Eligibility
Working on a summer camp can be a great experience for the right person. Previous
participants have been students, those qualified or experienced in their specialist
areas, professional coaches or people simply wanting to do something different for
a few months. Although a placement cannot be guaranteed, if accepted onto the programme
we will work hard to match your skills, experience, background and preferences to
a suitable camp vacancy.
We encourage you to apply if you:
- Like children and have experience with them (see below), ideally in a leadership
role, e.g., teacher, youth leader, through team sports, scouts or guides or play
schemes.
- Have some skills or qualifications in one or more of the
camp activity areas. Your chances of being placed are higher if your skills
and qualifications are in one of the areas highlighted as being in high demand.
- Are aged 19 by 1st June 2012. If you are 18 years old by March 2012 and can offer
some expertise in a high demand activity area and have good experience of working
with children, you are also encouraged to apply, but please contact BUNAC first.
- Are available for at least eight to nine weeks from May/mid-June. Most camp contracts
start before 21st June and some start before 1st June so it is important you are
aware of your commitments before applying.
- Are cheerful, energetic, friendly, hard-working, tolerant, flexible, conscientious,
caring, reasonably gregarious, uncomplaining and able to adapt to camp life including
the long hours, rules and curfews.
- Know of no reason why you cannot provide a guarantor or would not be granted a visa
by the US Embassy. NB: you should speak to BUNAC before applying if you have ever
been arrested or ever received a criminal caution or conviction as this could have
implications for your US visa application.
- Currently live in the UK or Ireland and have a full, valid passport and (if not
a UK/Irish passport holder) the right to remain in the UK/Ireland until at least
the end of 2012.
- Can speak English fluently
Experience with children
It is important that you have some previous experience of working or interacting
with children, other than your own family experience or babysitting, to be considered
as a camp counsellor. The level of experience needed for camp varies and could be
anything from helping out at a club, to teaching your own sports lessons, all depending
on the individual needs of the camp.
You may be able to gain more experience and thereby improve your chances, simply
by asking in your local community, at schools and weekend clubs if they need any
help. Local organisations are often very happy for volunteers to get involved and
be a part of their team. You can also improve your chances of placement by working
to get a qualification in a sport or other activity at which you are already proficient.
If you are unsure of whether your skills or experience meet the requirements for
the programme, please get in contact with the Summer Camp USA
department at BUNAC for further information or clarification. Please email us advice@bunac.org.uk or call the team on
020 7251 3472.