USA - American summer camp

Eligibility. Who can apply

    All applicants to the Camp USA Programme must be:
  • Students, teachers, bona fide youth workers or individuals with specialised skills;
  • At least 19 years of age by June 1;
  • Strong English speakers;
  • Highly dedicated individuals who are committed to participating in the programme for 8-15 weeks;
  • Available to work from June through late August (the earlier you apply, the easier it will be to place you).
    Additionally, support staff must be:
  • Full-time university students with documentation to verify their student status;
  • No older than 28.

  1. How to apply for a programme
  2. Deadlines
  3. Required documents
  4. Work permits and visa

We do not accept applicants from outside the United Kingdom for Camp USA programme.

How to apply for a programme (Pre-placed Applicants)?

Stage 1:
The applicant arranges a placement and negotiates all details with the camp. S/he must be interviewed by the camp and have a contract, on camp letterhead, signed by the director.

Stage 2:
The applicant submits a Camp USA Pre-Placed application and payment of registration fee to Global Choices. The placement is verified with the camp director. The director must confirm that the camp has interviewed the applicant either in person or over the phone.

Stage 3:
After Global Choices verifies the placement and receives the payment in full, a DS-2019 form is issued within four weeks. We will not issue a DS-2019 form without payment.

Stage 4:
Pre-placed applicants are responsible for purchasing their own flight tickets upon receiving J-1 visa.

Deadlines

All complete application packets must be in the Global Choices office by March 7 for Pre-Placed Applicants. If you apply after the 7th of March, you will be dealt with on an individual basis. If accepted for the programme, you will be charged £70 late application fee.

Don’t wait until the deadline to send your application packet. The sooner we have an application in the office, the better your chances are for placement.

Required documents

    Applicants must submit an application packet with the following:
  • Application form typed or printed in black ink, with all information completed;
  • Two references (1 skill, 1 open letter) from previous employers, professors, coaches or club leaders;
  • A copy of Police Background Check – the original report needs to be taken to the embassy;
  • Cover letter to the camp director – it may include a description of your family and community, an explanation of why you’re interested in working at a camp, some work history, experience with children and how you personally intend to contribute to the camp community;
  • Curriculum Vitae written in US format – cannot be longer than one page;
  • Proof of Student Status – required only for applicants interested in Support Staff positions; it can be either a form from the University or a Global Choices form;
  • Two official passport photos;
  • Photocopy of passport;
  • Copies of all recent certifications relevant to your intended position at the camp;
  • CCI or Special Needs supplements for applicants who intend to work at a religious or special needs camp;
  • Photographs – 1-2 pages relevant to skills and/or experience with children;
  • Medical form filled and signed by a doctor; if you don’t provide this form to the camp, you will be responsible for the costs associated with medical examination in the US.
    For pre-placed applications, Global Choices requires the following:
  • A completed pre-placed application and all materials requested therein;
  • One reference – can be a written evaluation from previous summer;
  • One copy of confirmed placement offer on camp stationery;
  • Health insurance through Global Choices for at least two months;
  • A completed medical form;
  • Police Background Check.

Work permits and visa

    You need to apply for a J-1 Visa at the US Embassy or Consular Office in your home country. You will be required to submit:
  • Completed and signed visa application form (Form 156). You can either download the form here, or pick one up at your US Embassy;
  • Your DS-2019 form – this is proof of your sponsorship;
  • A valid passport for travel to the USA with an expiry date that is at least six months longer than the end date of your programme;
  • One photograph showing your face with no hat against a light background;
  • An official receipt confirming that the proper fees were paid to the US Embassy.

Even if you receive a visa, the US Department of Immigration and Naturalisation may deny your entrance into the United States.

Our Participants Speak / Testimonials

Daniel Philips - South Africa

"I want to thank you for making my trip a success and for being part of my experience. I have learned a lot at camp. I have learned to touch people's lives, I have learned to express myself and come out of my shell, and I have learned how to make a difference in people's lives. One camper's family thanked me for changing their grandson's life after camp and told me how happy and different he was after camp. That was when I realized that I have achieved something that I will never trade for anything in life"

Global Choices. Contact information

Global Choices, 146 Omega Works, 4 Roach Road, London E3 2GY, United Kingdom
Tel: (+ 44) 208 533 2777 (UK)
Tel.: (+1) 646 929 4656 (USA)
Fax: (+ 44) 870 330 5955

Online near you: Follow Global Choices UK on twitter Global Choices Facebook page

We are glad to be affiliated and associated with the following organisations:
Find out more about Global Choices affiliations