Camp America 2015?

I am also thinking about applying for a summer camp but I have no child care experience and very little sport experience other than being a keen member of the gym. Is there any point me applying? It seems like an amazing experience and I would to be able to do it. If you think it's worth applying, any tips on how to strengthen my application?

Reply 21

smileitsjess

2

Original post by cgeorge

I am also thinking about applying for a summer camp but I have no child care experience and very little sport experience other than being a keen member of the gym. Is there any point me applying? It seems like an amazing experience and I would to be able to do it. If you think it's worth applying, any tips on how to strengthen my application?

Hi!

You're right in saying it's an amazing experience. To put into words how incredible my summer was is an impossible task! However, it was also the hardest work I've ever done.

This information will vary in accuracy depending on the type of camp a person goes to and the age group of the children they work with but for me, working at a traditional sleep-away summer camp, I was pretty much a parent for the summer. I was a clothes folder, a bedtime story reader, a milk pourer, a piggy back giver, a hairdresser, a suncream supervisor and a million other things. Your job as a camp counselor literally is caring for other peoples' children.

What I'm trying to say is that whilst it's not my job to choose who works at summer camps, my eyes widened when you said you had no childcare experience whatsoever. I only have one tip for you if you wish to apply to be a camp counselor: get some.

The sport experience can be worked around. You don't have to be a sports specialist to work at a summer camp. However, the first question asked by the agency sending you to camp or the camp director who hires you is what experience do you have looking after children.

Best of luck if you choose to go ahead with your application!

Reply 22

LauraSinky

You can put your own leaving date; It depends on the camp rather than Camp America, Some camps may allow you to come in as a late start and some may not even start by then!!

I know people who have left on like the 21st and stuff so it should be okay

Original post by ndoyle7

I really want to apply for Camp America for summer 2015, but my last A2 exam is around about the 20 of June. which is going to be a problem since Camp America requires you to be free from May-June. So, I was thinking about going with the company AmeriCamp because you book your own flights. Therefore you have the option to be more flexible with dates. but the major downside to AmeriCamp is that you have to organise your own way from the airport to the camp. (which could be disastrous) :frown:

Is anyone else having this problem? or has anyone been with either company and could offer some advice? Help would be greatly appreciated. :smile:

Working in America at a camp is something i have always really wanted to do, and summer 2015 would be the best time for me to do it!

Reply 23

owly1090

Does anyone know the application deadline for next summer? I really want to do it but also have a few other options for the summer! I'm thinking of doing the special needs camp. Also, any idea which company is best?

Reply 24

Sannn

15

Just throwing this out there, the company Wild Packs are extremely efficient and helpful with applications. I went to a NY camp from June through August and they were the ones who placed me and helped me out with everything. I would very much recommend them; from very friendly staff and help with each step of the way, they really are a great company for newcomers or even veterans.

Reply 25

TwoLimes

17

Original post by ndoyle7

I really want to apply for Camp America for summer 2015, but my last A2 exam is around about the 20 of June. which is going to be a problem since Camp America requires you to be free from May-June. So, I was thinking about going with the company AmeriCamp because you book your own flights. Therefore you have the option to be more flexible with dates. but the major downside to AmeriCamp is that you have to organise your own way from the airport to the camp. (which could be disastrous) :frown:

Is anyone else having this problem? or has anyone been with either company and could offer some advice? Help would be greatly appreciated. :smile:

Working in America at a camp is something i have always really wanted to do, and summer 2015 would be the best time for me to do it!

The thing about needing to organise your own way from the airport - I'm sure I've spoken to someone from Americamp & they said the camps where you end up placed usually send someone out to meet you, or help with this aspect. Thousands of other people manage to do it every summer when they use Americamp, so I wouldn't worry too much.

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Reply 26

Butterfly9595

5

Just arranged my interview... Any tips? :smile:

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Reply 27

mickey27

1

Original post by smileitsjess

I was pretty much a parent for the summer. I was a clothes folder, a bedtime story reader, a milk pourer, a piggy back giver, a hairdresser, a suncream supervisor and a million other things. Your job as a camp counselor literally is caring for other peoples' children.

What age children were you caring for? and did you find they expected you to do everything for you, i.e. were they rich and spoilt? Also, what kinds of things did you do on the camp, did you coach activities or get to take part?

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 28

TwoLimes

17

Original post by Butterfly9595

Just arranged my interview... Any tips? :smile:

Posted from TSR Mobile

Be yourself, which - if you're in this for the right reasons - should include passion and enthusiasm. If you're being interviewed by the guys at Americamp they're super friendly, so don't panic either, they'll make you feel at ease.

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Reply 29

Butterfly9595

5

Original post by TwoLimes

Be yourself, which - if you're in this for the right reasons - should include passion and enthusiasm. If you're being interviewed by the guys at Americamp they're super friendly, so don't panic either, they'll make you feel at ease.

Posted from TSR Mobile

I'm with Camp Leaders, but I'm sure they're nice anyways :P thanks for the advice!

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Reply 30

fasteddy

10

Interview advice -
- Stay relaxed, the people interviewing are past counselors and have been in your positions
- Be friendly / normal
- Emphasise your strengths
- Also don't panic there really is no need to, I'm sure the person you will speak to will be really friendly and put you at ease :smile:

There is some advice & info here http://www.oneworld365.org/travel/united-states/summer-camp-jobs or if you check through some of the old threads on this forum you will find lots more advice.

Good luck :smile:

Reply 31

CampAmerica1969

Original post by cgeorge

I am also thinking about applying for a summer camp but I have no child care experience and very little sport experience other than being a keen member of the gym. Is there any point me applying? It seems like an amazing experience and I would to be able to do it. If you think it's worth applying, any tips on how to strengthen my application?

Hi!

Not everyone who applies with Camp America necessarily has childcare experience! Obviously it will help, but plenty of people are hired based on their skills in other activities. We have hundreds of skills to choose from to put on your application, and even something like working in a gym is useful, as many camps have gyms that they need supervisors for. Applicants are hired all the time on personality alone, so it's always worth giving it a go and applying! If you're not placed, then we will refund you the first payment that you have paid :smile:

Hope this helps!!

Reply 32

CampAmerica1969

Original post by owly1090

Does anyone know the application deadline for next summer? I really want to do it but also have a few other options for the summer! I'm thinking of doing the special needs camp. Also, any idea which company is best?

Hey!

Our applications won't close for MONTHS yet, so you have loads of time to get an application in and find a placement. ESPECIALLY if you're looking to work at a special needs camp. Special needs counsellors are always high in demand, so you stand a great chance of being placed!

And just a bit about us... Camp America is the original summer camp experience! There may be other companies out there that do the same thing, but there's only one Camp America. We offer the best service, we make everything completely hassle free and we're the best at what we do. We're also a J1 Visa sponsor, which means we have a great relationship with the US State Department, and it ultimately means you stand no risk of your visa for working in the US falling through. Other companies don't have this sponsorship, so we're very proud of it :smile:

Hopefully this helps!

Reply 33

naadineBARTLETT

Does anyone know how long it takes after you've completed your application for Camp America to get hold of you or to get an interview? I've sent it yesterday

Reply 34

Michellee28

Original post by bbbtsr

Hey, is anyone else thinking of Camp America for summer 2015...
I am but I'm also looking at Camp Leaders too, I've noticed that Camp Leaders application begins properly from June 1st but I'm starting mine now as it is open. Only problem here is that it's asking me when I'm free from and I have no idea because I don't know when my last A2 exams are! Is it too early to apply? And if we don't find out our exam dates until the next academic year will this be a problem for Brits applying?!
Thanks

I was thinking of doing the same thing if I took a gap year and I was asking the same question because I wanted to do the Camp America 2015

Reply 35

CampAmerica1969

Original post by bbbtsr

Hey, is anyone else thinking of Camp America for summer 2015...
I am but I'm also looking at Camp Leaders too, I've noticed that Camp Leaders application begins properly from June 1st but I'm starting mine now as it is open. Only problem here is that it's asking me when I'm free from and I have no idea because I don't know when my last A2 exams are! Is it too early to apply? And if we don't find out our exam dates until the next academic year will this be a problem for Brits applying?!
Thanks

Hey!

If you're wanting to apply to through Camp America, which we hope you are, you can choose your availability dates. This is so we know exactly when you're free to fly. These dates are completely up to you and you can update them if your circumstances change. If you have ANY questions then just ask and we'll do our best to reply :smile:

Thanks!

Reply 36

CampAmerica1969

Original post by ndoyle7

I really want to apply for Camp America for summer 2015, but my last A2 exam is around about the 20 of June. which is going to be a problem since Camp America requires you to be free from May-June. So, I was thinking about going with the company AmeriCamp because you book your own flights. Therefore you have the option to be more flexible with dates. but the major downside to AmeriCamp is that you have to organise your own way from the airport to the camp. (which could be disastrous) :frown:

Is anyone else having this problem? or has anyone been with either company and could offer some advice? Help would be greatly appreciated. :smile:

Working in America at a camp is something i have always really wanted to do, and summer 2015 would be the best time for me to do it!

Hey!

Firstly, it's great that you want to work on a summer camp, because it is an amazing experience, and one that you will never EVER forget.

Ultimately, the choice of which company to go through is your decision, but just to clear up... with CA you can choose your availability dates so we don't fly you out before you're available. These dates can be updated throughout the application process. Then what you pay to us is £599, which includes your flights and journey to camp, making it all completely hassle free.

There are some third party costs: your J1 visa, medical insurance and the GP cost to complete a medical form. However, these costs don't go to us, they're just bits you need in order to travel and work in the US.

Camp America have been going for over 40 years now, we're the most established company and offer the best customer service. We'll do our best to give the most amazing summer ever! :smile:

Reply 37

CampAmerica1969

Original post by naadineBARTLETT

Does anyone know how long it takes after you've completed your application for Camp America to get hold of you or to get an interview? I've sent it yesterday

Hey Nadine!

An interviewer should be in contact with you shortly. They're probably just a bit busy working through other interview requests right now, but they'll make sure you have been contacted ASAP :smile:

Reply 38

megankitchenxo

Does anyone know if you need to completely finish your application before you have an interview? I have the orange bar across the top that says I have completed enough but I don't know if I should select an interviewer now or wait until it is 100% complete???

Reply 39

Riku

2

Yes I hope to do this :biggrin:

Camp America 2015?

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