Whether you've finished school, finishing university or wanting a gap year, it's not the easiest decision on what to do next. With so many travel destinations you can choose from, it can get too much. One idea that can help you not only enjoy the travel experience but also get paid for is working at a camp in America!
Working at a camp for the summer not only provides the opportunity to see more of America, but it also helps enhance your CV at the same time. It can help develop loads of different skills including teamwork, listening, working with children alongside communication and organisation skills. Plus you also get paid as well. Depending on which company you go with you can earn up to $1850, plus extra if your camp offers more weeks to work.
Here are some tips on what to do if you're thinking of working at a camp in America.
Do your research
There are many different companies that send people to work in America. The two main ones are Camp America and AmeriCamp. Both companies have similar processes: an application process, interviews and visa help. One difference is Camp America provide you with flights while you have to find your own with AmeriCamp. The prices vary because of this so it depends which you feel suits you best, whether you'd prefer them to find flights for you, removing the stress of doing it yourself, or whether you'd feel more comfortable finding flights yourself. Both companies are very helpful and provide a lot of help on their websites and have 'camp fairs' where a selection of camps come over to the UK and do interviews face-to-face.
Check your finances
Even though you get paid whilst you're working out there, there are some expenses that you must pay for you to get there. There is usually an application fee which is broken into different stages. Flights can be quite expensive but it's a good idea to check when flights are on sale and to get a return journey to make it cheaper. Alongside these, visa documents, DBS certificates (police background check) and health forms, which vary in price depending on your GP, will add to the expenses. These, however, are all essential documents for working in America. Tip: check when your passport will expire as this could be another added expense if you're not careful.
Figure out if it's for you
Working in the summer with children isn't for everyone. They are long, physical days which requires you to be energetic and enthusiastic. It can also be a big culture shock to some people. Just because the idea of being paid to work in a different country sounds great doesn't mean it's the right fit. You will get days off during your summer where you can go for days out near your camp that you wouldn't usually expect to see. When your contract is up, that's when you get to travel more of America. If you're looking to just travel, have a look at other travel companies or see what you can do yourself.
Working with children is a big commitment and you must be sure before signing up that it's right for you. Saying this, if you ask someone who's already been through this will say it is one of the best summer of their lives. Getting to experience a new culture and stepping out of your comfort zone helps with your confidence when you return and you make friends for life from all over the world.
If this isn't enough to convince you, hopefully the video will show how much fun it can be!
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