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Who are Camp America?

Camp America was established in 1969 and is part of a larger group called The American Institute for Foreign Study founded by Sir Cyril Taylor, GBE. Camp America has offices in Australia, Germany, and Poland with head offices in London, UK and Stamford, USA. Camp America is a cultural exchange programme that each year provides over 7,000 young people from all over the world with the opportunity to work up to 9 weeks in a placement on a summer camp in the USA. Taking part in Camp America has many benefits. It can help improve the confidence, responsibility and communication skills of young people as well as encourage and develop their independence and life experience.

Applying for Camp America

Applicants are required to complete an online application which should be submitted with two references (which should adhere to our reference requirements) and an up to date criminal background check through the relevant organisations requested by Camp America based on their country of application. Once their online application is complete applicants are also required to take part in an interview with one of our approved interviewers. Once placed applicants will be required to complete a visa application with their local US Embassy and arrange for a Camp America medical form to be completed by their doctor. Please note: Unless otherwise stated, acceptance onto the programme in no way guarantees a placement.

The Interview

Applying to Camp America will involve completing stage one of the on-line application form, paying a application fee and taking part in an interview with a trained and vetted Camp America interviewer. Generally our interviewer's are young people who have participated on the programme for two or more years, and their responsibility is to assess that anyone applying to Camp America possesses the skills, experience, maturity and ability to participate. Interviewers generally conduct interviews on line.  All applicants will be required to attend a face to face meeting with Camp America staff at an occasion which they will be informed of.

Camp America Fees & Refunds

For the breakdown of our current fees, please click here. Please also note that Camp America does not cover certain charges and travel costs that participants may incur. All payments are non-refundable if the cancellation is made by the applicant - however if cancellation is a result of a bona fide medical reason, that is backed-up with an official confirmation, all payments less the Application Fee will be refunded. Additionally if a placement is not found a full refund less the Application Fee ,will be issued of the payments made to Camp America directly. Unfortunately we are unable to refund any third party payments such as any police check and medical form fees. Camp America charges a fee both to the applicant and to the camp. Fees are charged to cover the costs of running a fully-supportive programme which includes flights to and from New York, the provision of group medical and accident coverage, staffing, provision of orientations and the work incurred in searching for and securing a placement on summer camp.

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Jon Mercer

Programme Co-ordinator for Outdoor Education, South Devon College

What do academics think of Camp America?

"Camp America has been a fantastic experience for those who have gone, they come back so enthused with life! Working with such a diverse range of people in beautiful locations provides memories that last forever and help develop those essential skills to work with and understanding people supporting development as an outdoor instructor"

Jon Mercer

Programme Co-ordinator for Outdoor Education, South Devon College

Visa Application

As a visa sponsor designated by the US State Department, Camp America will provide placed applicants with the necessary DS-2019 form (Certificate of Eligibility) which is required to apply for a J-1 visa. Additional forms are supplied via the website of the US State Department and Camp America provides all applicants with detailed instructions on their Camp America Online Account, which offer a step-by-step process throughout the entire visa application. The applicant will then be required to attend a personal interview at their local US Embassy (in the UK, this will be at either the US Embassy in London or the Consulate General's Office in Belfast) and it should be noted that this could take a couple of hours to attend and costs of travel to and from the Embassy is the responsibility of the applicant.

Placement & Camps

Participants are expected to complete a placement that will last on average 9 weeks (10 weeks for day camps). Whilst on a camp, participants are answerable to the Camp Director. It should be noted that camps in the US often have very strict rules and regulations regarding areas such as curfews, alcohol, smoking and behaviour towards campers and staff. Participants should expect to be asked to leave camp if they break camp rules. Being fired is not a pleasant experience and to minimise the disruption on camp it should be understood that following a firing participants may be asked to leave camp immediately. Camp America will then work with the participant regarding the situation.

Travel to and from the US

Once a placement is confirmed, Camp America arranges a flight to the US and provides instructions for onward travel to camp which may be via plane, train or bus. It should be understood that, where group travel is not possible, participants may be required to travel alone. Fees paid out in overland travel to camp will be reimbursed by the camp. At the end of their placement, participants are required to make their own way back to New York for their flight home. Camp America offers flights from other specified airports in the US for a small fee.

Terms and Conditions

Before applying, applicants are asked to read and confirm they have understood all the Camp America Terms & Conditions. To view our Terms and Conditions please click here.

Questions?

If you have any questions concerning any aspect of the Canp America programme please see our FAQ's at:  https://www.campamerica.co.uk/help/faqs 

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