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