USA summer camp - Welcome to YDP Work & Travel

Summer Camp Counsellor Programme USA

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR OUR 2011 SEASON! APPLY BEFORE THE 30TH OF NOVEMBER 2010 AND SAVE $50 (±R400) OFF YOUR INTERVIEW FEE.

YDP, in partnership with our American Summer Camp partners are fast becoming South Africa's leading summer camp specialists. We place young South Africans in Summer Camps across the USA to work as Camp Counselors. Participants work with children aged 6-16 years (mainly in the outdoors) at summer camps for 9-11 weeks from June to August in return for pocket money, all meals, all accommodation, discounted travel plus heaps of fun and adventure.

Once camp is over participants are free to take up to 30 days holiday (at own expense) before returning home or continuing their travels. South Africans are highly sought after with 95% of South African applicants being successfully placed at a camp in 2009 and 100% the past 14 years. We'll help organise the J1 visa legally required to work on the programme.

What types of camps & Jobs are available?

In most cases, there are between 6 and 8 different styles of camps to choose from - see below for mre details. For our 2011 programme, South Africans will be accepted as specialist counselors only, at summer camp depending on their experience and skills.

Eligibility & Benefits

Applicants must:

Be 18 years or older by June 1st 2011;
Converse in English without difficulty;
Be available to leave for the USA before 20th June 2011 and be prepared to work at a camp for at least 9 to 11 weeks;
Have a skill in at least 3 sporting or recreational activities;
Above all love children, be fun loving, flexible and adaptable;
Not have a criminal record.

Applicants who have more than one of the following skills listed in their top 3 skills might not be accepted as placements are very difficult:

Drama
Choreography
Dance
Soccer
Rugby
Hiking
General crafts
Drawing/painting
Baseball/Softball
Basketball

However, if you have any of the following list of skills, in most cases your placement is almost secure (dependant on other requirements of course). Camps will be looking for South Africans with the following skills (to list any of the following skills on your application, you will need to have extensive experience in the skill and be able and confident to teach the skill at camp):

Ceramics
Archery
Horse Riding
Sailing
Scuba
Life guarding
Mountain Biking
Canoeing
Gymnastics
Metal work
Wood work
Rock climbing
Ropes course
Tennis
Windsurfing
Wake Boarding

Benefits include:

Worldwide reputation for safe, quality programmes and friendly personal service;
3 months insurance included in the programme;
Our partners are designated by the United States State Department as an official exchange visitor programme sponsor;
24 hour back up and support whilst you are at camp;
We are very positive we will be able to place all South Africans in 2011, although we are unable to guarantee it;
Completion Certificate to add to your CV when you finish your assignment;
Experienced, passionate and friendly YDP staff;
YDP will ensure you will get placed at a camp that suits you.

Programme costs and other payments

$600 (±4, 700). Please note that this fee EXCLUDES your return flights to the USA;
$140 for J1 Visa plus (payable directly to US consulate);
Consular courier fees may apply (± R150);
Return Flights to the USA;
Initial Spending Money (recommended minimum ± $200)

APPLY BEFORE THE 30TH OF NOVEMBER 2010 AND SAVE $50 OFF THE PROGRAMME FEE

What's Included in the $600 programme fee?

A pre-arranged job in a camp as a counselor with free accommodation, 3 meals a day and pocket money for approximately 9-11 weeks;
Comprehensive travel insurance is included for 3 months and includes luggage, dental, third party, legal and unlimited medical;
Help in securing a US J-1 visa that is legally required for you to work at camp;
Pocket money for the duration at camp (determined by age, experience, qualifications and repeat counselors). Pocket money ranges from $1, 000 to $2, 000 per season;
Programme participants will get paid more if they work at a camp for physically and/or mentally disabled camp;
24 hour toll free assistance in the U.S.A;
Handbook and activity guide;
Up to 30 days for independent travel after your camp assignment;
Pre departure orientation sessions in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban;
Great youth airfares and travel products;
Sevis fee of $35;

How to Apply

Please CONTACT US for more information on how to apply. The brief application process is as follows:

Once you have been accepted by YDP's head office, you will be required to complete an extensive set of camp application forms.
Once we receive your fully completed application, we will contact you within a week or so to schedule a skype interview with an American camp directopr. Applications will be accepted up until the 28th of February 2011.
Upon acceptance and receipt of all programme fees, YDP will arrange the official visa paperwork needed for you to apply for the J1 Camp Counselor Visa.
ALL programme participants will have to travel to JNB, DBN or CPT for face to face interviews with the US Consulate.
Once you have your visa, you are all set to go for an adventure of a lifetime.

TYPES OF CAMPS

Camps in the United States are all unique; they vary depending on location, environment, activities, facilities and campers. Yet what truly makes a camp is its staff.

Traditional Program Camps

Based on traditional camp values, campers stay overnight for one to eight weeks and participate in typical summer camp activities. These camps are separated into either co-educational or single-gender (often with a brother/sister camp nearby). Traditional Independent/Private camps generally service campers from middle to high income families, with many campers return year after year. Traditional Agency camps strive to form a community of understanding and cooperation in a fun, healthy environment.

Girl Scout Camps

These girls-only camps require counselors to help lead and assist in a variety of camp activities. Many specialize in Outdoor Adventure, Camping or Pioneering, and follow traditional philosophies of the Girl Scouts and Guides. Sessions usually last one or two weeks. Counselor and camper accommodation will either be platform tents, cabins or lodges.

Underprivileged/Inner-City Children Camps

Social, government and charitable agencies such as the Salvation Army, Department of Youth and Family Services and the Fresh Air Fund oversee and help to fund these camps. Campers of many different ethnic, social and racial backgrounds attend these one-or two-week camps that emphasize recreational sports, games, pioneering and camping skills at little or no cost to the parents. Some campers may have had difficult life experiences and tend to be tough and streetwise. For many children this is their first rural experience.

Camps for People with Physical and/or Mental Disabilities (Special Needs)

Operated and funded by non-profit agencies or private organizations, these camps serve children and/or adult campers who need extra attention because of physical and/or mental disabilities. Special Needs camp focus on either one or a range of different disabilities, Counselors help campers participate in a wide range of traditional camp activities, while helping them with social/interpersonal skills and their daily living tasks (eating, dressing, showering, etc.). The activities taught at Special Needs camps are adapted to the ability level of each individual camper. There is usually one Counselor to care for one to three
campers, and sessions normally last six to nine days.

Camps for Campers with Specific Requirements

These camps service campers with specific medical conditions or impairments. These may include emotional disorders, learning disabilities (such as ADD and ADHD), diabetes, terminal illnesses, hearing/sight impairment and weight control. Sessions normally last one to two weeks. Activities are similar to those at traditional camps but are adapted to the ability of the campers. Counselors work in small camper groups allowing special time and attention for each camper. Many campers will take medication and the camps usually have full-time nursing support.

Religious Camps

These camps usually have one-week sessions that emphasize a fun outdoor experience while promoting the values of the Christian (Catholic, Anglican) or Jewish faiths. Counselors with a strong religious belief system will have the opportunity to lead devotionals and Bible or Torah studies. For those wishing to learn more about religious lifestyles, there are camps that allow campers to find their own spiritual path. In addition to spiritual teaching, many traditional camp activities are offered.

Day Camps

Typically located in the suburbs and offering a variety of general camp activities, these camps usually operate Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Camps can operate in multiple locations from a city park, beach, church hall or community center to being part of a residential camp. Although normally free on weekends and evenings, you may be required to run some overnight trips and weekend activities. Camps arrange housing and meals for international staff, often with host families.

Please contact your nearest YDP office for more detailed information by clicking HERE, or click on the APPLY ONLINE tab at the top of this page.