The Ultimate Guide to the Camp Leaders Job Fairs
Thinking about heading to summer camp with Camp Leaders?
Kick-start your summer with the biggest pre-departure event in the summer camp universe - the Camp Leaders Job Fairs. This might be your first time, so we'll walk you through everything you'll need to know.
Let's start at the end.
By now, you probably know that the Camp Leaders Job Fairs are the event of the year. You'll choose which camps you speak to, meet American Camp Directors, and have a great shot at sorting your summer plans in one day. You'll be able to meet new people, and network with the Camp Leaders team - but it's not just about one day in January, is it?
It's about an entire life-changing summer - and the job fairs are the next important step on your journey.
What are the Job Fairs?
The Camp Leaders Job Fair Tour is the biggest summer camp event of the year - for good reason. It's the one time of year that hundreds of American summer Camp Directors are on the ground in your country, and they're looking to meet and hire people like you in person. Camps will list the skills they're looking for, so you'll be able to speak with whichever camps you choose - and once you receive your job offer, it's time to celebrate.
Camp Leaders organise our Job Fair Tour to maximise your potential to get hired on the spot. 4 out of 5 people who attend a Job Fair are hired before they leave the room, with the remainder having their application on review with a camp.
Top Tip: Do your research before you go, and then keep looking at the boards during the day for camp hiring updates.
Where are they?
We've got Job Fairs around the country - check out our 2020 Job Fair Tour dates to find out more.
No Job Fairs close by? Camp Leaders is all about meaningful travel experiences - so why not make a day trip to an iconic city in the UK or Ireland? Grab some mates, book a train, and get started on your summer of a lifetime. You can also join the Camp Leaders community on Facebook and get in touch with people who are heading to the same event! It's a great way to make some new friends, and who knows - maybe you'll have a new travel buddy for after camp?
What time should I arrive?
It's worth getting to the Job Fair early, as there will likely be a queue if you arrive late. Camp Directors want to fill positions throughout the day, so beating the rush means you're giving yourself the best possible chance to nail down the job you want, at the camp you want.
Each fair might have a slightly different start time, but it's usually best to arrive fashionably early in order to beat the queue and get your summer plans sorted early. You'll be able to find out the time of each Job Fair in the events section of your profile, or on our 2020 Job Fair information page.
Who will I be talking to?
This one is entirely up to you. You'll be able to speak to whichever camps you're interested in, you'll be able to network with the Camp Leaders team, and, of course, you'll meet lots of other people going to summer camp in America. In fact, most people at the Fair feel just the same as you do - which makes it a great place to make new mates to travel with after camp. It's a friendly, open, and fun environment - so feel free to bring your chatty side.
What are the Job Fairs like?
If you want to know what to expect at summer camp, come to a Camp Leaders Job Fair. You'll kick-start your ultimate summer with the ultimate planning party. It's a fun and friendly environment, with great energy around the room - if there's anything that will get you excited to go to America, this is it.
Many people expect the environment at a Job Fair to be high-pressured and stressful - after all, it is a job interview. But we're Camp Leaders, and that's just not how we roll. It's not a competition - there are way too many roles to fill for that. You'll have lots of choice, and so will everyone else.
How do the Job Fairs work?
After you check in, we'll give you a quick, high-energy pep talk to make sure you're ready to go - including some insider tips that will help you get hired. Once you're through there, you'll head into the main room to meet the Camp Directors. They'll be stationed at tables, so all you'll have to do is approach them for an interview.
The interview is quite informal, as Camp Directors just want to get to know you and find out if you'd be a good fit for their camp. If you are, you'll be offered a job - but if not, that's totally okay! Just keep speaking to camps until you find the right one. It may take you a few tries, but it's worth the wait. Once you've been offered a job, it's time to celebrate - call your friends and family to let them know the big news! Afterward, you can start making plans for your summer.
The Camp Leaders Job Fairs are the best way to sort your summer plans. You've got as many chances as you need to get hired, and it's a really laid back atmosphere overall. I'm so glad I went - I started planning out my summer the next day!
What should I bring to a Job Fair?
There's only a few things you need to remember to bring. It's a relaxed, informal atmosphere, so just wear whatever you're comfortable in. You can also bring snacks and a water bottle - it doesn't hurt to be hydrated! You'll be all set if you bring:
- Your application:
The only thing you’ll need to physically bring is your printed online application. You can do this by scrolling down to the bottom and selecting ‘view a PDF of your application’. Then, just bring it with you on the day. It's also worth checking out this blog about our top tips for your application when you're preparing for the Job Fair.
- Your A-game:
If you're well-prepared, you'll nail your Job Fair interview - so why not give it your all? It's a good idea to think about what you want to say beforehand - if you're going with a mate, practice together in the days leading up to it. If you can speak confidently about yourself, and show lots of enthusiasm, you'll do great.
How do I register for the Fair I'm going to?
If you haven't already, start an application with Camp Leaders and fill in your basic information. When the events tab is available, you'll be able to register for whichever event you're interested in. When you've done this, we'll send you an information pack, which will include a full list of the camps at the fair, so you'll have time to research them beforehand.
Should I be stressed about the Job Fair?
Chances are, if you're stressed about something, that means you really care about it. That's good news, because in this case, there's lots you can do about it.
We can tell you a million times that you don't need to get stressed out about the Job Fairs, but it might happen anyways. That's totally okay, and it's totally normal. We're all human - stress affects us all. The good news is, it's completely within your power to control. The choices you make will help you keep your stress levels low - and you've already made at least one good decision - you're coming to the best Job Fairs on the planet. Next stop, America.
Your summer starts at the Camp Leaders Job Fairs.
