Hey guys. Ive just got an email from a Christian Camp in Alaska. I dont want to go to a christian camp. Plus the kids come for a week session at a time.

Im on guaranteed status. If I email them back saying its not right for me, would I still be offered a place?

Thank you

I mean would I still be offered a place somewhere else.
hehe

dont be stupid and turn down offers now, theres no time for this. just accept this, what makes u think the next offer will be any better?

plus whats wrong with weekly sessions? i liked the weekly sessions at my camp

This late in the season you are taking a big risk by turning down camps - especially one in somewhere cool like alaska.

Weekly sessions are really good because you get to do alsorts and work with alsort of age groups (well that has been my experience anyway).

I have worked at Christian camp, of a diff demonination than I am, and they total respected that and didn't try to convert me or anything. So if you are worried that you might have problems it should be fine. Christians are taught to respect others beliefs.

I just really dont want to go up to Alaska to a christian camp.

As this isnt on my camp america direct website, could I email them back saying its not for me and still be on guaranteed status?

I turned down a camp today as it wasn't right for me, i rang camp america first and explained the situation, they told me that at the end of the day they didn't want to send me somewhere where i wouldn't be happy, and i would still keep my guaranteed placement! im glad im not the only one!

Thanks Sarah. Im going to have to wait till Monday to speak to the London office which is annoying.

Im really quite worried about being completely isolated up in chilly alaska! Has anyone ever been there?

You may find that the CA offices are open tomorrow (sat) as I know in the past I have had phone calls from them on a sat in the month before I left, and I have noticed admin post on the forum posted on a sat recently.

Alaska isn't cold in summer. I've spent time up there in August and it's warm and sunny most of the time without the humidity of the lower 48. The climate is actually more like the UK in summer but more consistently hot. I hiked up in the mountains too and it wasn't even cold at the foot of glaciers. I wore shorts and t-shirts the whole time, except at night when I wore a hoodie. I worked in California last summer and that was colder than Alaska!

Also, you're not isolated. Anchorage is a thriving city and there are plenty of ski resorts and towns in the other populated areas. Have you been to Alaska? If not, don't base these fears on what you've seen in films or on TV. Actually check out some websites and see for yourself. Alaska is a beautiful state, more interesting and vibrant than many of the lower 48 so don't complain - go for it!

Finally, I have to ask: on your application, did you say you were willing to work with all camp types? And what were your answers to the questions about working with moderate and devout religious camps? If you answered yes to any of these, you don't really have grounds to refuse the placement because you said you would work there. Furthermore, there are plenty of religious camps that are only moderate in their emphasis, meaning you won't be participating in bible studies or religious activities. A devout camp is unlikely to hire non-Christian staff so they obviously think you are suitable if they gave you a place.

Hey I've just had an offer from a camp that im not too sure about and the dates dont match my availability either. so i now need to think about this, i know its very late but thsi is somewhere i'll be spending my whole summer so i need to be sure, aghh this is such a pain! xx

In fact I have to turn it down cos after properly looking into it its soo not right and to be honest it goes against everything i wrote in my application. I do feel a bit gutted tho xx

Your spending 9 weeks + there, i think if you think you won't be happy then turn it down- I was in the same situation with a camp while on guarenteed and I e-mailed him and said thanks but ........ and it was fine, i kept my status and i got offered a position at a more suitable camp within days!
It is getting late but your paying to go some where and if it ain't for you then don't go for it because it could ruin your summer!
Hope that helps!!

I cannot believe my luck. Just checked and I have been placed in North Carolina!

I am sick with excitement!!!

aww thats great lucky you! I hope I get another camp soon. were they in touch with you before or did it just appear on ur page? xx

No I just logged on to CA Direct and it said I had been placed. I thought it was the Alaska place, but then I looked and it was in NC!!

Hope it goes well for you too.
xxx