How to increase your chances of placement

Jay enjoying camp...

It’s quite difficult to ‘make the cut’ for Camp America – you need to be dedicated in your quest for ‘heading to camp’ – as we only want those who really want this.We don’t just take anyone. We only accept the best.

In saying that – it’s not out of anyone’s reach – just takes some effort from you – and for you to do what we say – we’ve been placing people at camp since 1969 – we know the Camp Directors, we know the camps, we know what they like, what they look for and what they don’t like to see.

So – here’s a quick guide to getting in to Camp America and getting placed.

Flexibility – be flexible in your camp types to consider – and your attitude. The Kiwi ‘can do’ attitude sells well overseas – adapt that into your application.

Enthusiasm – we can’t get past an applicant who oozes enthusiasm – it’s contagious – and we love it. Incorporate your passion for this into your application and your video.

Maturity – if your Mum or Dad calls us – that does not show us how mature you are! We really think it’s important (as do camps) that you are mature enough to handle the application and placement process alone without the need for your parents to help you or intervene if it gets too hard for you – this is a job after all. It’s part of the overall test – if you can’t handle that alone – you sure won’t handle Camp.

Skills – obviously some skills are more sought after than others – you can see a list here – and if you are 18 or younger and planning to apply – please look into certifying yourself in one of these. The more skills you can LEAD the better. Be confident in your ability to teach children the skills you are good at. A camp Director will most likely not hire someone you can only ‘assist’.

Teaching tennis to a child is very rewarding

Types of camps – quiz up on the types of camps and then try and say yes to all – this will open up your placement chances considerably. The one type of camp we get alot of applicants syaing ‘no thanks’ to on their application form – is those with some degree of Christian Emphasis. Read on for why…

For many faith camps, a belief in the practiced faith is not a pre-requisite for counsellors, however, being open-minded, respectful and willing to learn about the lives and faith of others is essential. They won’t be hiring you to teach bible study if you know nothing about it… you’ll be employed to teach what it is you do know. So you’ll be teaching tennis (for example) to kids from a family of that faith. You won’t be teaching bible study!

Unless that’s your skill.

Photos – choose two photos (you only get to show us 2 – so make sure they are the best you can find) – recreate them if you don’t have any, make sure they show ACTIVITY – hence the name Activity Photo – and make sure it’s preferably of one of the high demand skills and not rugby, netball or cricket. No team shots with you standing doing nothing. It must show activity and must show you clearly.

Here’s a great example…two activity photos…can you tell who the applicant is and the activity in each (hint – one’s good – other not so)

Great - we can see the applicant AND the activity - and that she is doing it

Whats the activity at a glance?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video – this will make or break your application – if you get creative and have fun with it – the camps will absolutely love it.

Here’s a great example. And yes – she is placed now.

If you are not technically minded here’s a few tips;

• Small Digital Photo cameras often take video – use one of those if you don’t have a video camera
• Make sure it’s smaller than 16MG and meets the following criteria (movie file types)…
• Get a techie friend to help you

 

 

Grammar/Spelling/Presentation – it’s all about presenting yourself as best as you can – so that means no text language in your application. Use capitals. Proof read it 4 times. Check your spelling. Americans don’t look too fondly on typos and spelling errors.

Facebook – clean up your Social Network pages – Camps WILL look for you online.

We give you a full two pages of tips once you start applying, if you’ve applied and haven’t read them or haven’t followed them – and are not placed yet – now might be a good time to review them and make some changes to your application.

Applications are still open for High Demand Skills.

Placements happen all the way through to June.

What are Camps Looking For?

When you speak with a camp – maybe by email, phone or Skype  – that’s after you’ve been accepted of course, you may wonder what it is they will ask, and what they are wanting to hear.

Here’s  few tips.

I have witnessed many different Camp Directors interview styles, in person…. and the one thing I can tell you for SURE – is that they are all different. They all look for different things in a person – and sometimes that can change between directors of the same camp.

Have you heard of the Halo Effect? In recruitment – we tend to hire, or like others, that are most like ourselves. We think we did a good job and so someone ‘just like us’ would be perfect. It’s a classic ‘no no’ in the world of HR – but it happens all the time. We can’t help it – we automatically get along with others with similar values as ourselves.

So – take a Camp Director – he or she will be most likely to hire someone they like. Full Stop. They obviously have been drawn to your application because you have skills they are looking for – so your job is to be ‘liked’ during your interview with the camp.

Sidenote – some camps will just hire you based on your video and what you have written, phew!

Ok – so back to being ‘liked’.

• Talk about your skills and talents with enthusiasm – smile – they can’t see it but they will ‘feel’ it – it makes a big difference to your voice.
• Be passionate about your skills and what you could offer their camp.
• Be interested in their camp – ask questions. You know what it’s like when you meet a new person and they really seem interested in you. You get along with them better, more quickly.
• Be honest – no point telling them you are a trained Lifeguard – if you are not.
• Be flexible – don’t tell them what you can’t do but be open to holding up your hand to learn what it is you need to know before you get to camp.
• Listen – DO NOT speak over the person interviewing you – wait till they have finished speaking before you start your reply.
• Don’t ask what ‘you’ll get’ from the camp (time off, internet access etc)

They will be looking for someone who is knowledgable and proficient in the skill listed on the application form. If you get a call – or a Skype request – that’s your chance to get the interviewer to ‘like’ you.

Some Camps will talk mostly about your skills.

Others will ask you about your childcare experience.

Others will ask about why you want to go to camp – do you have enough money.

And then there will those camps that are mostly concerned with your personality and how you’ll integrate with the returning staff they have already hired to come back.

So – good luck – hope these tips helped.

Check your email – and your junk folder – daily. Make sure you voicemail is ‘appropriate’, and your Facebook page too.

Maybe you'll get a job teaching riding

Superstar

You don’t have to be a superstar to apply to go to Camp America – but you do need to have something you can ‘bring to camp’  – and I don’t mean Vegemite.

Swim teachers at camp

We like enthusiasm and flexibility the most – those applicants who say “Yep – I’ll give that a try!” – we like you.

The kids are kids – you know – aged between 5-16 mainly. So – 9 times out of 10 you don’t need to be Olympic Level at your top skills to teach it to the kids.

Teaching – if you’ve taught others your skill (even just friends or family) that’s “teaching experience” – make sure you list it – how long for, how many times?

Teaching or Coaching Experience – doesn’t mean you’ve been taught or coached by someone else. Nope. It means – you have taught or coached others in this skill. If you have taught or coached – tell us all about it on your application form.

While looking through applications this week for the Camp Directors Recruitment Day – I have found that often an applicant hasn’t mentioned enough detail about their experience so the camp has said “no thanks”.

For example one application came across as not having alot of experience with children so the camp said no thanks – we spoke to the interviewer who said yes he did – but he hadn’t conveyed it on his application well enough.

Fact: Camps cannot read minds.

Myth: Camps will call you anyway and find out

No – they have so many applications to look through – if they don’t like what they see they just move on to the next one.

Fact: Alot of camps have a religious emphasis of some kind

Don’t cut yourself off from these camps – they WON’T hire you for Bible Study Class if you are not religious – they’ll hire you to teach the kids your skill. These kids will be from a religious family. You may have to accompany them to a service weekly and join in for Grace before dinner or sing songs at the service – but the camp understands you are not religious before they hire you.

Myth: You end up Jewish at the end of Camp if you go to a Jewish Camp.

Jewish camps will know you are not Jewish (btw – if you are Jewish we need to see your application asap!!) by looking on your application. Apart from Orthodox Jewish Camps they like to hire staff from all kinds of backgrounds.

I have spoken to loads of counsellors that have been to Jewish Camps and loved it, they find it interesting and really apart from a service weekly the only thing you’ll really notice is you won’t eat dairy and meat together and no pork.

Don't cut off you placement chances

Lastly – be courteous – to camps calling/emailing you… get back to them straight away… and if you are polite and positive every time we communicate with you – you’ll give us that “they are a really nice applicant” feeling and we’ll go out of our way to make sure you get placed.

Some applicants don’t communicate with us, and then decide they don’t want to go anymore, ignore camps contacting them, ignore us…. then finally after many calls and messages from us they tell us they’ve cancelled.

Fact: There is a CANCEL button on your Camp America Direct page.

Fact: We can’t read minds either.

If you do decide not to go – cancel, and let someone else have a shot at the job. I know there are lots of you out there waiting very patiently – we have noticed – thank you.

Til next time – Vicki

Facebook and the likes…

Camps don't mind seeing you dressed up

Don’t know if you’ve seen the movie The Social Network yet, or is it just Social Network? Anyway – what I found interesting was where the name Facebook came from. What the Universities over in America had were online or printed ‘Facebooks’ which were basically student listings with a photo.

Of course that was how Facebook the social network caught on so quickly – that and the fact it was exclusive to Harvard initially.

So – Facebook has been around in America since 2003 – in some ways they have been using it alot longer than us Kiwis, so it’s natural for potential employers to look an potential employee up on Facebook before hiring.

What else you need to consider is – the drinking age in America is 21 and it’s strictly enforced, and under age drinking and drink driving is frowned upon – you go to jail, not like here. The other thing to think about is most Americans follow a faith of some kind – be it Jewish religion or Christianity.

They – as a country are alot more religious than us Kiwis.

So – when a camp sees your Facebook page and it’s all about you drinking, getting pissed, photos of you drinking, swearing on your wall, sexual references, they get offended and think – hmmmmm is this person really going to be the role model I am looking for for our campers (aged 5-15).

Also – they don’t know we can drink from a much younger age here – so any reference to drinking is thought of as ‘breaking the rules’ – therefore you’ll be more likely to break the rules at camp.

And there are lots of rules at camp. If you break them – and it’s a serious one – you’ll be sent home. On the spot.

The Americans that do know about our drinking age – still think you’ll be tempted to get drunk while over there – therefore not only breaking the law – but the rules.. there’s those pesky rules coming up again.

Camps have to have rules… you can understand – a whole bunch of strangers having to work together as a team for 9 weeks… they can’t afford to have rules broken – the whole camp would go into chaos. It’s not like a normal NZ job where – 3 strikes and you’re out – ie you get two warnings – nope. This is serious America – no NZ employment law stands over there. In America anyone can fire anyone for what ever reason.

But I am not trying to scare you – just tying to point out the difference. Basically – you get told the rules at the beginning of camp – don’t break ’em and you’ll be sweet!

ahhhh – I digressed, Facebook – make your page/wall etc private but even better have a wonderful example of you and what a good role model you are on your Facebook page – and don’t hide it – then you will get hired for sure.

…. one more thing… all the texting that happens each day means some people fill out a job application with such incorrect grammar and punctuation – please everyone – this is a job application – how you present you and your application does matter.

how wld u feel if i write th blg like thus and even worse make speeling and typinng errooos all da way thru. ??

You’ll probably get a good laugh out of that – I can’t write like that if you paid me to!

Vicki

remember – we are not doing all this to be a pain the arse – It’s Our Mission to Get You Placed.

Kiwis are modest

Don't miss out, don't be modest

Most Kiwis have to be poked and prodded before they’ll talk about themselves so a Camp America application can prove difficult for them. They don’t like to talk about themselves, rate themselves, sell themselves.

Well…

Just remember – you are up against Australians and Americans and South Africans – THEY WILL… so take advantage of the fact you have grown up near rugged bush walks, dangerous oceans and lakes, and have learnt things that you think are just normal… but to someone from another country – it may not be.

Sell yourself – tell us and the Camp Directors everything there is to be told about every skill you have. Overnight Camping and Hiking (Tramping) are two in demand skills, and we do this growing up, at school, at scouts and guides – it becomes the norm for a kiwi to do. So you get to where you are now and think – “oh that’s nothing” – well – it isn’t nothing – it’s a FAB skill.

Hiking example; How far, how long, how often, what is the terrain like, did you stay overnight, did you pitch a tent, make a fire, cook food, cross rivers, help others, carry a heavy pack. Just saying you hiked on Mt Ruapehu doesn’t convey to the camps exactly how intense that is.

OK – so you’ve kayaked all your life, – grab some kids (that you know :-)) and teach them (with parents permission and a life jacket of course), see what it’s like to teach a skill you know inside out – it can be different. But then GUESS WHAT?
You’ll have teaching experience!!!

Golf – we want to know your handicap.

We don’t want to know what you can’t do.
Don’t write – BUT I can’t do this that or the other…

Referring to stuff you did at highschool is all very well but it’s continually reminding the camps how young you are – try and refer to club based experience instead. Taking a class at school and being ‘taught’ it – does NOT mean you have ‘teaching experience’.

Have rock-climbing experience? Get down to your local wall and volunteer to help kids climb…

There are so many ways you can gain really valuable teaching experience without it costing an arm and a leg.

Have fun too.

Moral of this blog – don’t be shy, don’t be modest – this is your once in a lifetime chance to get to Camp America.

Camps..

the big bounce

Most people ask us what camp is like.

 

Well – it usually has a lake. The privately owned camps (including Jewish and Christian camps) can be quite flash, while the agency camps and scout camps are more traditional rustic camps.

What we do know is – every likes THEIR camp best. No matter what type.

So keep your options open – don’t rule any type of camp out – this will increase your placement chances because it shows flexibility and open mindedness.

Alot of people also say they don’t want to go to a camp with a Christian emphasis. I would also ask you re-think this too.. camps that have a Christian emphasis are not going to hire someone that does not believe in God to lead Bible Study class – are they…  nope – you’ll be chosen to teach what it is that you DO know something about…. and the kids will be from Christian families…. it won’t effect you – you won’t be converted by the end of camp…..

 

It may mean that you’ll need to go to the weekly service – often more about positive thinking and values than full on worship…and yes, you may be expected to join in the song singing – why? Because you’re there for the kids, they may be shy about singing but if they see you do it they will more likely join in – you’re their role model at camp you see….

Not really so bad hey!

 

Of course if you can lead bible study – GREAT!! Camps will hire you for that or for another one of your top skills…

By the way – I hope you are all busy selling yourselves on your application – there is no room for Kiwi Modesty for Camp America applications.

 

Vicki

Hints from the one’s in the know

High Ropes - can you teach this?

 

OK -so everyone wants to be accepted right?

We’ve put together a few TIPS and TRICKS for you…

Skills Section

This is the main section on the application and many Camp Directors browse through hundreds of applications by only looking at the availability and skills section before selecting the ones they would want to look at closely as potential candidates.

You therefore must use this section to sell your skills and experience. It is essential to write at least a paragraph (4-5 sentences or more) about each skill go into major detail about your training, coaching experience, competitions and work experience.

• Have you done a good job describing your skills, giving examples and listing all experience?.

For example:

• Skill/Sport experience – How long have you participated in your skill/sport?
• Did you play on a team or coach and if so how long?
• Do you have certificates in the skills you are applying for and what do these certificates mean (what would be your equivalent in the US – you should use Internet to find the relevant information or if you have no luck online contact the Auckland office and we’ll check with our US placement co-originators)
• Have you won awards and what was involved in winning these awards?

Work Experience

• What is/was your job?
• Are any of the skills gained at the job transferable into the different positions you are applying for?
• What are the roles you perform?
• How many days a week do you work and how many hours?
• What do you enjoy about the job?
• Team Work – have you shown in your skills your ability to work in a team and how you would use your skill to support your team in your day to day activity.

• You must avoid using “negative” words and comments when completing the skills sections.

Camp Directors do not want to hear what you cannot do. For example an applicant writing about tennis as a skill may write: “I have played on a tennis team but never coached anybody but I am positive I can teach this skill”. Negative words like: never, can’t, haven’t should be avoided.

The order that the skills are listed in the application form is very important. Your strongest skill should always be listed first. If you have more than one strong skill then the high demand skill should always come first. Check with your interviewer if your high demand skills were not discussed at interview.

Work & Education history

Please make sure that you include any volunteer work (including guides/scouts/brigades) or community service in this section. It also includes working at a previous camp as all of this experience is relevant.

Personal Statement

This is the only freestyle part of the application where you can “sell yourself” to a Camp Director by writing about what kind of person you are and why a Director should hire YOU. Don’t be shy!! You only get one shot to impress.

In this section you should focus on • your personality and values – hard working, honest, responsible etc. How do your friends describe you. • What you hope to achieve in life and why you want to go to America • What would you bring to the camp staff team • Why a camp should choose you.

You should not be shy about yourself as the Camp Directors do not have the opportunity to meet with you in advance and will make a decision based on what they read on your application form.

Uploads

Portrait Photo

The Camp Directors always look at your portrait picture first (as a thumbnail) and make their first impression based on that. It is therefore VERY important to upload the best picture you can get of yourself. The picture must be clear, showing your head and shoulders, face on, and show you as a happy person (big smiles☺!!!!). Crop out any background and only you please in the photo. No sunglasses or caps.

Jet-skiing at camp

A Camp Director wants to see photos of you performing the skills for which you are applying for. You need to make the effort to get and upload photos that will enhance your application and not just whatever photo you have on your mobile phone or social networking site that has nothing to do with your application and skills (this includes pictures of you and your family or you on a skiing holiday).

• You need to be clearly visible in the photo and not “lost in the crowd”
• You must write a description of what the director is seeing in the photo.
• The photo should show ACTION not you just standing in front of the pool/beach/wall.

Photos that have to be rejected for not being helpful to the application cause delay with application completion and may jeopardise the chances of getting a placement.

Certificates and Qualifications

The Camp Directors only want to see:

• Certificates and qualifications that are relevant to the skills you have listed.

As certificates and qualifications are different from country to country, you need to detail as much information about the qualification as possible.

We need information such as:

• What exactly does the qualification allow you to do?
• What was required to obtain it?
• Is it still valid?
• Is this a national or local qualification?
• Is there an equivalent qualification in the US?

The answer to all of these questions must be listed in the skills section of the application.

References

A reference can be only accepted if it meets all the criteria. We find that references are the number 1 factor for delaying an application from being completed.

PLEASE double-check if your references meet all the criteria. Who should write the reference?

We find that many of you misinterpret the requirement that a reference needs to be from somebody who has known you in professional capacity for at least 6 months. To make this clearer this means that the referee:

• has had to have direct contact with you and was either your teacher, coach, supervisor or manager (not a co-worker!!).
• have known you in WORKING/ACADEMIC relationship for at least 6 months. References from someone with whom you worked for only 2 – 4 months but then they continue having personal contact afterwards (no matter for how long) will not qualify because the working/academic relationship lasted less then 6 months.

What does the reference need to say?

• The referee needs to explain what sort of position you held and for how long, preferably also giving some positive feedback about you. There is no point in submitting reference if it is not positive. Character references in particular should not be accepted if you are rated C or below in any of the categories.
• References need to be written on letterhead paper; a reference from Facebook or sent via email does not qualify as valid reference.

Videos

For the 2011 season you MUST upload a video as part of your application form.

Videos proved to be a big success with Camp Directors because:

• It allows them to see and hear your English. Yes, not all Americans know we speak English as a first language down here!
• It gives them an idea of your personality and maturity.
• You can use it to demonstrate your skills and sell yourself to a camp director

A good video should:

• Be only 2-4 minutes long.
• Have you speaking to show your personality (but not reading from a script or video appearing to be staged). An applicant with great personality and good attitude will have a greater chance of placement.
• Where possible have you performing your best skill you have listed on the application form.
• Here’s a few examples on our facebook page

 

Archery is in such high demand