First Time Counselor's FAQs
Thinking about heading to America as a first-time counselor with Camp Leaders?
Have a few questions? That's okay - and totally normal. We'll tell you everything you need to know in order to make the best decision for you - but if we don't quite get them all, feel free to get in touch and ask about Camp Leaders with one of the team!
How much does Camp Leaders cost?
For this year's Camp Leaders program pricing, check out our pricing page. You'll be able to see up-to-date information on this season's pricing, as well as everything your payments will cover - including food, accommodation, health insurance, 24/7 support, and more.
Your deposit is the first step of your summer camp journey - so it's not an additional cost. The price listed on the page is what you'll pay.
When do I need to be available for Camp Leaders?
Summer camp in America usually runs between June-August. Depending on your availability and which camp you're heading to, you'll depart for the USA sometime between May 1st and June 20th. To be eligible for Camp Leaders, you'll need to be available for 9 weeks from the day you leave. Remember, winter in Australia is summer in America - so take advantage of having back-to-back summers.
Am I guaranteed a job?
Yes. When you go with the Leaders, you go to summer camp.
With Camp Leaders you are guaranteed a placement or we'll give your program payment back. For more details on our refund policy, check out the program agreement - available on your profile when you register.
See up-to-date Camp Leaders pricing for this year's program on our pricing page.
What age of kids will I work with?
The typical American summer camp has campers from the ages of 6-16 years old - although campers with special needs may be of any age.
What will I actually be doing at camp?
At summer camp in America with Camp Leaders, there are 3 main roles that you can be hired for:
Generally, qualifications aren't needed - check out the summer camp job roles to learn more.
I don’t really have any skills or experience with children - what should I do?
Well, you've come to the right place! Summer camp is the perfect place to develop your skills and build experience - in whatever job role you end up in at camp. If you can show that you can be a good role model to campers, you'll be a great fit for Camp Leaders - and take the first big step on your journey. The best way to do that is to make sure your application comes along - the earlier, the better.
If you don't think you've got good answers for your application, get creative! That skill alone will serve you well at summer camp. If you're still stuck, you can always film a short showcase video for your profile that gets across your shining personality.
Can I pick where I go to summer camp?
We've got over 500 camps, located in all 50 states across America. You'll need to meet with a Camp Director before your placement is confirmed at your camp - after all, it's still a job.
You may not be able to choose exactly where you end up, but each year, we hear how happy our participants are with the camp they ended up at. We take care to match you with a place where we know you'll thrive, but we also hold our camps to a high standard, by taking participant feedback into account. We have close standing relationships with all of the camps we work with, and they come with a Camp Leaders stamp of approval - trust us, you'll have a summer to remember.
Do I get days off at summer camp?
Yes. Camp might be the best job you ever have - but we're all human, and we all get tired. You'll have time off at camp to relax and recharge - depending on your camp schedule and your job role. To find out what your work schedule will look like at your camp, move your application forward to the 'Ready to Hire' stage - you'll be able to interview with Camp Directors and ask them everything you want to know about your life at camp.
You’ll find out more about how can you spend your days off when you know which camp you’re at but you can read this blog to find out more about what you can get up to on your day off.
Can I contact home while I'm at summer camp?
Yes. Wifi and electronics are limited during working hours but the majority of camps will have a staff area with wifi and computer access. In your free time you’ll be able to use these areas to contact home.You may also be assigned a locker to store your phone/laptop.
Every camp will have a landline phone too so that, if need be, you can use it to make long distance phone calls.
I'm not sure that I'm ready to travel to America - is it worth it?
Well, you've asked us the toughest question in the book - but we're here to help with all of your concerns, so we'll give this one a shot.
If you're a first-time traveller, or thinking about becoming one, this can all seem a little overwhelming - and that's totally okay. You've never done this before, so we wouldn't expect you to be fully prepared for your ultimate adventure - but you've come to the right place. We're the Leaders - we specialize in helping young people just like you through the process of organizing your first big adventure. We help you get a job abroad, get your American visa, organize your flights, and lots more.
Yes, we'll be there to help you through every step - but what we'll really be doing is showing you everything we know about travel, so you can do it yourself in the future. We'll help turn you from a nervous first-time traveller into an experienced, confident explorer. Trust us, there's a lot out there to see - and it all starts right here. If you're not sure you're ready, there's only one way to find out.
Ready for back to back summers?
