We know the application form may look long and daunting, but don’t worry! Take your time and write it properly – remember you are still applying for a job!
• First you must rank your skills in order of experience starting with your strongest. Explain how you see yourself transferring your skill(s) into a camp environment. If you have experience teaching this skill then great! Tell us about it, i.e. how long have you done it for? What level of skill are you at? etc. Have you taught individuals or groups? If your skill is a sport, what level have you played and taught at? What ages were the children/participants? The more information you can include, the better.
• Make sure you write a strong personal statement, this is your opportunity to tell Camp Directors and the AmeriCamp team exactly why you should go to camp! Describe your personality, your strengths and any other attributes that would make you the ideal AmeriCamp candidate.
• Once you are happy with your application, submit it and our crazy, but friendly, staff at AmeriCamp HQ will review it and then get in touch with you.
• To make things as easy and as cost effective for you as possible, we can interview you through one of 3 methods… you can a) come down to the AmeriCamp HQ in Sydney and meet our great office staff or b) If you are currently travelling/aren’t within a reasonable commuting distance we can arrange a Skype interview – however this is only offered as a last resort!
• Your interviewer will take you through your application, highlight your strengths and make sure your skills are relevant to camp. Your interviewer will then remain as your key contact throughout the application process and will help you with any questions you may have. After your interview your interviewer may give you a list of recommendations to work on and in the meantime they will write your interview report, which will accompany your application.
Once your interview report has been written, and we have received your references, application video and $150 Stage Two fee, then it is time for your application to become ‘live’ and start circulating around to Camp Directors!
• Be prepared for Camp Directors to get in touch, make sure you have a Skype account set up as they may wish to interview you further. Remember you are applying for a job, so be friendly, professional and treat the Camp Director with respect.
• This is an essential part of your application; Camp Directors will not consider an application without one. Try and make your video creative, fun and (most importantly) ensure that it shows off the skills that you have outlined in your application form. We recommend that your video is between 1-2 minutes long, includes a brief introduction section then progresses onto your skills. You may also include a photo showreel. Title your video with your name and ‘AmeriCamp 2018’. If you prefer not to post it live on YouTube, then you can send us a private link or upload directly to your AmeriCamp application.
You will need a total of 3 references to complete your application and we have a reference forms available for you to use online. Your references must come from a professional source so, for example, teachers, coaches and employers are all great examples! They cannot come from family or friends and must contain active contact details to enable us to verify the reference.
If you’ve reached this point, congratulations – you have been #plACed! The countdown to your summer of a lifetime can officially begin, and in the meantime here’s what to do next…
• Pay the remaining placement fee within 2 weeks of securing your place, failure to do so may result in you losing your place. If you are having problems give us a call, we are here to help!
• Make sure your passport is in date and has at least 6 months validity on it AFTER your return date to Australia; ensure your personal details are written EXACTLY as they are stated on your passport. Failure to do so WILL cause problems.
• You must have a clean background check that is dated within 6 months of your start date at camp.
• Make sure you see your GP to obtain a medical check; this is required to ensure you are completely covered by our visa sponsor’s insurance policy. If you have any outstanding medical problems please contact us directly for a range of options.
• Please make yourself aware of the J dates of the US embassy. You will be sent an information pack with everything you need to know, but make sure you can attend!
• We will put you in contact with our flight partners who will help arrange flights for you at a great rate. They can also ensure you get a flexible ticket should you need to change your dates for any reason.
• Make sure you are available to attend an AmeriCamp orientation – this is a Department of State requirement. We will be running orientation events so ensure your name is down! (Or else you aren’t getting on that plane!)
