What to Know Before You Go to Summer Camp

How much money should I take to the USA?

I’ll start by saying that Camp Counselors must have access to at least $300 upon entry to the USA. Support Staff need $1000. This can be in the form of cash, a pre-paid debit card, or a credit card. This is so that the US Department of State know that you have sufficient funds to cover the cost of your trip. Importantly, this cannot include any pocket money you are paid at camp.

In my own it advice, it also depends if you’re planning on being adventurous on your days off at camp and what you’re after camp travel plans are. I used to spend about $70 on a day off (I had 7 days off) and about the same for every day I was going travelling but that’s because I wasn’t really being conservative with my money. Remember you’re going to spend $5/$10 on trips to Walmart, pizza parlours, ice-cream shops, diners etc.

Suitcase or Backpack?

This is a classic question.

What you choose to use as luggage is down to personal preference and your after camp travel plans. If you're planning on hopping from city to city, traversing the blocks and taking public transport, a backpack might suit you better. If you're planning on spending most of your time in a few key places after camp, a suitcase is probably more appropriate.

I used to always take a 90L North Face duffle bag that is the best of both worlds. You can roll it up and store it away easily in your bunk and they’re going to last 10 years without rips or tears. I got caught in a flash flood in NYC and my luggage was the only one to stay dry.

What should I pack?

People always stress over packing for camp, I’ll be honest, less is better. You can buy or borrow anything you need at camp. Keep your backpack/suitcase (or 90L North Face Duffle Bag) as light as possible when travelling to camp. Here’s a few essentials to take or read our packing tips list here.

• 3x Sports shorts
• A handful of cheap T Shirts/Vests/tank tops
• 2 x Swimwear
• A warm, comfy hoody (This will be your best friend)
• Sweatpants/Trackies
• A light raincoat
• 1 x sports trainers
• 1 x casual shoes (Vans/Converse etc)
• Some clothes for Day off (Jeans, polo shirt)
• Basic Toiletries (Everything is bigger and cheaper in America)

What’s the food like at camp?

Whilst there are different types of religious camps that might prohibit certain types of food most follow a very traditional summer camp style. Here’s some examples of meals you can expect to find at camp.

Breakfast

• Waffles & Syrup
• French Toast
• Chocolate Pancakes
• Bagels, cream cheese & Smoked salmon
• Scrambled Eggs, Muffins, Home Fries
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Fruit Bar
• Yoghurt
• Cereals
• Tea
• Coffee
• OJ

Lunch

• Tacos,
• Mac n Cheese,
• Sloppy Joe’s,
• Grilled Cheese & Tomato soup
• Chicken Patties
• Hot Dogs
• Pulled Pork Rolls
• Pizza
• Wraps
• Sandwich board
• Salad bar
• Fruit

Dinner

• Chicken nuggets,
• Pasta,
• Baked Ziti,
• Wings,
• Burgers, Hot Dogs
• Turkey
• Pizza
• Breaded Chicken
• Fried Chicken
• Mexican
• Sandwich Board
• Salad bar
• Fruit

Can I learn new skills at camp?

100%.There is a good chance you will pick up new skills at camp, through your day-to-day experience living in a new environment. If you’re a camp counselor you’ll be immersed in a group of kids that will be participating in 10, 20, 30+ skilled activities over the summer. Even on your periods off or time off you can join in on various activities.

Summer camp is what you make of it, you’ll have opportunities each day to make the most of. If you’re scared of heights, challenge yourself to climb the rock wall or attempt the leap of faith. If you can’t dance, go to a lesson and learn some new moves to bust out at the Friday disco. If you’ve never gone water-skiing then ask your supervisor if you can go on the next trip.

Find time, make time and make the most of the time that’s given to you.

How do I get to camp from the airport?

Before you fly to camp, you will have access to your onward travel instructions through the 'Travel & Flights' section of your account. They will tell you how to get from the airport to your camp step-by-step. This may include a bus/train transfer, or even a stay in a Hostel prior to a morning pickup. Don't worry - it'll all be there.

How does the Camp Leaders pricing work and how much do I get paid?

To make the program accessible to all Camp Leaders set up the fee structure in such a way that the participant only has to pay a portion of the fees in advance of their departure to America. The rest of the fees are then covered by the camp at which the participant will work for the summer. The camp pays an agency fee to Camp Leaders when the participant completes the full contract. So in essence, the participant is 'working off' the fees which have been paid on their behalf by the camp.

When you get placed you get a contract from camp outlining what your pocket money is. You get 100% of that pocket money. This will be the contract that you signed before you left for camp. Any participant can call us to walk through the contract before they sign it.

The placement fee that camp pays depends upon where in the US they are based, the age and experience of the participant, what they will be doing at camp etc. It is not fixed. This cost is outlined to the camps, as they pay it. It is usually referenced in the contract you sign with camp too.

This is all outlined in the program agreement you sign before joining the program and the fee disclosure section of your profile. It also highlighted multiple times by our customer service team throughout the process and at the preparation day you attended.

What happens if I get fired?

Each will be reviewed individually on a case by case basis. If you do get fired then the first thing to do is to reach out to the US office who will walk you through the process. Over the summer months, our US Office run a 24-hour freephone emergency line. You can call them on 1-866-803-7643. They are an expert in-country team who will help support you with the information you need to; book any accommodation, re-arrange flights or other transport. Ultimately they're there to support you in getting home safely.

The second thing to note is that you will get an email explaining the fees you have to pay. Once you are home, the U.K. office will contact you about setting up a payment plan.

Do I need an ESTA?

As you hold a J-1 visa to work in the USA, you do not need to complete the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The ESTA is for tourists, travelling under the Visa Waiver Program.

If you are crossing into Canada or Mexico (or any other territory outside of the USA) during your after camp travel time and planning to return to the USA, you will need to complete the ESTA.