Camp America: The First Steps

For those of you who don't know, I landed a summer job as a Dance Instructor and General Counsellor at Camp Kenwood and Evergreen in New Hampshire, USA, and the start date is almost here! Although I'm excited now that all the preparation is over, it was a long and painful ride up to now, so I'm here to give a few tips to make it less agonising for those thinking about applying. 

First of all, I should mention what Camp America is. It's an international organisation that hires people from across the globe to work at the hundreds of children's camps in USA. The one thing I have learnt from the many people I have spoken to is that no matter where you end up you're going to have the best summer of your life (I have yet to experience- I'll update you after the summer).

Before the nitty gritty begins you need to apply, which requires starting an application (duh) on the Camp America website (www.campamerica.co.uk). This is very similar to a CV. You need to give information about your skills and experience, personal details, references, etc, just to give some background information into what you're all about. Tip- don't lie or you'll end up being in wayyy over your head. Then you'll need to schedule an interview. This may sound scary, but it's a lot less formal than a job interview even though that's basically what it is. If your interviewer decides you're a worthy applicant then this would be a perfect time to start your DBS (a criminal check). This process takes some time and you can't apply for a visa without one so its best to get it done quickly.

Your next job is to find out which camp you'll be stationed at. You'll need to go to a recruitment fair (all info will appear on your profile on Camp America and you'll probably get an email, too). Before you go, take a glace at all the camps to see which you think you'd like to go to so you can make a B line for their stall at the fair. I had a terrible morning on the day of the fair I went to in January which included delayed trains making me HOURS late. This meant that by the time I arrived all the Dance Instructor placements at the camp I had my heart set on were taken. Although a little disheartened I managed to land the last space at the next camp I looked at- Camp Kenwood and Evergreen.

After you've been selected you'll receive a congratulations package in the post. Along with a bit of merchandise (including a revolting T-shirt) you'll get some important information. With it you'll need it to complete your J1 (Exchange Visitor) Working Visa Application online. You'll receive an email with a PDF attached of your instructions that will talk you through the application. It's a very confusing and lengthy process but don't put it off, just treat that PDF as your bible. It's a bad idea to leave things until the last minute, I learned that the hard way.

Once you've finished that you need to book a visa appointment at the US embassy in London or Belfast (UK readers only). In the package I mentioned earlier you'll also get a list of documents you'll need to bring to the appointment. FYI (I wish I had known this), 'DS2019' is another way of saying your Certificate of Eligibility (which comes in the package, as well). If you don't bring all the documents you will be rejected and have to book another appointment... like I did. Don't make the same mistake or me writing this post is a total waste of my time. They'll keep your passport in which they'll stick your visa and you'll have to select a collection point where you'll have to pick it up yourself.

After you've booked your appointment or before you pick up your passport take a look at your to-do list on your Camp America Profile. It'll probably say:

1) Watch orientation videos

2) Send us your medical form

3) Pay your outstanding balance

Step one is easy, just click on the links. The videos actually point out some pretty crucial information which I would have never thought about, such as, what to do in a natural disaster. Step 2- your medical form comes in the package as well. You need to get that signed by your GP before attaching a copy on your profile. Step 3 came as a big surprise to me. It's a pretty big sum of money that includes Medical Insurance, and some other essential things.

I've found that I've been drip-fed hidden fees along with transport costs to Manchester and London. It's all cost a hell of a lot more money than I initially expected. Although I get paid for the work I do over the summer it doesn't even equate to the amount I've had to pay. Camp America fails to mention the cost when you start the process but I'm making it very clear now. Camp America=not a cheap summer!

I'm not trying to deter people from doing it because, as I said, people have the best summers of their lives at camp, I'm just being transparent for the sake of people on a budget.

Once you've got all your documents back and your do-to list is empty you pack and get excited about leaving date! I've also been spending my time thinking about where I want to go once camp is finished. Your insurance lasts until the end of September so you can head off and see the states! I'm thinking of going to Boston, then NYC, then flying over to LA for a while! I can't wait!

If anyone fancies applying to Camp America, feel free to use this post as a guide to refer to if you're feeling stuck, and you can simply ask me any questions through my social media- links on the home page!

I'm buzzing to let you guys know all about my Summer!

Lizzy x