Since camp directors prefer to hire individuals rather than couples or groups, it makes it very difficult if you want to be placed with a friend. However if you request it, we will attempt to place you together.

Each person also comes with their own set of skills, talents and preferences and we are dedicated to finding each counselor the best possible placement for them! We would urge you to consider having your own experience at camp (you’ll meet so many more new people that way) and then meet up to travel together after camp is finished.

We want you to have the best summer at camp and that means being placed at a camp that suits your skills, abilities and camp type preferences. This suitable camp may not necessarily be in the State that you have requested. Whilst working at camp you will have very little time off to explore anyway, so its much more important that you are matched well with the camp itself. We recommend that you use your travel time after camp to get to those dream destinations!

Yes. You cannot be issued a visa for working at camp unless you go through a program sponsor such as Chilli Adventures. As a program sponsor we are also required to screen you and assess your suitability for the program.

If you have already found a camp placement yourself (perhaps your brother or sister went to that camp), simply complete the application process as normal and include a letter from your camp confirming the placement offered to you. Chilli Adventures will then forward your application to that camp once you have been interviewed and accepted.

Please make sure that your camp is registered with Camp Leaders (ask your local Chilli office).

Sadly we cannot accept you onto the program for your first summer unless you have a full 9 weeks available to work at camp. However, often camps are prepared to take on returning counselors for a shorter period of time. So if you need to get to varsity next year you may still be able to go to camp for your winter vac!

You need to have enough experience with children to know that you like being around them! If you know you like kids, think about how you know this. Perhaps you have younger siblings or cousins that you look after. Perhaps you’ve helped out with younger kids at school or at church. Or maybe you have babysitting experience. It all counts!

If you work in a child related profession you’re never too old! Teachers, coaches, adventure leaders and the like are all appropriate and eligible to work at camp despite being over the age of 30. In fact camps are looking for staff with greater skills or experience. Apply NOW!

Totally!! We’ve found over the years that our reputation and level of service has meant that many people choose to get back to camp with us. In addition, Chilli Adventures and Camp Leaders partnership allows for returnees to pay the lowest fees in the industry - and NOTHING from the South African side, so its not hard to see why people make the switch. Simply complete the basics on your application profile, forward us any written confirmation that your camp wants you back and we’ll do the rest!

Your schedule at camp will mean that its not possible to smoke during the day at all. SOME camps have ‘smokers areas’ that you can access in your time off, but its normally frowned upon. Living in a non-smoking environment like camp, makes everyone acutely sensitive to the smell of smoke. Camps are also typically out in wooded areas so smoking can be a real fire hazard too. Breaking camp smoking rules will result in immediate dismissal.

Chilli Adventures have a large ‘National Team’ of past counsellors who have been trained as interviewers and who help with promotions and interviews around South Africa.  Chilli are also on the road around the country during the camp recruitment season (September - April) and so interviews can also be conducted in conjunction with this.

Your placement could come through anytime from September to June. We will of course try and place you ASAP, but we wont rush the process. Our priority is to find you the best possible placement. The earlier you apply and the more open you are to the types of camp you are placed at, the easier it is to get you placed quickly.

Absolutely. We highly recommend that anyone applying for camp comes along to one of Chilli Adventures information sessions. These are held around the country from September to April.  Info sessions will give you a realistic idea as to what camp is all about, the role of a counselor and what is expected of you. We will also outline the application and visa process as well as all costs involved. All Chilli Adventures staff have worked at summer camp so you’ll have the opportunity to quiz us, as well as chat to last seasons counselors who have recently returned from camp and their travels. Check out the News & Events page or call your local office for more date and venue details. 

Chilli Adventures work with top youth and student travel agents who understand the needs of the camp program and who will find you the best deals around. Once your placement has been confirmed Chilli will organise a number of competitive quotes for you and assist you with booking your ticket.

Staff training will likely last approximately 3 days to a week. You’ll be shown around camp and will have the chance to get to know other staff and how the camp runs. The main thing to remember during those first days at camp is to relax, be yourself, participate and enjoy.

The biggest problem over the first few days is settling in, getting into a routine, and remembering everybody's name! You are likely to be asked to wear some form of name tag (this willl also be of great benefit when campers arrive). You will quickly find that camp is a supportive environment and that Camp Directors work hard to maintain camp traditions and make everyone feel at home.

If you show your commitment in a positive fashion and consistently prove yourself to be an appropriate role model and leader, Camp Directors will recognize and reward that effort. Camp works by making the experience so valuable to everyone, campers and staff, that everyone wants to go back. Going to a particular camp becomes a family tradition and we hope that you feel the same after your summer.