It has been over a month since I left camp for New Orleans on the 21st of August. It seems such an age away now, even if my Americanisms remain (I caught myself saying a-loom-in-um the other day...). I am now in the 1st week back at University, and life is returning to normality. The lake has been replaced with a pool, 35oC with 15oC, and my tent with the room in my new house (My bed was comfier at camp... genuinely). As my tan begins to fade, my memories of that summer certainly won't...
Unfortunately, not everyone had an amazing summer like myself. Some unfortunately probably spend hours and hours on Buzzfeed looking at cute cat pics, watching Jezza Kyle and listening to the Nyan Cat. But, fear not! There is plenty of time to make sure your summer 2015 is memorable, exciting and quite frankly, DOWN RIGHT AMAZING.
One of the big questions I am frequently asked is "where do I sign up?". The answer: Camp Leaders.
Camp Leaders are a recruitment agency, who specialise in getting people just like me to American summer camps all over the USA. The mainly cater for those aged 18-25 and in full time education, but anyone up to the age of 28 can apply, even if they aren't/have never been a student.
So, what might I be doing on camp?
As a camp councillor, your job would be to make sure the kids are having tons of fun. And, because you get to join in with their activities, you will be having tons of fun too. You could be doing watersports, archery, football, acting, singing, swimming... Stuff you love doing anyway! And, if you have specialist sports qualifications, you could get £50 extra off your fees, AND you get to teach the sport you love win.
But, what happens if you don't want to work with kids directly? Well, there's jobs for you too! Know a bit about maintenance, could work in the office, good cook? Yes, you could be doing anything like that as a member of support staff. The application process is a bit different, but doesn't vary too much. There are additional benefits to being support staff, such as being paid more than councillors, and you tend to get more time off.
And, if you have (or have had) lifeguarding qualifications (UK NLPQ or American Red Cross), you are dead attractive to camps (dead attractive in other ways not required). So if you could pass lifeguarding tests, camps really want you. AND you get to spend your whole summer swimming like I did. Except, it's hot, and you could well be swimming in a lake - taking swimming to a whole new level...
Read though the blog, and you will make yourself well jealous.
How to Apply
Signing up is easy, and it costs nothing to sign up to the website. Camp Leaders will give you a call to make sure you are suitable for the program, then off you go! To apply, to have to complete an application saying why you have the skills and expertise to be an amazing camp councillor. It is a bit like a 'normal' job application - except this is for an amazing job in America, so there is plenty of motivation to complete it. The next stage is a second interview with a Camp Leaders National Team member. If you live in London (especially West or Central), it will probably be me who interviews you! It is all just so simple...!
What do I get for my cash?
Short answer. Loads. For from £399, you get placement on camp, admin, visa sponsorship, insurance and even flights. Plus, because you earn a minimum of $800 dollars ($1000 for support staff, specialists and lifeguards), you ear it back and then some. Plus, on camp you do also get accommodation and food on camp too - which is one less thing to pay for. Yeah, it's hardly 5 star, but it's free, and there is nothing stopping you going 5 star whilst travelling...
So should I apply...?
Its a yes from me!
So, I hope that's all you questions answered, but if you hve more, feel free to ask! Sound so simple. One small click could change your life forever...
Labels: #Apply, #Camp, #CampLeaders, #Memories, #PostCamp
