Camp America Shortlisted for Best Customer Service at the 2025 British Youth Travel Awards
09.06.25
We’re buzzing to share that Camp America has been shortlisted for Best Customer Service at the 2025 British Youth Travel Awards!
This recognition means a lot - not just because it’s an award, but because it celebrates the heart of who we are.
Being shortlisted for Best Customer Service truly reflects what we stand for. While others have gone digital, we’ve stayed human. Every applicant speaks to someone who’s lived the Camp America experience: people who understand the nerves before an embassy appointment, the excitement of stepping on that plane, and the challenges that can come with a summer away from home.
Our approach is hands-on and personal. We’re the only agency physically at the U.S. Embassy every week during visa season, helping applicants face to face when it matters most. And when things don’t go to plan - whether it’s travel chaos or a natural disaster - our team doesn’t just watch from afar. We’re there, on the ground, making sure everyone’s safe and supported.
That’s what customer service looks like to us: showing up, staying present, and doing the right thing, even when it’s the harder choice.
“We’re so proud to be recognised for doing what we love - helping people have the summer of their lives. For over 50 years, we’ve stood by our people through every challenge and every summer, and being shortlisted for Best Customer Service proves that real connection still matters.”
The British Youth Travel Awards celebrate the best in youth, student, and educational travel, and we’re honoured to be recognised alongside others shaping unforgettable experiences for young people.
At Camp America, customer service isn’t a department; it’s our heartbeat. From our long-standing team of experts to our seasonal staff fresh from camp, everyone plays a part in delivering the kind of care that turns a summer abroad into something unforgettable.
So, here’s to our incredible staff in the UK, the US, and around the world who keep the Camp America spirit alive every single day. And to every participant who’s trusted us with their summer adventure - this one’s for you. 💙
FAQs
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Who owns Camp America?
Camp America is a division of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) a charity-owned organization. Founded in 1964 AIFS is one of the oldest, largest and most respected cultural exchange organizations in the world. AIFS is the sole funder of the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation (CTCF), named for our founder Sir Cyril Taylor, and dedicated to funding and supporting international education in all forms. Camp America is proud to contribute to the AIFS vision 'we bring the world together' and passionate about it's mission to provide the highest quality educational and cultural exchange programs to enrich the lives of young people throughout the world. More information can be found at https://www.aifs.com/about.asp
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Is Camp America a charity-owned organisation?
Yes! Camp America is a division of AIFS - which is a charity-owned organisation. The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation provides funding to an eclectic group of US charities and UK non-profit organizations - we're proud to support it's important work. https://www.aifs.com/ctcf-info-impact-aifs.asp
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Is Camp America an agency or an experience?
Camp America is a placement agency that helps young people work at summer camps across the USA. We’ve been doing this since 1969 and place more staff than any other UK agency.
Some people use the phrase “doing Camp America” when they’re talking about working at camp in general, but it’s important to know that Camp America is the name of a specific organisation with its own placement process, visa sponsorship, and support structure.
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Why do people say “I did Camp America” if they didn’t go through the agency?
Camp America is one of the most well-known agencies for placing staff at summer camps in the USA. Sometimes people will casually say “I did Camp America” when talking about working at camp even if they went through a different agency, or are unsure which organisation sponsored them.
Only official sponsors can arrange the correct visa for summer camp work in the USA. Camp America is a designated sponsor and works directly with camps, which is why it’s important to understand exactly who you are applying through and what support you’ll receive.