Can I go to the same camp with my friend?
In our 15+ years experience of sending people to Camp America, we find that it works best for the camps and for the travellers, to do this on your own and make new friends rather than rely on travelling with a current friend. Here’s why…Things to remember though are;
- Even if you did get placed together you won’t necessarily get the same days off – you are better to plan to travel before and after camp rather than plan day trips from camp.
- Camps like individuals best as they make more of an effort to meet new friends and integrate into the staff environment (team) – sometimes if you are alone on arrival you lose your inhibitions and can adjust to camp life more quickly
- Even if you did get placed together you will not be in the same living quarters or cabin so chances are you will not actually even see or be able to spend time with your friend.
- Camps are reluctant to hire friends and partners together because if one gets unhappy (or the couple break up – yes it has happened) – they have two unhappy staff rather than one to deal with – and if one leaves the other tends to go too. If one gets homesick the other will too etc. This is not what camps want so close to the kids arriving.
- Camps hire staff for particular jobs – so they need say a waterskiing instructor from NZ and an Archery teacher – they may have a job for one of you but not necessarily both – which makes your placement chances harder
- Not being ready to do this on your own can be a negative point towards your application as you may be viewed not being mature enough for a job at camp – it’s fine wanting to travel together, but not being willing to work at different camps is akin to getting a job at home and asking if your friend can work there too.
So – in summary – it’s happened successfully a couple of times, but more times than that it hasn’t worked out so well so camps and Camp America both prefer not to hire/place you together.
The only exception is – we have camps coming to NZ to hire staff in January – so if both your applications are ready by then (and complete) – and if you both have skills that these camps are looking for we will invite you along to meet these camps and you can try to convince them of how fabulous you both are!
How do I pay my first payment?
There are 2 ways – internet banking (our account number is 060287 0495361 25 – use your name as a reference) or paying online with a creditcard in your mycampamerica.com account (which is faster as it processes automatically)
I don’t want to go to a single sex camp
Another statement we hear alot – I am guessing it’s because you think you won’t get to meet lots of girls/guys…. First of all – why not? You will still socialise with other camps, even brother and sister camps in the area. There are tonnes of camps around. In fact Walmart is the local counsellor hangout! Even if you were placed in a co-ed camp – the boys and girls are seperated for sleeping of course. It can be a nightmare trying to keep the male and female campers apart at night! Love at age 13 can be a very serious thing you know! Everyone that comes back says THEIR camp was the best – so it’s not the camp that makes it the best summer of your life – it’s the camp experience. Go for it!
I can’t upload my Camp America application video? Can I email to you guys?
No sorry, if it’s too big that’s usually the problem – the video size and file type guidelines are on the Video Upload page – please have a check to see if it fits that criteria before you go any further. Try uploading it to Youtube – then down-loading it resized – this is a good way to resize a video.
My credit card won’t work online to make my 2nd/3rd payments
BNZ Credit cards ask for a secondary verification and it says it’s optional – however the payment is declined if you don’t do it. So if that’s not the problem you can pay by internet banking as a 2nd option. Although the manual payments do take a week to show as paid because we have to send the money to the UK. Camp America
060 287 0495361 25
Use your name as a reference.
What is the biggest hold up of applications?
References seem to be the biggest hold up – make sure that you read all the criteria requirements and get onto arranging these ASAP.
Are there medical requirements for participating on the program?
Due to the nature of the programme there are some medical conditions that cannot be accepted. Camp America has 50 years experience of sending young people to summer camps. During this time we have developed considerable experience and expertise in determining which medical conditions are appropriate for the camp environment and which are not. At all times we seek to put the health and welfare of our participants and the children in their care first. We will always try to be fair and to judge each case on its merits but there are some medical conditions that are made much worse in the excitement of summer camps and there are other conditions, which are regarded more seriously in the United States than in Europe or other countries, and for which it is consequently impossible for us to obtain insurance coverage. There are some conditions and disabilities, which completely rule people out of consideration. There are others, which depend upon the amount of time that has elapsed since an event or upon the severity of the original condition. For example, people with a recent history of depression will not be allowed to apply for the programme. We apologise if some of our terms seem harsh however, our policy is based on experience and we believe it is better to make such policies explicit and not to disappoint people late in the application process. Please be aware anyone who is dishonest on their forms will find themselves cancelled from the programme.
Can I travel before and after camp?
In short YES, there is an allowance on your visa for travel prior to and after camp and even if you don’t know anyone before you go you will quickly hook up with others on our Camp America Facebook page or at camp to travel with.
Am I guaranteed a position?
The earlier you get your application completed and circulating to the camps helps. Our placement rate is 99% so your chances are pretty good. You can increase your chances with having strong skills, being 19 and over, and showing your enthusiasm. Camps tend to hire less General Counsellors now than they did pre-2009 so the more skills you have the better. If not – go out and get some.
I’ve just been placed - what happens next?
On our Videos page
Please take a look at the last three videos – for Current Participants – one is What Happens Now I am placed?
Can I get my Mum or Dad to call you?
There would have to be a VERY good reason for this. If they have any questions please refer them to the Parents Page for info or keep them updated yourself. As we have already said you need to treat this as a job interview, you wouldn’t get your Mum to call your new boss at work to find out how you complete one of their forms. If your parents are calling us all the time we start to wonder if you are going to be able to handle this experience on your own. Plus you need to be getting the information first hand, not your Mum or Dad’s version of what we have told them. If you can’t communicate with us now (see above FAQ for options on how) – then we don’t imagine you’ll do well at camp.
My home page says my Police Check is missing?
This is a generic message CRB’s are Police checks in NZ – the message is worldwide – hence it says “if applicable”
If you paid for your NZ Police Check here and have sent the completed forms and ID in then this message will disappear after 3-4 weeks when we receive the results back from the Police. This will not hold us your placement but it will hold up your visa papers once placed.
You can double-check if you have any Camp America payments outstanding by clicking on your Payments page.
How can I make my Camp America application stand out?
- Make sure you use correct English – no slang or text words, use capitals where required and check your spelling. Remember this is a job application.
- Show your enthusiasm whereever possible – use positive words, stay away from ‘I can’t’ statements.
- Use ALL the space you have to describe your top five skills relative to a summer camp. Include how long you have been doing your skill, how often you do it, if you have taught anyone your skill and be specific – ie with horse riding, can you also saddle & tack your horse, feed out, muck out stables etc.
- Once you have completed your application and interview get to work on a video. Check out our samples on our Facebook page and others on YouTube, this is a HUGE part of your application so be inventive, exciting and show your fun side.
I don’t want to go to a Jewish Camp
This is a call/email we get alot – so I want to clarify a few things for you.
- Most camps on the East Coast are for Jewish children. Most large private camps are owned by Jewish camp directors, which attract Jewish families to send their kids there.
- If they hire you – they KNOW you are not Jewish and they are cool with that.
- It just means the food will be prepared slightly differently and they will not eat pork/bacon.
- They may have a ceremony on Friday night and you will need to go so you look out for the children (and have fun) but you don’t need to pray you just need to respect their religion.
- They still play sports, ride horses, swim, have lifeguards etc
- Jewish kids are exactly the same as non jewish kids
- So – open up your mind a little bit and experience something a bit different – that’s what travelling and camp is all about.
- I promise you won’t be converted – and you will hardly know it’s a Jewish camp!
- If you are still in doubt – I can put you in touch with others from NZ who have gone to a Jewish Camp and lived to tell the tale!
Chris Lambly
I went to Camp JRF in the Pococo Mountains in Pennsylvania, a Jewish Reconstructionist Camp. It was so much fun, never thought I would have that much fun when I found out I was going to a Jewish Camp but it was awesome. Most relaxed summer/nz winter. I met heaps of cool people at camp who I have stayed with since camp and seen a lot more of the US and it’s a lot cheaper than staying in motels. Friday night Shabbat is all good usually with a big meal that night.
Thinking of going back in 2011.
Do it!
Can I choose where I want to go?
We work with over one thousand camps throughout the USA. If you have done some research and there is a particular camp you would like to apply to we can submit your application to them however there are no guarantees. Just remember where ever you are placed will be the BEST camp ever!
Why do I need Camp America?
You cannot work at a camp with our sponsorship of your visa. We also screen the camps for you.
How will doing Camp America help me get a job in the future?
Many employers view someone doing Camp America as more valuable than going to university.
It’s February, am I too late to apply?
Applications usually close in April.
When are the camps?
They run over the American Summer so June/July/August – although some states start in May.
How do I book my interview?
Interviews are available all throughout the season, reply to your interviewer to book or contact your interviewer directly to book one on your MyCampAmerica site.
I’m 23, that makes me too old right?
Not at all – camps love people with real life experience behind them.
I’m not religious - do I select atheist?
Select what most closely fits with your beliefs. Christian based and Jewish camps don’t push religion onto staff – they know you’re not religious when they hire you – don’t be afraid.
What if I haven’t heard from any one at Camp America during my application process?
Don’t assume that everything is okay, contact your interviewer or our Auckland office to make sure that we aren’t waiting on anything. We are contactable over the phone via email, on Facebook and website chat so there is no excuse for not contacting us, even if you work during the day. It’s easier for you to contact us than visa versa – we may have tried already and have not been able to get you.
When do the kids get to camp?
About one week after you arrive – the first week is training and preamp if you’re hired for that (longer than one week). Preamp is when you help get camp ready for summer after it’s been closed up all winter.
Can I apply to Camp America if I have special dietary requirements?
Yes you can! Some camps cater for the many dietary requirements that you can imagine campers demand, make a mention of it on your application and that way if a camp cannot cater for you they won’t hire you.
I got declined by a Camp - will this mean that it will look bad on my application?
No not at all – it’s all part of the matching process.
Where are the Camps?
All over America apart from the desert, usually in the countryside, near a lake.
Can I enter into the States before my Camp starts?
You have 30 days grace to enter before your J1 Visa start date. Please note many check-in agents are not aware of this rule so it may pay to get an ESTA as well. Ask Dale at IWH Travel for a plan of attack.
What do I do After my Interview?
Read the After Interview booklet, follow the instructions of your interviewer, complete your application/references/video etc,
When will I be placed?
You can be placed at any stage from when your application is Ready to Place until the end of June/beginning of July.
How do I get my visa?
How long does the Visa process take?
It takes about 2 weeks to be sponsored in America after placement (as long as we have your Police Check application on file), and then a week to get out to you as long as all your payments are up to date on your MyCampAmerica site. The actual processing of the visa takes 4 working days at the Consulate.
Is program number the same thing as the exchange number?
Yes
How long will it take for my Visa papers to arrive?
About three weeks from your Visa Print Date on your Visa Tab in MyCampAmerica. You can select to pick them up from our Auckland office or have them couriered out. Look out for our email about that or pay for the courier now.
Do I need my visa papers to book an appointment?
yes you do – visa papers come with a link to very detailed instructions on booking your appointment.
What is the MRV fee and do I have to pay it?
Yes you do it is the fee payable to the Consulate for processing your visa.
How do I book my Visa appointment?
You receive a link to full instructions with your visa papers. Please read them very carefully – they are long but you need to follow them exactly.
I received another copy of my visa papers (DS2019) in the mail - what is that for?
If your camp changes your start/end dates or you change the spelling of your name, a visa papers reprint is automatically generated. You can tell if new papers have been printed, because the Visa Papers Print date on the visa tab of you profile will have a new date. Check the “Purpose of this form” section on the new visa papers to see why they have been reprinted. If you haven’t already had your embassy appointment, take your new papers with you when you do. If you have had your embassy appointment, call us at the office to discuss what you need to do. Usually you will be fine with your initial visa, in rare cases you may have to book a new appointment. You should keep both versions in your passport.
What should I pack?
It can be cooler on the East Coast and even California during June so pack a jack and long pants for evenings and early mornings. A Torch, travel adaptor, Sunglasses, raincoat, a watch, Suncream, water bottle, sneakers, socks, socks and more socks, something to remind you of home. Don’t forget your DS2019 in your passport and a first aid kit.
Can I get my own Accident & Sickness Coverage?
No – Camp America sponsors your visa and to do that we have to satisfy the powers that be in America that you will be covered by Top Class, Group International Accident & Sickness Coverage!
So – our insurance has been pre-approved.
Camp America provides Group International Accident & Sickness Coverage for all our participants, which is specifically designed to suit working at US summer camps. The policy has an A+ rating.
As your programme sponsor, Camp America is required by the US Department of State, to provide your coverage to ensure it meets minimum US State Department requirements for J1 visa participants. It will always meet these criteria:
- A+ rated (or backed by the full faith and credit of your home government)
- covers you for working at camp including activities you are likely to undertake at camp
- covers the full period of time you are in the US
- covers the United States
- has medical benefits of at least US$100,000 per accident or illness
- has repatriation of remains in the amount of US$25,000
- has medical evacuation expenses to your home country in the amount of US$50,000
- the deductible must not exceed US$500 per accident or illness
How do I make a claim on my Camp America Group Cover?
Go to your Group Cover tab in MyCampAmerica.com
Download the claim form and complete and send off to contact on the form.
Just add the details in an attached letter to the claim form. Keep copies of everything. Any questions please email nz@campamerica.co.uk
What does the Camp America Group International Accident & Sickness Coverage policy cover?
Your cover begins on your outbound flight from NZ to the USA. You are specifically covered for working at camp, including any activities you are likely to do during your time there.
To read the full master policy, and view the insurance check out the official downloads page.