Letter 3

For anyone who is thinking about going to camp or is just mildly interested I thought I would give you the nitty gritty of my job at a camp in the States. In this post I will give you all the details of what it costs to get a summer camp job and why I’ve chosen to spend a summer doing it!

As I have said, I chose to go with Americamp. I’ll tell you why:

• a friend I met on my travels recommended the company to me
• they charge less to go with them (placement fees etc)
• they pay MUCH more
• they are UK based (Manchester) so it’s really easy to get in touch with them
• they are very helpful both sides of the Atlantic – they do orientations in the UK and aparently are very attentive in the States – obvioulsy I am yet to experience this

It’s worth looking around at the different companies – Camp America, Camp Leaders, CCUSA etc – but I really like Americamp (which is actually partnered with CCUSA).

So what did I have to pay to Americamp?

• application fee £49 (right at the beginning)
• acceptance fee £60 (when the application is completed)
• placement fee £150 (when a camp gives you a job)
• police check fee £45
• visa documentation fee £34
  • TOTAL = £338

Other costs?

• other visa payments approx £130 (I think)
• medical check £30 (can vary)

Flights?

I am flying from Bristol to Washington DC and then back from New York to Bristol which cost me £580. Obviously it would have been cheaper to do a simple return flight, or to fly from London but it was more convenient for me to fly this route and I have limited time so I wanted to make the most of it.

TOTAL = £1,078

So that’s what it’s costing me to get out there. Then whilst I am there I will be paid approximately $1,800 (about £1,300). This varies at each camp depending on the type of camp and time worked. This is probably one of the highest paid camps (not the reason I chose it – I didn’t even know!).

So there you have it! I am expecting to spend what I earn whilst I’m in the states. It’s not my aim to come back with money. This is the way I see it: I spend about £1,000 for 3 months in the states, where I’ll have some amazing experiences and gain valuable skills, friends and memories. Not too bad right?

Until next time,

 

From Lou

About Me

Americamp Website