Camp USA
Tick wisely
America is a vast and varied place, and it has a huge number of camps. Placements are offered in day camps, special needs camps and religious camps, to name just a few. When applying, you will be asked to choose the types of kids with whom you’d most like to work. This, combined with your particular skills, will determine where you end up, so it’s important to carefully consider your options. Can you really see yourself bunking with a group at Bible Camp? Could you lead a group of underprivileged kids from New York City down a hiking trail?
‘I chose to work with disadvantaged kids from inner-city New York,’ says George Swithinback, who found a camp placement through BUNAC in 2006. ‘It took a long time and lots of work to win the kids’ respect; some of them had never really been in contact with a white person for any real length of time, let alone an Englishman with a silly voice! For me, the challenge made it worthwhile, but I know that not everyone is looking for that sort of summer.’
The reality of working at a camp is that you’re paid to watch a group of kids all the time. They can be great fun, but they can also keep you up at night, make a mess and challenge your patience. While it’s more fun to daydream about the campfire and marshmallow aspect of camp, picture yourself doing the less-glamorous stuff as well. Imagine dragging 12 grumpy kids out of bed in the morning – still excited? If the answer is yes, then you’re probably making the right choice. To get a better idea of your abilities with kids, try babysitting or working a few days at your local activities scheme.
Think fast
Avoid getting stuck with a placement at the Quilting and Needlework Camp of Texas (This isn't actually a real camp. Sorry if we've gotten your hopes up) and file your application as soon as possible. There’s a lot of competition for these positions and, as always, the best jobs are the first to get filled. Also, be prepared for the long, drawn out odyssey of gathering the necessary visas and paperwork to support your application. By the end of the process, you will be an expert on the J-1 visa (sure to make you the life of the party).
Money matters
For these programmes, expect to pay roughly £300, not including the cost of your flight. (In most cases, you can pay for the flight after you start earning your wages.) The pay for a summer of work begins at around $1,000, which stretches quite far as your food, accommodation and in some cases, laundry, are all taken care of. Saving money will be a breeze, considering your camp will likely be situated in some remote forest, far from any suggestion of nightlife. Many counsellors use their wages to pay for travel around North America after the job is finished.
Camp, the sequel
If you find the perfect match and the camp director invites you to return for another summer, most organisations offer low ‘returnee fees’ of roughly £80. Besides a lower fee, you get to negotiate your own contract and salary with the camp. (Returning counsellors are entitled to higher pay packages.)
Not great with kids?
For those of you unsure about managing a group of screaming campers, BUNAC offers the Kamp USA programme, where you can work behind the scenes of camp in a kitchen or office. Unlike with the camp counsellor programmes, you can apply with friends from home and get placed together. The application cost is lower (around £140) and you’ll earn at least $1,350 in return.
Ready to go?
Here are some helpful links to get you on your way:
www.bunac.org.uk
www.ccusa.com
www.campleaders.com/gb/news
Comments
(All comments will need to be approved before they will be shown on this page)
| Author: caroline gratton | Date: 17th, March 2008 |
| DARN!! im only 17!!! | |
| Author: Etc Editor | Date: 17th, March 2008 |
| But if you're 18 by this June, you'll still be eligible. Or you could start planning for next year! | |
