01/10/2010
Summer Camp Jobs USA: Application Form Advice
BUNAC read a lot of summer camp application forms and we are often asked what should be included to make a good Summer Camp USA application great.
What you write (and what you don’t!) really makes a difference to your placement chances so BUNAC thought it would be useful to pass on our top tips to making a top notch application!
Where to start?
Don’t be put off by the number of questions on the application form. They have all been included for a specific reason and so are all important! Remember you can save the form as you go along so don’t need to do everything in one go. The application form is the first impression a camp director (and potential employer) has of you, so…
• Present yourself as an asset to camp
As a camp counsellor, you are a role model to children so show yourself to be well motivated and responsible… but most of all be honest.
• Be flexible with your preferences
This will give you the most options for placement available – particularly with for types of camps you’d like to work at, the earliest date you can travel (earlier the better) and where you’d like to work.
• Spell check
It’s the little things that make a big difference with an application, and simply by running a spell check on your application can make a great first impression even better!
• Smile in your photo
A good head and shoulders photo is best for your application- something where your face is clearly visible and you are looking at the camera, smiling. We’ve all got party snaps and group photo shots but they’re best left out of your summer camp application!
A step by step guide…
Personal Details
Fill in as fully as possible.
• Your name and details must be written as found in your passport. This is really important because we use this information later for your visa application.
• If you do not have access to your passport or you do not hold a current passport, please put as much information possible and update BUNAC when the new passport arrives.
Preferences
This is the first place that camps look to find out about you! Remember to be as flexible as possible!
• Types of camp? Read up about the types of camp or call BUNAC if you are unsure about which camp types you are happy to be considered at. The more camp types you are happy to work at, the better the chances of placement.
• Smoker? If you are a smoker, you should know that most camps are smoke-free so be realistic… could you go smoke free for 9 weeks?
• Single sex/co-ed? Be flexible. A lot of camps are single sex and they’re still really great places to work for the summer! There may be both male and female staff in any case.
• Races/faiths? Be realistic and flexible.
• Anywhere in the US/Canada? The majority of summer camps are in the north-eastern states of the USA, with a few in Canada. It’s a great idea to be willing to work anywhere – remember you are free to go travelling wherever you like after camp.
Availability dates - Flexibility is key!
Put the absolute earliest date that you can travel. Camps ask for staff to arrive anytime between late May and 21st June. If you are unable to travel until after 21st June, then you unfortunately would not be eligible for the programme this year.
Even moving your date forward one of two days can make a big difference in your placement chances! With your due date home, it is a good idea to have this date some time after mid August, when most camps finish. Remember to keep us up to date with any changes in your availability throughout the application process.
Activities
This is what a camp director will look at to see what you could be hired to do at camp. It is important to be honest but also not to downplay your skills.
A main aim of a camp is for children to have the opportunity to learn in a structured but fun environment. If you have experience of working with children in an activity and would feel comfortable teaching it to kids, let us know!
When you write about your top three choices, make sure you include information about the experience you have personally in the activity, if you have ever taught it to children and why you think you would be successful at teaching it at camp.
Experience and Qualifications
In this section of the application, a camp director will try to get to know you and find out your motivations to work at summer camp. Let them see why you would be a good camp counsellor with your experience!
The personal philosophy question is really about your outlook on life, not your religious standing. So talk here about your attitude to life, values you hold and ethics you live by.
If you have indicated a willingness to work at a religiously-affiliated camp, you should give details regarding your own religious background and beliefs.
Health
Answer these questions truthfully and include any extra information if applicable.
Personal background
Tell the camp director about yourself and let your personality shine through- who you are matters just as much, if not more, as what activity you’re qualified to teach! Our tips for what to write about:
• What type of person you are
• Your family
• Your education and career goals
• Your aspirations
• Why you would like to work at camp
• Why you think you’ll be a great camp counsellor
If you need any further guidance on completing your application form, please contact BUNAC – they are always happy to help.
E-mail: camps@bunac.org.uk
Telephone: 0207 251 3448
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