Camp USA - Summer Camp in America

Work with children, experience the great American outdoors and make lifelong friends at a summer camp in the USA. Summer camps are a great American tradition and a fantastic way to experience the warm, friendly American culture at its best. Camp USA has been operating for over 40 years and is a not for profit organisation. Millions of American children attend summer camp each year. Campers come to play and learn in a safe and structured environment. Counsellors and support staff from around the globe provide responsible supervision and serve as positive role models. Working in a camp is as mentally and emotionally fulfilling as it is challenging.

For both campers and staff, summer memories and friendships last a lifetime. If you have any questions, would like further information or want to apply for Camp USA simply contact us on 0800 287 247 or email us at campusa@aupairlink.co.nz.

Check out the awesome Camp USA photos and action on their Flickr feed.

Why choose Camp USA?

Camp USA has over 40 years of experience bringing young adults to the United States of America for summer camp programmes
Camp USA provides personal service and 24 hours a day support in America – helping to ensure that you have a memorable experience
Camp USA provides an orientation course for all participants in New York City and free (or reimbursed) travel from New York to your summer camp destination in the USA
Get a $500 USD Completion Bonus after successfully completing your summer camp term in the USA
After summer camp finishes, you will get 30 days to travel America and check out the sights and sounds.

What will you get?

Placement in a USA summer camp for between 8 to 15 weeks
Your camp will also provide you with free housing, meals, and transportation from New York City to the camp
A minimum stipend (pocket money) of $1000 USD – with free room and board this is money in the bank! You may be paid more based on your age and skills
The stipend is based on a 9 week (63 day) schedule. If your placement lasts longer, you’ll be paid an additional $30 USD for each additional day you work
Completion Bonus of $500 USD after successful completion of the programme
Return flights to New York City are included (ex. Auckland)
Full Insurance and J-1 Visa sponsorship
1 day orientation course in New York City including 1 night accommodation
Participation handbook, USA guide and Camp USA T-shirt
24 hour support throughout the programme in the USA
Certificate of Completion
30 days of independent travel time after the camp has finished.

What does it cost?

All up the Camp USA programme will cost about $3,600 New Zealand dollars (please note this can vary depending on the exchange rate at the time). But here is a breakdown of the fees below:

Fee type	Cost	Comments
Application fee	$165 USD www.xe.com	Paid after we receive your full application.
Insurance fee	$150 USD www.xe.com	Paid after we receive your full application. Covers 3.5 months. $40 USD extra per month for extensions.
SEVIS fee	$35 USD www.xe.com	Paid after we receive your full application.
Sub Total (includes application, insurance and SEVIS fee).	$350 USD www.xe.com	Paid after we receive your full application (includes application, insurance and SEVIS fee).
Return flights and our Camp USA Programme fee	$2,999 NZD	Paid upon placement in Camp USA Programme. Includes return flights to New York and our Programme fee. Paid in New Zealand dollars.

Please note that our flights and Camp USA Programme fee is subject to change. Air travel prices can fluctuate due to market conditions. In addition to the above costs, you are required to pay the Visa processing fee directly to the US Consulate.

Visa Information

To work at a summer camp in the USA you must have a J-1 Visa to enter the United States of America. Through Camp USA, we will sponsor your visa once we have found you a job.

You are legally required to have a J-1 Visa to enter the USA to work at a summer camp. You must have a sponsor to obtain a J-1 Visa
The US Consulate requires all applicants for J-1 Visas to be interviewed in Auckland. You must pay for your travel to Auckland to be interviewed for a J-1 Visa
You must pay the J-1 Visa fee directly to the US Consulate. Please visit the US Embassy website to see the most current J-1 Visa fee.

Camp USA Programme Requirements

Participants must be between the ages of 19 to 28 during the summer of participation
Participants must be available to work from June to August
You must be highly motivated and commit to the programme for 8 to 15 weeks
You must be fluent in English
You need to have some experience working with children and a specialised skill (for example water sports, arts/crafts, horse riding, archery, soccer, performing arts, tennis, sailing, hiking or special needs education skills).

Cancellation and Refund Policy

An unplaced applicant who pulls out of the programme after June 15 is entitled to a full refund less a $35 USD administration fee. An unplaced applicant who cancels prior to June 15 forfeits the $165 USD Application fee and $45 USD of the insurance fee. The $35 SEVIS fee is completely non-refundable. An applicant who cancels from the programme after receiving a placement will forfeit the entirety of his or her Application fee, Insurance fee and SEVIS fee. In the case of a visa denial, the applicant must return the DS 2019 form and submit proof of the denial by September 1st, after which Camp USA will issue a refund less a $50 USD administrative fee. In no case will a participant who has already entered the United States receive a refund.

How do I apply?

If you have any questions, would like further information or want to apply for Camp USA simply contact us on 0800 287 247 or email us at campusa@aupairlink.co.nz. Alternatively, you can download the following documents:

Once you have completed the Camp USA application form, please scan and send the application form (including all supporting documentation) to campusa@aupairlink.co.nz.