the whole process, there are always people on hand at CA to help you with any questions or problems you may have, either via email or phoning them directly. Pretty much everything is handled by them, apart from your visa forms, but again they give you so much help in completing that. After you are placed, your camp will be on hand with any questions that you have for them, and many have Facebook groups where you can meet fellow counsellors before you go. After camp, you get time to travel around America on your visa (30 days for counsellors, 10 weeks for Campower). I have yet to decide what I'm doing after, but I like having the option to see more of America.
So, not sure what to do with your summer and wanting a new experience, then why not try CA! I can't wait for camp and I'm sure I'm going to have an amazing time and will create some amazing memories. When I return I'm going to write a post about my camp experience and let you know my thoughts and opinions and what I decided to do after camp.
In terms of blogging, I really don't know if I'm going to have the opportunity whilst I'm out there, it all depends on the internet access and time, which I won't know until I get there. I really hope that I can do an update at least half way through, even if it's just a quick one.
But for now, its bye from me for a while! Enjoy your summer everyone!
In terms of blogging, I really don't know if I'm going to have the opportunity whilst I'm out there, it all depends on the internet access and time, which I won't know until I get there. I really hope that I can do an update at least half way through, even if it's just a quick one.
But for now, its bye from me for a while! Enjoy your summer everyone!
New York here I come!!
For more information on CA, visit www.campamerica.com
xoxo
