Frequently Asked Questions - Camp America
Can I go to the same camp with my friend?
Yes, you can request to go to the same camp - and although we cannot guarantee it - we do try our best.
Things to remember though are;
- You won't necessarily get the same days off - you are better to plan to travel before and after camp rather than plan day trips from camp.
- Camps like individuals best as they make more of an effort to meet new friends and integrate into the staff environment - sometimes if you are alone on arrival you lose your inhibitions and can adjust to camp life more quickly
- You will not be in the same living quarters or cabin so chances are you will not actually even see or be able to spend time with your friend or partner
- Camps are reluctant to hire friends and partners together because if one gets unhappy - they have two unhappy staff rather than one to deal with - and if one leaves the other tends to go too. If one gets homesick the other will too etc
- Camps hire staff for particular jobs - so they need say a waterskiing instructor from NZ and a Archery teacher - they may have a job for one of you but not necessarily both - which makes your placement chances harder
- Not being ready to do this on your own can be a negative point towards your application as you may be viewed not being mature enough for a job at camp - it's fine wanting to travel together, but not being willing to work at different camps is akin to getting a job at home and asking if your friend can work there to.
So - in summary the answer is yes but we do not guarantee it - it's often best to apply really early and ENSURE both your applications are completed at the same time - if we are waiting for one reference for one of you and the other application is already circulating camps you won't have any chance of being placed together. Also - we have camps coming to NZ to hire staff in January?february - so if both your applications are ready by then (and complete) - and if you both have skills that these camps are looking for we will invite you along to meet these camps and you can try to convince them of how fabulous you both are!
I don't want to go to a Jewish Camp
This is a call/email we get alot - so I want to clarify a few things for you.
- Most camps on the East Coast are for Jewish children. Most rich camps are owned by Jewish camp directors, which attract Jewish families to send their kids there. You won't be Jewish at the end of camp
- If they hire you - they KNOW you are not Jewish and they are cool with that.
- It just means the food will be prepared slightly differently and they will not eat pork/bacon.
- They may have a ceremony on Friday night and you will need to go so you look out for the children (and have fun) but you don't need to pray you just need to respect their religion.
- They still play sports, ride horses, swim, have lifeguards etc
- Jewish kids look and act exactly the same as non jewish kids
- So - open up your mind a little bit and experience something a bit different - thats what travelling and camp is all about.
- I promise you won't be converted - and you will hardly know it's a Jewish camp!
- If you are still in doubt - I can put you in touch with others from NZ who have gone to a Jewish Camp and lived to tell the tale!
Chris Lambly
I went to Camp JRF in the Pococo Mountains in Pennsylvania, a Jewish Reconstructionist Camp. It was so much fun, never thought I would have that much fun when I found out I was going to a Jewish Camp but it was awesome. Most relaxed summer/nz winter. I met heaps of cool people at camp who I have stayed with since camp and seen a lot more of the US and it's a lot cheaper than staying in motels. Friday night Shabbat is all good usually with a big meal that night.
Thinking of going back in 2011.
Do it!
I don't want to go to a single sex camp
Another statement we hear alot - I am guessing it's because you think you won't get to meet lots of girls/guys....
First of all - why not?
You will still socialise with other camps, even brother and sister camps in the area. There are tonnes of camps around. In fact Walmart is the local counsellor hangout! Even if you were placed in a coed camp - the boys and girls are seperated for sleeping of course. It can be a nightmare trying to keep the male and female campers apart at night! Love at age 13 can be a very serious thing you know! Everyone that comes back says THEIR camp was the best - so it's not the camp that makes it the best summer of your life - it's the camp experience. Go for it!
I can't upload my Camp America application video? Can I email to you guys?
If it's too big we won't be able to do anything with it either - the video size and file type guidelines are on the Video Upload page - please have a check to see if it fits that criteria before you go any further.
If it's too big get a friend to help you make it smaller (exporting for YouTube and the like make it quite small in the settings of your Movie Maker programme).
Can I get my own Medical Insurance
No - Camp America sponsors your visa and to do that we have to satisfy the powers that be in America that you will be covered by Top Class, 5 star medical insurance - that will pay out! So - our insurance has been pre-approved. However in some case you may want to extend your travel to other countries on the same trip and therefore just buy one insurance.
You can do this - see conditions and instructions below for how.
Camp America provides medical insurance for all our participants, which is specifically designed to suit working at US summer camps. The policy has an A+ rating.
Participants are permitted to obtain their own insurance. However, as your programme sponsor, Camp America is required by the US Department of State, to check your insurance coverage to ensure it meets minimum US State Department requirements for J1 visa participants. Therefore, please can you check your policy to ensure it meets the following criteria:-
• A+ rated (or backed by the full faith and credit of your home government)
• covers you for working at camp including activities you are likely to undertake at camp
• covers the full period of time you are in the US
• covers the United States
• has medical benefits of at least US$50,000 per accident or illness
• has repatriation of remains in the amount of US$7,500
• has medical evacuation expenses to your home country in the amount of US$10,000
• the deductible must not exceed US$500 per accident or illness
• Also, if you have any pre-existing medical condition you should ensure that this is covered by your policy and clearly stated on the information you send to us
Please forward your full (master) policy details and insurance certificate for Allens attention. Once we receive your policy details and check them, we will reverse your insurance fee. However, please note that you will be billed NZ$120 to cover emergency evacuation and cover administrative costs of checking your insurance details.
SEND TO
Allen Langer <ALanger@campamerica.co.uk>
Camp America
37A Queen's Gate
London SW7 5HR
My creditcard won't work online to make my 2nd/3rd payments
BNZ Creditcards ask for a secondary verification and it says it's optional - however the payment is declined if you don't do it. So if thats not the problem you can pay by internet banking as a 2nd option.
Although the manual payments do take a week to show as paid because we have to send the money to the UK.
Camp America
060 287 0495361 25
Use your name as reference.
I've just been placed - what happens next
On our Videos page
Please take a look at the last three videos - for Current Participants - one is What Happens Now I am placed?
How do I get my visa
On our Videos page
Please take a look at the last three videos - for Current Participants - one is Visa Application Guide
My home page says I need to pay my 2nd fee and my CRB fee
This is a generic message - you actually paid your 2nd fee with your first fee at the time of interview
CRC's (Police checks) are free in NZ - the message is worldwide - hence it says "if applicable"
You can double check if you have any payments outstanding by clicking on your Payments page.
How do I make a claim on my Camp America Insurance?
Download the claim form and complete and send off to contact on form
if you have a Travel Insurance or Baggage claim just add the details in an attached letter to the claim form. Keep copies of everything.