Homework?For each camp I considered, I followed this basic plan, and I found it worked very well to narrow down my options. Go to the list of camps heading to the Camp America fair you're going to. They have a very brief description of the place and what they are looking for at the fair. From a quick scan you can usually pick out a few you might fancy. Write them down. With that new list, head to each of their websites. I found that the camps' own websites were very indicative of what they stood for, so it's always a good idea to check out how they market themselves. Some are very basic, and that's just fine. Some have had more work on them and have interactive maps and videos and loads of pictures for potential campers, parents and staff to nose at. See where the camp is - could you manage working out in the roasting heat of a Texas summer everyday, or would you prefer somewhere in New York state where you can head into the city for your days off? Checking out a Broadway show and the museums in your free time could be pretty cool. Totally depends what you like. There are camps scattered across the whole of the US, so take your pick. Take a look at their values - what they stand for. Do you think you fit in with the way they present themselves? If they're a Christian camp and you're an atheist, do you think you fit their ideal counselor description? If they are looking for a very clean-cut looking counselor, do your tattoos and piercings bother them? Lots of places don't mind about this - my camp just requires us to cover our tattoos on Opening and Closing days, incase the parents are quite conservative, but they know that having tattoos or piercings doesn't alter whether you're a good counselor or not.
This method may not work for you. And I am a chronic over-prepare-er. So this is just my advice, but do what works for you. Sometimes just a scan over the camp social media platforms is enough to get a feel for them. As they say - You do you. Through the DoorsWith over 200 camps at the London fairs, and a pretty hefty number at the others up and down the UK, Camp America are very good at providing helpful maps and information so you can easily find each of the camps, what activity positions they're hiring for, and what to do and where to go once you're placed. Stuff to read while you're waiting. You'll have less of a wait if A) you get there early, and/or B) you have a skill that camps regard as "high-demand" or "advanced". I spoke about these in my post of Applications, but essentially, certain skills like life-guarding, horse-riding and adventure sports are given a higher priority and if you're lucky, Camp America gift you with a queue-jump pass to get into the fair earlier and grab your place first. They're super helpful, so if you have one of their listed skills, definitely put it on your application and you're likely to get quite a bit of interest from camps. Make the most of the time waiting - chat to people. They're all as nervous as you, and if you're all waiting for the same camp, then they could be your new best friend - you just never know. I was in queue with two guys and we got chatting, and one was placed with me. The other is now the Activities Director at a camp a couple of hours away from mine in Texas. There isn't really a dress code, but I'd say smart-casual is a safe bet. Look put together, but try to show off your personality a bit. This is the first time your potential boss is meeting you, and you only get once chance to make a first impression, after all. When you actually get to your interview, show off the fact you've done your research. The director is likely to ask why you think you'd be a good fit for their camp - impress them with your knowledge of their traditions and history and relate that back to yourself. They might want you to show off some of your skills - if it's art, take a small portfolio of your work; if it's singing, sing a song; show them a magic trick - whatever that may be. Having passed your interview with flying colours after doing all your research and acing your first meeting with your new boss, you'll get a contract to sign. You then have to check in with the Camp America team so they know where you'll be working over the summer, and be able to update your online profile. You're off the market. In a relationship (with adventure). Congratulations! You have officially got the best job in the world, and you get to take a super cheesy picture to show off that fact to all your friends and family. The first of many. When you get placed, let me know and I'll check out your Insta to see how you're getting on! Here's to an amazing summer! Now Read More...Help Me! Camp America Application
Help Me! Camp America Interviews Top Tips for a Summer Camp Application Video to Get You Hired!
2 Comments
lmouton
8/8/2019 10:05:14
Please Laura ! Could you post your Camp America application video 2016 ?
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Laura Hobbs
11/8/2019 15:06:45
Hi! Thanks for the kind comments, I've linked my Application Video below!
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