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Higher education

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Original poster

Camp America

581 replies

Lbet · 09/10/2024 08:10

Are there any parents whose kids have done camp America?

My daughter is currently taking a gap year before going off to uni next.
She is really interested in doing camp America next summer.
We have had a good chat with a student who has just been for his second summer in a row. We have had loads of useful tips and advice from him. He did say you don’t do camp America for the money because you actually end up being out of pocket and you do it for the experience.
That suits my daughter fine as she is definitely wants to do it for the great experience.

Just wanted to know if anyone’s child has been and if you can tell me about their experience.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Krest · 22/04/2025 01:48

This is such nostalgia. In 1999 I did the Work USA version. Same company but different types of jobs going, in my case I got to work in a theme park in New Jersey for 3 months. I had the best time. It helped me how to properly budget and live independently and the experience was amazing for me. Had some dramas along the way but all part of growing up and learning.
if I can afford it I’d love to send my DD on this if she’s keen on a few years.

mathanxiety · 22/04/2025 02:44

@lorn195
Southwest flies from Raleigh to LaGuardia (iirc your DS is going to NC and has to fly out of NY back to the UK). Prices can be cheap.

Greyhound is only ok if the bus turns up and you don't get stuck somewhere along the route waiting for a no-show relief driver.

@Lbet
Any airport hotel would be fine for your DD to stay overnight the night before pickup.

To everyone flying - flying out of Dublin means you can do customs and immigration in Dublin as opposed to on the ground in the US. Leave yourself three hours to get through security and customs/ immigration and find your gate in Dublin. Don't dawdle in duty free or restaurants.

Also to everyone - WhatsApp lets you make free international calls.

isthismylifenow · 22/04/2025 06:08

NeverSplitTheDifference · 07/04/2025 21:56

mine's off to somewhere near Chicago :)

My dd too. Is it Camp Chi?

She's going as a specialist counsellor, but it's also her first time.

She did email through, no response as yet, but it seems like they will be paid in cash. Does anyone know if this is the case.

I did laugh at the name tags for the washing, and here we through we were past that stage many years back.

My dd has to travel light as she is off to travel afterwards. After US she is going to Europe. (we are in SA). It sounds like she is going to need to take some clothing for theme type days. Independence day etc. For those whose DC have been, I assume red, white and blue something will fit most themes.

RatherBeOnVacation · 22/04/2025 09:04

Camp laundry is a law unto itself. It doesn’t matter how well everything is labelled, things get lost all the time. Particularly socks. Take extra socks!!!!!!

My children now go to camp in the USA after I worked there for several years. Just label things with a Sharpie. Sew in labels is too much effort and the iron on labels literally fall off in the industrial washers and dryers. Don’t take anything valuable. White stuff will come back grey if you’re lucky, or a different colour depending on what it has accidentally been washed with.

Having worked as a counselor and then in management and now as a camp parent, here’s the things I would do to help them prepare:

  1. Move away from parenting them. In a few months they are literally going to be “the parent” themselves. It can be hard for some to make that transition if they have everything done for them at home. Don’t be that parent phoning camp to check they got there safely.

  2. Be realistic with them about how hard looking after children actually is and there is very little privacy or time away from them.

  3. Wean themselves off their tech. Most camps do not allow phones unless on your time / day off. If you do have them then a lot of camps are so rural there’s no phone signal anyway and WiFi can be poor. At some camps you can only use a regular landline to call home.

  4. Remind them that this is not a holiday for them. It’s a job. Everything they do has to be about the children, not hanging out with your mates. I think social media makes everything look glossy and amazing - it really is like that in real life - but always put the kids first. It’s their holiday, not yours.

  5. Always. Follow. The. Rules. Be where you are supposed to be. Accidents happen mostly when grown ups aren’t around. Don’t drink alcohol unless you’re over 21. Be responsible with your time off and don’t come back drunk. Be back for curfew. Don’t go into cabins of the opposite gender. Keep personal relationships classy. Camps always over hire because people get fired. If you’re fired your visa is revoked and you have to leave the USA immediately.

On the more positive side, those counselors who dedicate themselves to the job really do have the most amazing time. There’s a saying - “It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love” - and it’s so true.

@isthismylifenow Red, white and blue is always good. Think net tutus, bandannas, face paint, bright socks etc. All small, light things. It’s also good to take something from your country like a football shirt, or university sweatshirt. Take photos and blue tack to put on the wall next to your bed. It’s a great talking point when introducing yourself to the kids.

Happy to answer any questions anyone might have!!

isthismylifenow · 22/04/2025 09:16

RatherBeOnVacation · 22/04/2025 09:04

Camp laundry is a law unto itself. It doesn’t matter how well everything is labelled, things get lost all the time. Particularly socks. Take extra socks!!!!!!

My children now go to camp in the USA after I worked there for several years. Just label things with a Sharpie. Sew in labels is too much effort and the iron on labels literally fall off in the industrial washers and dryers. Don’t take anything valuable. White stuff will come back grey if you’re lucky, or a different colour depending on what it has accidentally been washed with.

Having worked as a counselor and then in management and now as a camp parent, here’s the things I would do to help them prepare:

  1. Move away from parenting them. In a few months they are literally going to be “the parent” themselves. It can be hard for some to make that transition if they have everything done for them at home. Don’t be that parent phoning camp to check they got there safely.

  2. Be realistic with them about how hard looking after children actually is and there is very little privacy or time away from them.

  3. Wean themselves off their tech. Most camps do not allow phones unless on your time / day off. If you do have them then a lot of camps are so rural there’s no phone signal anyway and WiFi can be poor. At some camps you can only use a regular landline to call home.

  4. Remind them that this is not a holiday for them. It’s a job. Everything they do has to be about the children, not hanging out with your mates. I think social media makes everything look glossy and amazing - it really is like that in real life - but always put the kids first. It’s their holiday, not yours.

  5. Always. Follow. The. Rules. Be where you are supposed to be. Accidents happen mostly when grown ups aren’t around. Don’t drink alcohol unless you’re over 21. Be responsible with your time off and don’t come back drunk. Be back for curfew. Don’t go into cabins of the opposite gender. Keep personal relationships classy. Camps always over hire because people get fired. If you’re fired your visa is revoked and you have to leave the USA immediately.

On the more positive side, those counselors who dedicate themselves to the job really do have the most amazing time. There’s a saying - “It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love” - and it’s so true.

@isthismylifenow Red, white and blue is always good. Think net tutus, bandannas, face paint, bright socks etc. All small, light things. It’s also good to take something from your country like a football shirt, or university sweatshirt. Take photos and blue tack to put on the wall next to your bed. It’s a great talking point when introducing yourself to the kids.

Happy to answer any questions anyone might have!!

Thank you.

We didn't even think of bandanas and such.

She will definitely have to take a rugby world shirt I think 😊

ChickenJockey · 22/04/2025 09:49

I’m just curious are any of you worried about your dc going to USA? What with ICE, nationals being deported, reports of intimidating customs etc… I just seen a US citizen saying it’s not safe to travel to US.

Investinmyself · 22/04/2025 10:14

They are with a well known organisation Camp America and as long as have correct visa shouldn’t encounter any issues.
We have travelled extensively in USA so dd is used to it. She’ll mainly be at camp or visiting NY.
We were there in January and seeing rural homes with God,Guns and Trump signs is very different to what we are used to.
I’d also say open drug addiction and extent of homelessness is always an eye opener for me, especially if they are travelling after. Seattle had lots of people on zombie drug (is it fentanyl) and we were only in main tourist areas.

Investinmyself · 22/04/2025 10:18

Mine has bought an England flag to take. They need shirts in different colours for various dress up things. The kit list is long.
She’s been away at uni for a year and been a guiding Young Leader inc in international trips so I’m sure she’ll be fine. They are allowed their phones in leader hut on breaks etc.
I’ve got high hopes for the iron on labels, they are still holding strong on items from when she was small. She passed on clothes and kept getting them returned to her as the labels wouldn’t come off! Easy2name. Also got some mesh laundry bags they were cheap in Aldi this week.

Investinmyself · 22/04/2025 10:21

Krest · 22/04/2025 01:48

This is such nostalgia. In 1999 I did the Work USA version. Same company but different types of jobs going, in my case I got to work in a theme park in New Jersey for 3 months. I had the best time. It helped me how to properly budget and live independently and the experience was amazing for me. Had some dramas along the way but all part of growing up and learning.
if I can afford it I’d love to send my DD on this if she’s keen on a few years.

It’s not a money making experience but they get enough to cover flights and board and some spending money.
There’s camp fayres to go to to get signed up all across UK.
If they have any particular skills or hobbies that can make them very attractive eg lifeguard, gymnastics coach.

isthismylifenow · 22/04/2025 10:54

ChickenJockey · 22/04/2025 09:49

I’m just curious are any of you worried about your dc going to USA? What with ICE, nationals being deported, reports of intimidating customs etc… I just seen a US citizen saying it’s not safe to travel to US.

No, not concerned. To be honest we live in a 2nd world country so my dc have been brought up to be alert, and pretty organised.

There was a news article over the weekend of two teenagers who were arrested going to Hawaii I think, but they did not have firm plans from what I can make out. My dd is in an industry where most of the youngsters move around the world for seasonal work, and the US has always been strict with visas for her age group, as many do go in just to find work. Many are rejected on the spot at the visa interview, and many have been deported for seeking work on a visitor visa.

So it has always been a thing, I thinks its just highlighted now.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 22/04/2025 11:03

ChickenJockey · 22/04/2025 09:49

I’m just curious are any of you worried about your dc going to USA? What with ICE, nationals being deported, reports of intimidating customs etc… I just seen a US citizen saying it’s not safe to travel to US.

I am a bit concerned but he's an adult man, not a kid, has travelled extensively already including in the states. He's intelligent and is preparing himself well. I think he'll find it really hard work but he'll be ok.

RatherBeOnVacation · 22/04/2025 14:45

@ChickenJockey I really wouldn’t worry. Your young adult has obtained a J1 visa after visiting the US Embassy. They are doing nothing wrong.

They just need to be honest and stick to the rules of their visa. Immigration can ask lots of questions - when I was 19 the guy asked if I spoke Chinese (random) and where I had bought my bag from. They can be quite intimidating - It’s always been that way - just reply honestly and seriously. They don’t like jokes.

It’s also helpful to have a return ticket home booked or a reason to come back to the UK - place at university, a job, rental agreement etc.

Investinmyself · 24/04/2025 21:58

My dc got her j1 visa in Belfast this week said it was quick and easy in and out in half an hour (was cheaper to fly to Belfast than train to London and shorter appointment wait)

Bigearringsbigsmile · 24/04/2025 23:32

My son has his appointment tomorrow in London. Hopefully it will be just as easy. Just need the gp to hurry up and do his medical form now.

mathanxiety · 25/04/2025 00:37

Investinmyself · 22/04/2025 10:18

Mine has bought an England flag to take. They need shirts in different colours for various dress up things. The kit list is long.
She’s been away at uni for a year and been a guiding Young Leader inc in international trips so I’m sure she’ll be fine. They are allowed their phones in leader hut on breaks etc.
I’ve got high hopes for the iron on labels, they are still holding strong on items from when she was small. She passed on clothes and kept getting them returned to her as the labels wouldn’t come off! Easy2name. Also got some mesh laundry bags they were cheap in Aldi this week.

The clothes will all be going into industrial scale, hot dryers - I'd use a sharpie to mark them. You can use the labels too if you like, but better safe than sorry.

On that note, make sure clothes your student brings with him or her can survive a hot dryer.

mathanxiety · 25/04/2025 00:40

RatherBeOnVacation · 22/04/2025 09:04

Camp laundry is a law unto itself. It doesn’t matter how well everything is labelled, things get lost all the time. Particularly socks. Take extra socks!!!!!!

My children now go to camp in the USA after I worked there for several years. Just label things with a Sharpie. Sew in labels is too much effort and the iron on labels literally fall off in the industrial washers and dryers. Don’t take anything valuable. White stuff will come back grey if you’re lucky, or a different colour depending on what it has accidentally been washed with.

Having worked as a counselor and then in management and now as a camp parent, here’s the things I would do to help them prepare:

  1. Move away from parenting them. In a few months they are literally going to be “the parent” themselves. It can be hard for some to make that transition if they have everything done for them at home. Don’t be that parent phoning camp to check they got there safely.

  2. Be realistic with them about how hard looking after children actually is and there is very little privacy or time away from them.

  3. Wean themselves off their tech. Most camps do not allow phones unless on your time / day off. If you do have them then a lot of camps are so rural there’s no phone signal anyway and WiFi can be poor. At some camps you can only use a regular landline to call home.

  4. Remind them that this is not a holiday for them. It’s a job. Everything they do has to be about the children, not hanging out with your mates. I think social media makes everything look glossy and amazing - it really is like that in real life - but always put the kids first. It’s their holiday, not yours.

  5. Always. Follow. The. Rules. Be where you are supposed to be. Accidents happen mostly when grown ups aren’t around. Don’t drink alcohol unless you’re over 21. Be responsible with your time off and don’t come back drunk. Be back for curfew. Don’t go into cabins of the opposite gender. Keep personal relationships classy. Camps always over hire because people get fired. If you’re fired your visa is revoked and you have to leave the USA immediately.

On the more positive side, those counselors who dedicate themselves to the job really do have the most amazing time. There’s a saying - “It’s the hardest job you’ll ever love” - and it’s so true.

@isthismylifenow Red, white and blue is always good. Think net tutus, bandannas, face paint, bright socks etc. All small, light things. It’s also good to take something from your country like a football shirt, or university sweatshirt. Take photos and blue tack to put on the wall next to your bed. It’s a great talking point when introducing yourself to the kids.

Happy to answer any questions anyone might have!!

Agree with all of this, but if your student is bringing Blu tack, it needs to be in its original packaging.

Investinmyself · 25/04/2025 00:45

Bigearringsbigsmile · 24/04/2025 23:32

My son has his appointment tomorrow in London. Hopefully it will be just as easy. Just need the gp to hurry up and do his medical form now.

I’ve only just dropped form off at gp and they said up to 4 weeks…

Original poster
Lbet · 25/04/2025 06:24

Investinmyself · 25/04/2025 00:45

I’ve only just dropped form off at gp and they said up to 4 weeks…

Show quote history

Maybe that was the receptionist being an arsehole and over exaggerating because ours said exactly the same and it was done within a week. You know how surgery receptionists can be they like to think they own the place.🙄

OP posts:
lorn195 · 25/04/2025 07:14

Investinmyself · 25/04/2025 00:45

I’ve only just dropped form off at gp and they said up to 4 weeks…

Show quote history

i feel your pain. DS2 only got his form back yesterday 😊. From the original date he dropped it off at the surgery it took two weeks for them to invoice him which stated it was overdue by 2 weeks, so I paid it. The receptionist then told me it would take up to 4 weeks to be signed. It’s a signature and stamp! Finally got a txt yesterday to say it’s ready (another 3 weeks). DS2 has never been so relieved.

Original poster
Lbet · 25/04/2025 08:05

Can I ask what your kids are doing about travel insurance. My daughter seems to be looking into it and has emailed her camp to ask advice but you know how it is for us mums, we want to find out as much as we can too for reassurance.

OP posts:
Swimmum1206 · 25/04/2025 08:28

Lbet · 25/04/2025 08:05

Can I ask what your kids are doing about travel insurance. My daughter seems to be looking into it and has emailed her camp to ask advice but you know how it is for us mums, we want to find out as much as we can too for reassurance.

Edited

I got DS insurance with Go Walkabout. They were recommended by a few on the Camp America Parents Facebook page. It cost around £160 for 110 days and includes their gadgets, luggage etc. They work with Camp America, so it runs alongside anything provided by them.

Original poster
Lbet · 25/04/2025 16:28

Swimmum1206 · 25/04/2025 08:28

I got DS insurance with Go Walkabout. They were recommended by a few on the Camp America Parents Facebook page. It cost around £160 for 110 days and includes their gadgets, luggage etc. They work with Camp America, so it runs alongside anything provided by them.

Show quote history

Thank you that is really useful, will look into that.

OP posts:
Thetrainer · 27/04/2025 20:03

Does anyone know what the current wait time for a J1 visa application interview appointment are? In Belfast or London.

Also trying to work out if the camp people pay all the visa application cost or just the SEVIS fee

Bigearringsbigsmile · 27/04/2025 20:27

Thetrainer · 27/04/2025 20:03

Does anyone know what the current wait time for a J1 visa application interview appointment are? In Belfast or London.

Also trying to work out if the camp people pay all the visa application cost or just the SEVIS fee

Ds says they just pay the sevis fee.
He also thinks it's about a 10 day wait for an appointment but you'd have to look.

Investinmyself · 27/04/2025 21:55

My dc did Belfast as it was shorter wait for apt than London and cheaper to fly than train. She found it really straightforward, no long lines, in and out 30 mins. Her passport came back 3 days later with visa.