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.
camp america blog 