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Overview

What are you doing this summer?

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Through American Sponsors, NEXXT-step Consulting & Coaching is proud to offer the opportunity to spend your summer living and working at one of America’s summer camps. Working at a camp in America is a fantastic chance to do something fun, positive and rewarding with your summer. Our sponsors offer a personal and guided placement program with a handpicked placement based on your personality, skills and experience or a direct placement option at a camp of your own choosing.

Our Summer Camps program gives you the chance to spend your summer getting paid to teach/coach the activities you love. This could be teaching activities like Soccer, Basketball, Swimming, Dance, Climbing, Photography and so much more.

After your summer contract has finished, we’ll give you an optional 30 days travel, so you can discover this amazing, beautiful and wonderfully diverse country.

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What Is Camp?

Summer Camp is a valuable and important part of the Americas culture. Over ten thousand summer camps exist across America, each with their own history and traditions which have grown over many, many years. Over 10 million children attend camp each year, from the beaches of Hawaii to the mountains in Vermont….all across America!

A camp’s main goal is to create a fun, safe environment for all children. Camps will encourage children to try new activities and get out of their comfort zone in a physically and emotionally safe and supported environment.

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What It Takes to Work at Camp

Campers range in age from 6 to 16 with some special needs camps also offering opportunities for young adults. Camps will hire staff from many different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. The campers love the diversity of the staff and fellow campers, this makes for a fantastic blend of people and an amazing summer.

Within all the camps we work with, just about every personality, quirk, and skill set has a home. This applies to both campers and staff. If you have a positive outlook and are willing to get out of your comfort zone, we have a camp for you. Don’t panic if you are not a professional athlete, coach, or have years of teaching experience, we will coach you through the process and give you all the tools you need. Assuming you are 18 by June 1st and we're willing to give you all that we can help you!

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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, teachers, or people simply looking for a new and unique summer experience. Although a placement or position at camp 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.

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Working at a summer camp can sometimes be a challenging, but incredibly rewarding experience. Before signing up for the camp program, make sure you are comfortable with and prepared for the following conditions at camp: isolated camps where your social life may be limited on evenings off, rules and regulations including curfew and restrictions on alcohol consumption and mobile phone/internet usage, difficult children, bugs, mosquitoes, and possibly rustic conditions. There will be times you are doing a job other than the one you were assigned to or being asked to assist in another area. Camp is very much an “all hands on deck!” environment, where all staff help out when needed.

Working at camp is a tough job, but for the right person with an open mind and a willingness to work hard, it could be one of the most challenging, skill-enhancing, fun, and incredibly rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

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 18 years old by June 1st.

• Are available for at least eight to ten weeks starting in May to mid-June through August. Most camp contracts start before June 21st, with many camps starting staff training before June 1st. It is important you are aware of your commitments or school schedules 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 American Summers 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

To work as support staff, you must be a full time student studying in a degree program in a University or College on your summer break.

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Experience with Children

It is important that you have some previous experience 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 sports lessons, all depending on the individual needs of the camp. You may be able to gain more experience, and thereby improve your chances of placement, 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 American Summers for further information or clarification. Please email us at info@nexxts.com

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Additionally

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Summer camps in the United States often hire international staff through the J-1 visa program, which allows students and young professionals to work and travel in the U.S. for a limited time. Here are some common summer camp job positions offered to J-1 visa holders:

1. Camp Counselor

Responsibilities:

• Leading and supervising campers in daily activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures.

• Ensuring the safety and well-being of campers at all times.

• Serving as a role model and mentor to campers.

• Assisting in planning and organizing camp programs and events.

Skills Needed:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Leadership and teamwork abilities.

• Patience, creativity, and enthusiasm.

2. Specialty Instructor

Types of Specialties:

• Sports: Teaching and coaching sports like soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, etc.

• Arts and Crafts: Guiding campers in various art projects, including painting, drawing, and sculpting.

• Outdoor Skills: Leading activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, and survival skills.

• Performing Arts: Instructing in areas like music, dance, drama, and theater.

Responsibilities:

• Providing expert instruction and guidance in the specific specialty.

• Ensuring the safety and proper use of equipment.

• Developing and implementing lesson plans.

Skills Needed:

• Advanced knowledge and experience in the specialty area.

• Ability to teach and inspire campers of various skill levels.

• Creativity and organizational skills.

3. Lifeguard

Responsibilities:

• Monitoring pool or waterfront activities to ensure swimmer safety.

• Enforcing safety rules and regulations.

• Responding to emergencies and performing rescues if necessary.

• Conducting swimming lessons or aquatic activities.

Skills Needed:

• Lifeguard certification (often required before arrival).

• Strong swimming skills.

• Ability to stay calm and act quickly in emergencies.

4. Kitchen Staff

Responsibilities:

• Assisting in the preparation and serving of meals to campers and staff.

• Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen and dining areas.

• Following food safety guidelines and protocols.

Skills Needed:

• Basic cooking and food preparation skills.

• Attention to detail and cleanliness.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

5. Maintenance Staff

Responsibilities:

• Performing general maintenance and repair tasks around the camp.

• Assisting with landscaping, cleaning, and facility upkeep.

• Ensuring the campgrounds and facilities are safe and well-maintained.

Skills Needed:

• Basic handyman skills (plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, etc.).

• Physical stamina and the ability to work outdoors.

• Problem-solving and time management skills.

6. Office/Administrative Staff

Responsibilities:

• Handling administrative tasks such as answering phones, managing camper registrations, and filing paperwork.

• Assisting with camp communications and marketing efforts.

• Supporting camp directors and other staff with organizational tasks.

Skills Needed:

• Strong organizational and administrative skills.

• Proficiency in computer programs and office equipment.

• Good communication and customer service skills.

7. Health Care Assistant

Responsibilities:

• Assisting the camp nurse or medical staff in providing care to campers and staff.

• Administering first aid and medications as needed.

• Maintaining health records and ensuring compliance with health regulations.

Skills Needed:

• Basic first aid and CPR certification (some camps may require more advanced medical training).

• Attention to detail and compassion.

• Ability to handle health emergencies calmly and effectively.

8. Program Director/Coordinator

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the planning and implementation of camp programs and activities.

• Managing schedules and coordinating with other staff members.

• Ensuring programs run smoothly and meet the camp's objectives.

Skills Needed:

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.

• Experience in program planning and management.

• Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple tasks.

These positions offer a unique opportunity for J-1 visa holders to gain cultural exchange experiences, develop new skills, and contribute to the vibrant and dynamic environment of a summer camp.

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