Types of Summer camp
"Going to camp" for up to 9 weeks each summer is an established American tradition in a country where summer holidays last for 2 to 3 months and the weather is generally hot and sunny. Most 3 Adventures participants are placed at camps in picturesque settings in the Northeast and New England. You may however be placed in the Southeast, the Midwest, Texas, and on the West Coast.
All camps strive for a dedicated staff of energetic counselors. You do have an opportunity to tell us which type of camp you would prefer to go to, but the more flexible you can be, the greater your chances of placement.
The camps where we place counselors have high standards and are approved by the American Camping Association. Below is a brief description of the types of camp that are looking for Camp Counselors:
Private, Traditional, Residential Camps
These camps are independently owned and cater mainly for the children of middle/high income families. Private camps usually devote lots of time to sports, waterfront activities, fine arts and outdoor programs. Campers return year after year for a period of four to eight weeks. Some camps are very competitive, others run more relaxed recreational programs. Some are quite rustic in appearance while others have well-appointed cabins and excellent sports facilities. Every camp is different.

Agency Camps
Agency camps are run by bodies such as the YMCA, YMHA, YWCA or Salvation Army and offer many of the activities that private camps offer. Campers come from all parts of the community. Agency camps strive to give each child a unique experience. Running for one to four weeks in length, these camps are usually co-ed. Some are rustic, others are custom-built modern facilities.
Girl Scout Camps
Girl Scout camps are popular and offer a worthwhile experience for the right people. The program is generally centered around camp craft, pioneering and outdoor skills. Some Girl Scout camps have platform tent living; others have more modern, custom-built facilities. They also sometimes specialize in certain activities such as riding or wilderness tripping.

Day Camps
Day camps offer a large range of activities and are located at local private sites, church halls, parks, YMCAs or perhaps as part of a residential camp. They usually run from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Counselors work during the day in much the same capacity as at a residential camp. They live either on camp, or perhaps with local families.
Evenings and weekends are usually free, but may occasionally be taken up with overnight trips or other camp activities. Where a day camp runs as part of a residential camp, counselors generally live on the overnight camp and help with evening and weekend activities.

Religious Camps
There are many church-based camps operated by all denominations. Some camps recruit campers individually through associated churches, others lease their facilities to groups on a weekly basis. These camps are perfect for people who believe strongly in their faith and who are able to lead devotions and guide campers spiritually, in addition to teaching the usual camp activities.

Special Needs Camps
Special needs camps include those for the physically or mentally disabled (adults as well as children), diabetics, those suffering from cancer, the learning disabled, hyperactive and those with behavioural problems. These camps are run privately or by non-profit agencies and need experienced staff who are calm, patient and caring and who can give specialized care and attention to the campers. Previous, relevant experience is likely to determine the type of camp selected for you.
The level of instruction will vary depending on the child. For some, basic skills and sports can be taught and enjoyed, while for others it may be limited to helping the children feed themselves. Facilities are likely to be limited to what the child can do and what the camp can afford, but supervision and care are priorities and in such settings, dealing with unpredictable behavior should be expected. There is a high demand for people to work with special populations.

Camps for Disadvantaged Children
Operated by various social or philanthropic agencies, these camps aim to give disadvantaged children the chance to experience a week or two in the country at very little, or no cost to the parents. The emphasis is on recreational games and appreciation of the environment; facilities can be very limited and on the worn and rustic side. Playing and living together are the most important aspects of the camp experience.
The work is usually demanding, but for those with the relevant experience and dedication, the summer can be tremendously satisfying.

What does being a camp counselor involve?
This program has been designed for you to spend a fun and worthwhile summer working with children in America and it’s definitely not a free holiday! It can be hard work with long hours, but for most participants, it’s hugely rewarding and enjoyable if you’re prepared to throw yourself into the spirit of camp life.
Is camp right for you?
You should be prepared for: isolated camps where your social life may be limited on evenings off, rules and regulations including curfew and restrictions on alcohol consumption, mobile phone/internet usage, difficult children, bugs, mosquitoes and possibly rustic conditions, doing a job other than the one you were assigned to or being asked to assist in another area.
It’s a tough job but if you’re the right sort of person, it could be one of the most challenging, skill-enhancing, fun and incredibly rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

Your role
Usually, two or three counselors are assigned to a cabin of four to eight children and take responsibility for them at camp. The camp director expects staff to set a good example, ensure that the children keep themselves and the cabin clean and that they follow the camp’s routine.
Your counsel to the children may include dealing with homesickness and personal problems as well as looking after and teaching them. Your role is like that of brother/sister/parent/teacher/friend and cheerleader all rolled into one.

You will have an orientation once you arrive at camp. This can last from one day to one week, depending on your camp. This orientation could include; preparing the camp for the kids or getting to know your role and how the camp operates. You may not know all of your duties until after the orientation when your camp director has assessed all the staff and assigned the various jobs.
A full-time job

You should be prepared to spend 24 hours a day with the children, living and sleeping in the same cabin, working and playing with them. Hard work at times – but incredibly rewarding if you’re up for the challenge!
It can be a beneficial and enjoyable experience for anyone with a specialist skill or sports ability and the desire and enthusiasm to work with children.
Teachers or trainee teachers find that camp is as relevant and useful as teaching practice. Non-teachers and non-students have much to contribute to and gain from the program. There are also many openings for those with experience of working with mentally, physically or socially disadvantaged children.

Eligibility
Working at a summer camp can be a great experience for the right person. Previous participants have been students, those qualified or experienced in their specialist areas, professional coaches or people simply wanting to do something different for a few months. Although a placement cannot be guaranteed, if accepted onto the program we will work hard to match your skills, experience, background and preferences to a suitable camp vacancy.

We encourage you to apply if you:

• Like children and have experience with them (see below), ideally in a leadership role, e.g., teacher, youth leader, through team sports, scouts or guides or play schemes.
• Are aged 18 by 1st June 2012.
• Are available for at least eight to ten weeks from May/mid-June though August. Most camp contracts start before 21st June and some start before 1st June so it is important you are aware of your commitments before applying.
• Are cheerful, energetic, friendly, hard-working, tolerant, flexible, conscientious, caring, reasonably gregarious, uncomplaining and able to adapt to camp life including the long hours, rules and curfews.
• Know of no reason why you cannot provide a guarantor or would not be granted a visa by the US Embassy: you should speak to 3Adventures before applying if you have ever been arrested or ever received a criminal caution or conviction as this could have implications for your US visa application.
• Can speak English fluently

Experience with children
It is important that you have some previous experience of working or interacting with children, other than your own family experience or babysitting, to be considered as a camp counselor. The level of experience needed for camp varies and could be anything from helping out at a club, to teaching your own sports lessons, all depending on the individual needs of the camp.
You may be able to gain more experience and thereby improve your chances, simply by asking in your local community, at schools and weekend clubs if they need any help. Local organizations are often very happy for volunteers to get involved and be a part of their team. You can also improve your chances of placement by working to get a qualification in a sport or other activity at which you are already proficient.
If you are unsure of whether your skills or experience meet the requirements for the program, please contact 3Adventures for further information or clarification. Please email us at info@3adventures.com or call the team at 555-555-5555

Costs
3Adventures  is structured to make it as affordable as possible. The full price of the program is $350 plus deposit of 15,000 dinars. The airfare and visa interview is not part of the program fee.
3 Adventures Camp Counselor payment scheme

Late fee
If you attend an interview after 1 March, 2012, a late supplement of £50 will apply to the fees listed above. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances of a placement.

Other costs
3 Adventures aims to be upfront and transparent about our program fees but please note that some 3rd party costs will also be payable. These fees are not unique to 3 Adventures participants and are subject to change.
Airline charges
3 Adventures participants will purchase their flight AFTER they have been placed at a summer camp.  3 Adventures can provide advice on discounted opportunities and support.  Contact 3 Adventures for advice.

Medical
Your camp will often require you to have a medical before arriving at camp. Charges vary depending on where you live but often students are eligible for a discount or even qualify for a free medical.
Support funds
It is a visa requirement that you take at least $600 with you when you travel to the USA. Most camps will pay your salary either at the end of your contract or on a semi-weekly basis.

Salaries
Salaries for all 3 Adventures participants are highly competitive and will be paid directly to you by your camp at the end of your contract. Once you are offered a position with a camp, the camp will negotiate directly with you in regards to your salary.
In-hand salaries are based on an 8-9 week contract (including orientation/training). You will be paid more if your contract is for more than 9 weeks. All your food and accommodation is provided free of charge during the time you are working on camp so you can put your salary towards travel after camp has finished. Salaries range for Camp Counselors between $1000-$2000/summer depending on the camp and position you would be working.

Travel
You have up to 6 weeks travel time after your time on camp has come to an end to explore the USA!
How to Apply
Step 1 - Register
Your first stage is to register with 3 Adventures. This will create your 3 Adventures Account where you can complete an application form, pay the first installment of your registration fee and set up an interview with one of our Camping Recruiters. You will also be able to read the program Terms and Conditions and arrange your references.

Step 2 - Interview
The interview is an opportunity for us to chat to you about your skills and experience and reasons for wanting to take part in the program. We’ll confirm all the details for you in advance so you’ll know what to expect and what to bring with you.

Step 3 – Pay second installment and arrange your supporting documents
We’ll ask you to pay the second registration fee installment and apply for your police background check. When we have received all your supporting documents, including two references, acceptance onto the program will be advised and we will start looking for a suitable camp for you (or forward your dossier directly to your camp if you already have a job or referral).

Step 4 - Placement confirmation
After a placement is confirmed, 3 Adventures will guide you through the process of paying the final installment of your registration fee, booking your flight and insurance and applying for your visa.  We aim to provide you with excellent service throughout the application process. If you have queries at any stage please contact our experienced and friendly 3 Adventures team by calling or email info@3adventures.com