By Naomi Houston
Becoming a leader at Camp America is an exciting opportunity for individuals from Northern Ireland who are eager to experience life in the United States, work with children, and immerse themselves in a new culture.
The process may seem daunting, but aspiring camp leaders can make their dreams a reality with the proper steps and preparation.
From the initial application and interviews to securing visas and travel arrangements, this guide will walk you through each stage of the journey, offering tips and insights to help you successfully become a leader at Camp America.
The application process to become a Camp America leader is lengthy. You must complete a lot of forms and have an interview before you are considered for a role at one of the camps.
However, those who have succeeded in getting a place at one of the camps agree that the effort put into gaining a place is worth every second spent on the brilliant summer experience in the USA.
Going away alone is a huge step and can be an extremely nerve-wracking experience for some young people.
I spoke to an 18-year-old from Northern Ireland who travelled to a camp in Texas by herself for the first time this summer. She was able to give some advice and tips on things she wishes she had known before jetting off to America in June.
What tips would you give someone from Northern Ireland who wants to be a camp leader?
“Research where you are going in relation to weather and what clothes to bring, and don’t be afraid to contact Camp America and the camp you are going to for any information, as they will get back to you.”
What was the most difficult or time-consuming part of applying for Camp America?
“Probably either the police check or the visa application as there were a lot of questions that needed to be answered. It wasn’t difficult as Camp America provided a guide to help with it, but it just took some time.”
What did a typical day for you look like?
“I would wake up at 7 and go to breakfast which was different meals each day, go to an 8am meeting where we would get told information for the day and ensure we knew what we were doing.
We would then have a break and then go to morning rec at 10/11am where we would play water games then go for lunch, then another break from 2-5pm. Most of the time there would be afternoon rec where you could be on any job in the camp, like working at the lake, the zip line, the pool, or the coffee hub.
Then we would go for dinner, have another break and then night rec, depending on the age group. The timings etc. would vary slightly depending on the group there for that week. Every day was something different and you were never bored.”
What skills did you learn while you were there?
“I learnt a lot while I was there, especially leadership skills. There were many times when I was tasked with running my own games or asked to give tours of the camp. This really strengthened my leadership and communication skills as I had to do things like this at least once a week.
I learnt how to drive a gator, and how to put on a life jacket and harness properly and safely. I couldn’t make it to training due to arriving to camp late, but I will next time, which means I can train to be a lifeguard and work at the top of the zip line tower amongst other things.”
How much spending money would you suggest bringing, and how much do you get paid roughly?
“I got paid just over $800 which I think was pretty good. I would suggest bringing at least $400 spending money as there are so many restaurants to try and places to visit that are worth spending the money on during your day off.”
What was your favourite part of Camp America?
“Experiencing new cultures and trying new foods for example, Fourth of July celebrations and Mexican foods. I also loved meeting people from all over the world like Colombia, Australia, France, South Africa, Hungary, China to name a few.
Camp was busy, but we always had breaks where everyone hung out and did fun things. We also had 24 hours off every 3-4 days, so all the staff went and did something each day like go to a rodeo, go to six flags theme park, go river tubing, go to people’s houses and stay over and much more. I also liked that we worked with someone new every day, so I got to know a lot of people.”
What did you do to mix with the other international camp leaders before going?
“We all went on a zoom call a few months before camp where we did some ice breaker challenges and learnt about each other’s cultures. The camp set this up for us, but if the camp doesn’t set it up, it might be good to suggest something like it to fellow internationals, it made me feel a lot more comfortable going just being able to chat to others who were going alone too.”
Did you make good friends? Do you have any tips for those who are nervous about mixing with people?
“Yes, I’m still in touch with many ones from camp, some are thinking of coming from America to visit me. A tip would be to put yourself out there because most people will be happy to talk to you, especially if you are coming from another country. I saw a lot of other international people bring something from their home country such as food or keyrings to give to the people they meet over there, I found that this is a good way to break the ice and make friends.”
Do you think the experience made you more confident in yourself?
“Yeah, it definitely did as you were forced to speak to people every day and get out of your comfort zone. It also made you realise how lucky you are sometimes, as you would meet people who didn’t have a good home life, or were just having a bad day, and it felt nice to be able to speak to them and help them, while also appreciating what you have.”
Will you go back?
“Yes! I have already signed up again and have been told I can return to the same camp.”
What would you say about the experience as a whole?
“It has been the best experience of my life so far. It is something completely different, and you learn a lot about yourself as well as others.”
As stated before, applying to be a Camp America leader is a lengthy process. However, it ensures that applicants are fully prepared to take on the responsibilities of being a Camp America leader while offering support throughout each stage.
There are some requirements that need to be met before beginning your application. You must meet the minimum age for a visa and insurance, which means you must be 18 years or older before 15 June of the summer you want to take part in.
You must also find the right departure date; you need to be able to depart for camp at some point between 1st May and 20th June.
The earlier you are available from, the better! If you feel these dates might be difficult for you to depart from, due to exams etc. email Camp America and they may be able to accommodate you.
If you meet the requirements, the application process can begin.
Here is a basic 8-step guide to explaining this process.
- Online Application
Start by creating an account on the Camp America website and completing the online application. This includes providing personal details, education, work history, skills, and relevant experience working with children. You’ll also need to upload photos and a short video introducing yourself.
- Choose Your Role
Camp America offers various roles, including general camp counsellors, activity specialists, or support staff. You’ll need to highlight your interests and strengths so that camps can match you with the most suitable position.
- Interview
Once your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited for an interview. This is typically conducted by a Camp America representative and can be done in person or online. The interview assesses your personality, experience, and motivations for joining the program.
- Placement with a Camp
After the interview, if accepted, your application will be shared with different camps across the U.S. Camps will then choose applicants they believe are a good fit. You may have follow-up interviews with camp directors before being officially placed.
- Background Checks & References
As part of the process, you’ll undergo background checks and provide references to ensure the safety and suitability of all applicants for working with children.
- Visa and Travel Arrangements
Once you’re placed at a camp, Camp America will guide you through the visa application process. You’ll need to apply for a J-1 cultural exchange visa at the U.S. Embassy, we have one in Belfast. After securing your visa, you can begin planning your travel to the U.S.
- Orientation & Preparation
Before heading to camp, you may be required to attend an orientation session, either online or in-person, to learn about camp life, expectations, and how to make the most of your experience.
- Arrive at Camp
Once everything is sorted, you’ll travel to the U.S. to begin your camp adventure, spending 9-12 weeks as a leader, engaging with campers, building relationships, and making lasting memories.
The popularity of becoming a leader at Camp America is rapidly increasing. The application deadline is around March/April time every year, however, applying early gives you a much better chance of securing a place.
It’s the perfect opportunity to spend a summer in the States with most food and accommodation paid for. Perfect for young people who want to see the world, meet new people, explore new cultures, and learn important skills which will stay with them for life.
