AmeriCamp FAQs

Coronavirus Information (COVID-19)

We are ecstatic that travel to the USA is now open for fully vaccinated travellers from the UK and Schengen Area (EU).

The rules and restrictions around travel can cause confusion, so keep reading to find out all you need to know about travelling to the USA this Summer.

When will the US Embassy open for visa interviews?

We are working closely with the US Embassy in London and the US Consulate in Belfast to confirm when appointments will resume now that the travel ban has been lifted.

Appointments can be viewed after completing the payment to the US Embassy for your visa appointment. We recommend that you check the live appointment scheduler daily to see appointments that are released as soon as you can.

For additional information please see here.

Program Requirements

How old must I be to apply to AmeriCamp?

You must be 18 by June 1st, 2023 in order to apply for AmeriCamp 2023. Unfortunately, this is non-negotiable. So, if you are 17 years of age, you can apply for AmeriCamp provided you turn 18 before June 1st, 2022.

If you are under 18 and are interested in becoming a camp counsellor, please do get in touch, as we have other programs that would be suitable for you.

Do I need to be a student to apply to AmeriCamp?

To apply for the role of General Camp Counsellor or Instructor with AmeriCamp you do not need to be a student!

Do I need qualifications in order to apply to be a camp counsellor with AmeriCamp?

Qualifications in certain areas are always desirable (for instance, lifeguarding for example), but they are not essential. We find that personal experience is really valuable, and, when combined with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, produces the best kind of results!

Do your best to add as many skills to your application as possible. Even if you don’t have the ability to teach it, the more skills and experience you have in different areas the better – as it shows you are a good, well-rounded candidate.

You don’t necessarily need extensive experience teaching or working with children in order to apply to be a camp counsellor for AmeriCamp, but you must be able to demonstrate a desire to work with children and make sure that they too have the Summer of a Lifetime!

When do I have to be available for AmeriCamp placement?

Most Camps have a 9 week contract between the first and second week of June through to mid-August.

We can only accept applications with availability up to the 18th of June 2022, if you can’t start until after this date please contact the office on 0161 312 3640 to discuss your options.

The earlier you are available the better; Camps start hiring for some positions from May 1st, so if you do work longer than 9 weeks (11 weeks for a day camp) you will get paid a daily rate on top of your initial salary.

Application FAQs

How do I apply to be a camp counsellor with AmeriCamp?

You can apply to be a camp counsellor for AmeriCamp 2023 now by clicking the 'apply now' button to get started. A member of the team will be on hand to assist, please set 30-60 minutes aside to complete your application.

Is there a deadline for AmeriCamp applications?

We will be taking applications up to May 2024. If you wish to apply after this date please contact the office to discuss your options. Please be aware that applying after the deadline may reduce your chances of placement.

Where do I have to go for my AmeriCamp interview?

Your AmeriCamp interview will be conducted on a virtual platform with a member of our team. Interviews can also be conducted by our brand ambassadors at universities close to you or at our Manchester HQ.

What is the camp counsellor interview like?

Camp counsellor interviews will usually be carried out in person or online, with one of our lovely AmeriCamp brand ambassadors. Interviews are quite casual so you don’t have to turn up suited and booted; think of it more as a chat to get to know you and talk about what skills you can bring to Camp! Your interviewer will then complete an interview report and we can move you onto the next stage if you are successful.

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Who should complete my camp counsellor references?

We require two references for the AmeriCamp camp counsellor program. These should be from someone who knows you within a professional capacity and who is not a family member or friend. Examples include teachers, coaches, employers, parents you have babysat for etc.

How long should my AmeriCamp application video be and what should it include?

Let’s face it, your video is what really brings your camp counsellor application to life! As a tool, it is the perfect opportunity to show off your personality, skills, and to convince a Camp Director to hire you. Keep it short and sweet (we recommend no more than 2 minutes), and be yourself!

Take a look at our ‘How to make your video’ for suggestions; don’t be afraid to be as creative as possible – this is your opportunity to shine!

Fees and Figures

Do I pay taxes as a camp counsellor?

In short, yes, AmeriCamp staff will be required to pay federal and potentially state tax for the time they are working in the US. This can be claimed back the following January after the end of the American tax year. Your camp will send a W2 form and the AmeriCamp team will send further instructions via email when the time comes.

What is the programme fee for?

The AmeriCamp program fee covers your application fee, i.e. the cost of us working with you to make sure that your application is submitted to and processed by the US office, to get you placed at your perfect Camp!

It also includes your visa sponsorship, which allows you to work and earn money legally in the USA, covers the cost of us producing your DS2019 (certificate of eligibility) and SEVIS receipt. It also includes medical insurance for the duration of your time in the USA.

Do I need to submit a medical form, and will there be a charge for doing so?

Yes, you must complete a medical form and have this signed by a GP prior to your departure to the USA.

Costs associated with this document can vary greatly depending on the policies in place at the GP surgery where you are registered. Ordinarily, costs should not exceed £60, though some practices do charge higher fees.

How do I book a visa appointment for AmeriCamp?

You will be given full instructions on how to apply for your J-1 camp counselor visa once you are #plACed and your visa documents have been processed. Your visa fees ($160) are paid directly to the embassy.

You will be required to visit a US Embassy to obtain your visa. In the UK, these are located in London and Belfast.

How will I be paid as a camp counsellor?

This varies depending on your camp so please ensure that you are clear on this prior to departure. Some camps will set staff up with American bank accounts, others will pay in cash. The frequency of this also depends on your camp and could be weekly, fortnightly, monthly or at the end of the summer.

How do I book my flights?

We would recommend waiting until you have attained your visa before booking your flights. Your camp will provide travel information with which airport to fly into and the dates to do so. We recommend using flight partner sites such as Skyscanner and google flights to find the best deal or booking directly with your preferred airline to allow for flexible booking options.

How much can I earn as an AmeriCamp camp counsellor?

If you are 18 years old or over, your minimum salary as an AmeriCamp camp counsellor will be $2000 USD.

Getting #plACed

How does AmeriCamp place me at camp?

We work with awesome placement coordinators who look at your application and place you ‘on review’ with a Camp. The Camp Directors then have the opportunity to take a look through your application and offer you a interview.

If all goes well, your placement will be confirmed in your account. It is also not unusual to be #plACed straightaway without an interview – if this happens, congratulations! This would suggest that the Camp Director must have really liked your application.

How long does it take to get #plACed?

There is no exact science to the amount of time it takes to get #plACed, although generally speaking the earlier you apply, the earlier you will be #plACed.

Please also be aware that placements can occur anytime up to the early June, so hold tight and keep the faith! Remember: AmeriCamp has had a huge 99% placement rate! – you’re in the best hands!

Where will I be placed through AmeriCamp?

Whilst each and every Camp that we work with offers an amazing and unique experience, your placement actually depends primarily on you, the applicant! All Camps will require individuals with certain skills, and so you will more than likely be #plACed according to the skills listed on your AmeriCamp application.

For example, if your AmeriCamp application outlines that you are an accomplished rock climber, then you will naturally be considered by Camps who are hiring for a Climbing Instructor role. Because of this, it may not always be possible to place you at a specific Camp of your choosing.

However, we work with hundreds of Camps all across the USA, and while most of them are located on the East coast we guarantee that wherever you may be #plACed, your Camp will be just as special as any other! Ultimately Camp is Camp: the place you’ll make lifelong friends, the place you’ll long for once you’re back home and most importantly where you’ll be having your Summer of a Lifetime along with your fellow Campers!

In summary, you could well be placed anywhere in the USA – but this is what makes the AmeriCamp experience so worthwhile. Think of it as an adventure!

Can I choose which State I work in?

We would recommend not getting too hung up on the location of your AmeriCamp placement, as Camp is an incredible experience wherever you are #plACed! Instead, engage your sense of adventure and don’t get bogged down with only considering Camps in New York or California, for example! If there’s somewhere that you are desperate to see, don’t forget that you can use your 30 day grace period to travel after you’re finished at Camp.

Can I get #plACed with a friend or a partner?

The only way to get #plACed with a friend, relative or partner is to attend one of the AmeriCamp Camp Fairs.

However, please be aware that this is not guaranteed, as it is the Camp Director’s decision to hire more than one person at a time. It is more than possible that the Camp only have a position for one of your party, or that you don’t all have the skills the Camp is looking for etc.

We would advise that you always keep your options open, as we have found that some Camp Directors are put off from hiring friends as they believe that this prevents applicants from fully embracing the spirit of Camp.

Don’t let this put you off, though, we can assure you that you’ll have an incredible experience wherever you are #plACed and you can always meet your friends/brother/sister/cousin/partner/grandma/dog at the end of Camp for your 30 day grace period, plus you’ll have more way more crazy Camp stories to share!

How will a camp get a hold of me?

Most Camps will reach out to you via email, so it is important you check your mail daily. It is especially important to check your junk/spam folders as well, as the email will be coming from an American address and so may have been filtered incorrectly by your mailbox.

Each year placements are lost because people don’t respond to emails quickly enough, or they are lost in spam, so please don’t be one of them! Make sure you are on the ball and are replying to a Camp/Camp Director promptly; we wouldn’t want you to miss out!

How will I know I have been placed?

In most cases you will hear from your Camp directly after interview. However in some cases you will get placed directly, so ensure you are checking your online account 3-5 times a week.

Do I have to accept the first job offer?

We wouldn’t advise you to turn down your first placement without speaking to us first; we will take a look at the reasons why the Camp might not suit you, and can make changes to your application.

If you really feel that the Camp isn’t the best fit we will do our best to #plACe you elsewhere, however we can’t guarantee you would be offered a second placement. All of the Camps that we work with are truly amazing and you will have the Summer of a Lifetime – wherever you may end up!

Visas and Insurance

How long will it take for my J-1 visa to be processed?

For the London and Belfast embassy, the turnaround time is usually between 5-10 working days. Please check the website for up-to-date processing time, you must attend the embassy on a designated J-1 day.

What happens if I miss my embassy appointment or am denied a visa?

You can turn up to the embassy any time before 12.30pm on a designated J1 day and will still be able to attend your appointment. If you miss your appointment, you must contact us for advice to re-arrange however we can’t guarantee there will be another appointment time available.

You are responsible for securing your visa. It is extremely rare that anyone is denied a visa, however in such a case all fees are non-refundable. If you have any concerns please call us before your appointment. If you are denied on the day you will be given a chance to appeal/re-apply for a visa.

Am I covered by medical insurance through AmeriCamp?

Yes! As part of your AmeriCamp program fees you will get up to 90 days of medical insurance to cover both accident and illness. This will cover you at Camp and on your days off.

Insurance can be extended both before and after your contracted dates and can also be upgraded to premium coverage. Again, for advice on this please contact us at the AmeriCamp office. You will need a to source your own insurance policy in the event you have any pre-existing medical conditions as this will not be covered by ours.

Should I get travel insurance for AmeriCamp?

AmeriCamp provide you with 90 days of comprehensive medical insurance to cover you throughout Summer, however we definitely recommend that you take out extra travel insurance to cover you for flight cancellations, baggage loss/theft/damage and for other personal items. You will also need medical insurance in the event you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Before, at and After Camp

How do I get to my AmeriCamp placement after my arrival?

You will be met by your camp or given instructions on how to travel to camp after your arrival. Once you have been hired you will receive your placement agreement which details all of your travel instructions under the ‘Travel to Camp’ section, including which airport to fly into.

What will I be doing at my AmeriCamp placement?

We have a variety of different roles and activities available for camp counsellors, from Specialist positions such as sports coaching and lifeguarding to a general counsellor. As an AmeriCamp counsellor, your job is to ensure the kids are motivated and having an amazing summer!

As a camp counsellor, what should I pack?

Knowing what to pack vs what not to pack before your camp counsellor placement can be tough, so AmeriCamp has done the legwork for you! For an overview of what we’d recommend taking to Camp, click the button below!

https://americamp.co.uk/blog/americamp-101-packing/

Will the camps have phones and internet access?

Yes they do. Many have Wi-Fi throughout Camp as well. However, please be aware you will not have access to this during working hours especially in ‘unplugged’ Camps. Remember, you are at Camp for the kids!

I am in America, I have a problem and don't know who to talk to

Your first point of contact should be your Camp Director; they have years of experience in dealing with all sorts of issues.

Alternatively you can contact our US team on their office line that we will provide you with at your AmeriCamp Orientation.

You can also contact the AmeriCamp UK team in office on +44 161 312 3640 or email info@AmeriCamp.co.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

What happens if I get fired or have to return early?

Our number one priority in this situation will be to get you home as quickly as possible; our US team are on call 24/7.

Please be aware you will incur extra fees for leaving Camp early, please refer to your AmeriCamp programme agreement.

Can I travel after my AmeriCamp placement ends?

Yes! After your AmeriCamp placement finishes you will get a 30 day grace period to go and see the sights – whether that’s a road trip with your new Camp friends, a trip to Chicago or even Los Angeles!

Of course, you don’t have to use ALL 30 days of your grace period, and you can return home whenever you’re ready! If you’re anything like us, though, you’ll want to see as much of the States as you possibly can once your hard-earned Camp wages are burning a hole in your pocket! We could probably spend all day listing America’s ‘must see’ sites, so instead we’ve compiled our top 10 post-camp destinations in an exclusive blogpost!

General/Miscellaneous

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FAQs

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