[Poppyove]

I'm really keen on the idea of going to camp america this summer but really confused by all the mixed reviews I've been reading - is it not the best one to go to?

Also, is it possible to apply with a friend and to request placement in the same camp?

[sophcx]

I went with Camp America for 4 years in a row- and loved it!
I was also a bit confused when I started hearing about lots of other companies, however once I went with Camp America I never looked back. I not only had my money stolen after camp but also missed my flight (not a great combo) and they were amazing in helping me get home! My parents also wanted me to go with Camp America as they were pleased with the insurance and stuff that I got with my application (so we didn't need to take anything out separately)

I remember asking exactly the same question about bringing a friend along, and was told that people can not get placed together as they place you on the basis of your specific skills which will be suited to an individual camp. However, as soon as you get to camp you realise everyone is in exactly the same situation, and so everyone becomes so close (a little camp family!) so so quickly- I made the most amazing friends from all over the world.

Good luck with your Camp America experience- you'll have the time of your life

[cl_steele]

Know nothing about it other than my friend is there at the moment and she absolutley loves it

[redwood_phoenix]

I worked at summer camps in the US for four summers - 2008-2011. Loved it

I've been with both CA and BUNAC. I went with CA as a first timer because even though it was more expensive, you could be 18 (think BUNAC are 19+) and fly out later. The first two times I was a returner I went with CA, but in 2011 my camp director wanted me to go with BUNAC as it worked out cheaper for them (but now there aren't returner placement fees with CA). Although it meant I paid less to BUNAC, if I was going again I'd go with Camp America. Personally, I think their customer service is much better. This is just speaking as a returner though - BUNAC weren't great at explaining how it worked as a returner, or helping you if your camp weren't quick with producing your contract. Whereas my experience with CA was much smoother - even when I was being a pain and finding out about working at camp either side of studying in the US for a year!

Although I may be a little biased now, I'm sure whoever you decide to go with you'll have a great time. Wish I could have gone again this summer, but had an MA dissertation to write!

As for going with friends: generally, it's not easy to get placed with friends. Most people go to camp on their own and don't know anyone but Facebook and the CA forum mean you can find people going to your camp/flying with you before you go. You may be able to get placed with a friend at one of the recruitment fairs (typically Jan/Feb in London, Manchester and Edinburgh) but it's very much dependent on the camps so a bit hit and miss. But my first summer I knew people that were placed together at the fair.

[DH-Biker]

Likewise as the others, I've done Camp America four years in a row too. Been to several different camps and had a fantastic time each time. As with the second poster, I had the same issue in that I had my money pack stolen which also included my tickets and the leaders at the camp I was at at the time were fantastic in helping me out. I went with friends three of the four times and it was a nice simple process and you can let them know via email that you'll be going with friends and you want to go to the same camp together.

In fairness to the other groups that do events similar, I've never tried them so I can't rightly say whether or not they compare and on what level they compare to Camp America, but as I've never had an issue with Camp America, I would feel no need to go elsewhere and to be honest, they'd have my vote as an event that is well run, easy to apply to, helpful and most importantly, absolutely brilliant fun.