Camp america 2012 ???????????

I'm thinking to apply for Camp America. I've wanted to do it for so many years. Was a bit worried I'll be too old though, as I'll be 25 by the time camp comes around.

I was told the references had to be endorsed some how, may I ask how you submitted them online did you scan them?

Hmm, well when it asked for references it gave me two options, one was to input the email addresses and phone numbers in addition to the name of my referees, the other was to print off the paper application and to snail mail (post) it back to CCUSA offices in London as I received them. I went for the email option as I knew it would be faster/tidier, and I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that they check up on most references by ringing the referees and asking them questions that way? Each time one of the people I asked to provide me with a reference submitted it online, I received an email saying that "one of my references had been completed and added to my application".

Can I ask where you heard they had to be endorsed? Because, while that does sound about right, I haven't heard of it before, and as far as I know none of my references have heard anything from them as one of them said they'd let me know if they did, just so I'd know there was something being done about my application. It's been about 3 weeks now since I paid all of my fees, and I haven't heard a thing from CCUSA about an interview or anything, and I know they've started interviewing, so I'm kind of worried about being accepted now ha

Heyyy everyone! Im currently applying to camp america... got my interview next week! So nervous haha, anyone want to give me any tips??

Wow, that was really quick! When did you apply? What kind of activities can you do, out of interest?

I have an interview with a camp next week (phone for about an hour) any idea on what will be asked?

Well as it's summer camp, the programme runs for the duration of the summer, usually from June until late August,
(tip: the earlier you can travel to the USA, the more camps we can send your application to, giving you a better chance of being placed at camp)

Having a sailing qualification is awesome and will definitely help with your qualification since sailing is an in-demand activity that not many people have experience of.
However, having a qualification is not enough on its own, you'll also need experience of teaching the activity and experience of working with kids in a leadership capacity. For more info about Summer Camp USA, please call 02072510662 or visit www.bunac.org.uk/summercampusa
Applications for Summer camp 2012 open this Sept, get your application in as early as you can to boost your chances of placement!

I'm going with Bunac again next year, just finalising everything up at the moment. I have to say Bunac all the way over Camp America - you pay less and earn more with Bunac, they are much more helpful and generally extremely supportive towards all the people they place at camps. They meet you at the airport, meet you when you reach the USA and have an office in the USA that you can call whilst at camp should you have any problems. I've had friends that have gone with Camp America and had a great time but personally I wouldn't use them.

In terms of experience Bunac seem to be looking for people with relevant experience in teaching or caring for children in a 'professional' environment. For example I coach people 5-22 in cheerleading about 3 times a week. Although I won't be teaching cheerleading with Bunac obviously the skills I have learnt can be applied to different activities. Unfortunately I don't think babysitting for friends/family counts for much, but anyone who is worried about experience you still have plenty of time before next Summer to volunteer with a local sports club or Brownies/Scouts.

Bunac endorse all references received, they won't send your application around to suitable camps if you've got a bad reference because it reflects badly on them. Usually they don't look at references until after they have declared your interview successful though - the interviews I had were basically informal chats, talked over my experience, why I wanted to apply/my motives, what activities I wanted to partake in and why. It was all pretty simple stuff - the questions they ask you are based on the online form you fill in anyway. They also asked to see my passport so maybe take along some form of ID! I was jut super enthusiastic and didn't sell myself short, tell them about all your fantastic qualities and why camps need to employ someone like you.

Hey, i'm thinking of applying to BUNAC. I am thinking of working as a counsellor, not sure how much work experience/skills you need though
I have previous work experience in primary schools, and currently volunteer working with children occasionally. I'm studying childhood studies at uni, and i do dance for beginners lol and sign language.. i have done drama in the past. i really don't know if this is enough or too little. Also, not sure whether to apply to BUNAC or Camp America? do you get a free return flight with BUNAC?

any advice would be great, thanks! i don't feel like the drama and dance i've done is enough to teach it to children.. do you have to lead an activity by yourself? and how 'good' at the activity do you have to be?