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Camp leaders - USA
Working at a summer camp in the USA is an opportunity to have fun, develop career skills and make a difference in the lives of children. Camp Leaders can place you at an American summer camp working with children as a general counselor, activity specialist or in a support staff role.
Work and travel in the great outdoors; build and gain skills to boost your CV; and make friendships with people from all over the world that will last a lifetime- these are just a few of the benefits of the Camp Leaders program!
Summer camp has been an American tradition for over 100 years. There are more than 10,000 camps in the USA that together serve more than 10 million people a year. The main focus of a summer camp program is to provide a safe, outdoor environment in which to nurture young people’s development through fun play, physical activities and friendships.
Camps have employed international staff for decades to help promote cultural understanding and to utilize camp-type skills which international staff can offer. Through this program, Camp Leaders is proud to play a role in cultural exchange and facilitating tolerance and appreciation of other cultures.
Are you Camp Leaders material?
| Specialist | Provides daily instruction in a specific activity to groups of children. You must possess a background in a particular activity as well as qualifications or certifications (required level of skill may vary depending on the camp). |
| General Counselor |
Chaperones children as they attend their various activity periods throughout the day. May rotate with the same group of children between activities or stay in one activity area and assist with various groups of children. |
| Special Needs | Lead activities and provide support of a counselor for children and adults with special needs. Previous experience is in high demand and will make you very desirable however it is no-way |
| Support Staff |
Must be a full-time student in continuing education on your summer break. Works in one of the following areas at camp: maintenance, kitchen, office, housekeeping/laundry. Is not responsible for working directly with children, but will be involved in the camp community. |
Camp Leaders looks for the following qualities in all participants:
- Good sense of humour
- Maturity
- Ability to work well in groups/with others
- Ability to work independently
- Flexibility
- Leadership skills
- An open mind, willing to try new things
- Outgoing & friendly
- Responsibility
- And most of all….a genuine interest in working with children!
What do you get?
- Transatlantic return flights to your camps preferred airport
- Fantastic customer service to guide you through the application process and find you a placement at camp
- Assistance with your J1 visa and cultural exchange permits
- Pocket money for your time at camp ranging from $500 - $1250
- Accommodation and Meals while at camp
- 24 hour support while in the US
- A UK based pre-departure day to get you prepared
- Camp Leaders Guidebook
- Time to travel in the USA after camp. We can also help you include camp in a wider round the world itinerary
- The summer of a LIFETIME!
How does it work?
- Visit an STA Travel office or ring 0871 230 0040 (*Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) and register
- Book and pay for your Camp Leaders interview (£49 interview fee- refundable if you are not accepted onto the program)
- Complete your online profile
- Once you are accepted onto the program, Camp Leaders will help you complete your application; provide you with the visa documentation and assist you with making an Embassy appointment; provide you with a Preparation Day (training) in the UK; provide you with a handbook, calling card and other useful materials for camp; find you a placement at an amazing summer camp; organise your flights to US and camp!
Additional benefits
- Travel: After camp is over you have up to 30 days on your visa to travel around the United States. Whether you sign up for an organized tour or map your own route of places to visit in the US, this is a great opportunity to see all the places you’ve dreamed about or seen on TV!
- Swim and Sports Leaders Programs: Ask your STA Travel representative about the skill-specific programs that Camp Leaders offers for you to work as a trained specialist at camp in an activity area that you love!
- Curriculum Vitae: Working and travelling abroad not only expands your skills and horizons but it looks good on your CV! Employers admire people who have independently taken the opportunity to improve their interpersonal and life skills. Plus all the friends you will meet at camp from around the world are great contacts to have for life!
How much does it cost?
- The total cost of the Camp Leaders program is £399 (paid in two easy instalments):
£49- Interview fee (refunded if you do not pass interview)
£350- Balance of fees (due within 60 days of acceptance to the program) - Discounts:
Up to £100 credit towards your final instalment of fees plus £££’s of discount vouchers for outdoors equipment and other travel opportunities. Check out the full reward pack - There are no hidden costs! The only additional fees which you must pay are:
$131 visa fee (payable to US Embassy; correct at the time of print)
£35- ACRO criminal background certificate (costs may vary if you are not a citizen of the UK).
£16.00 visa/passport shipping fee (payable to US Embassy)
