Introduction
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The American Camping Tradition
Every summer more than 8 million American children pack their bags and head off to summer camp – it’s a century-old tradition that’s as deep-rooted in America as Baseball, Chevrolet and the Big Mac! Many of us have had some level of our own ‘camping experience’ be it pitching a tent in our back gardens or attending leadership camps through school. The American tradition of Summer Camps however is so much more than that– and no, it’s not what you’ve seen from those summer camp movies!
Today over 11,000 US summer camps exist to provide a safe, fun and nurturing environment for kids of all economic and social backgrounds, religious faiths and physical abilities. Camps are located in beautiful, rural areas right across North America. Most are on a lake or pool, have extensive open land and sports fields, cabins and areas which encompass activities such as swimming, rock climbing, water-skiing, arts and crafts, performing arts, dance, gymnastics and soccer etc. Whilst camps are different in terms of their size, location and variety of activities on offer, all have a common goal – to give kids the ‘best summer of their life’!
Along with the 8 million children attending summer camp, are another 18,000 international counselors from across the globe. Heading to a US summer camp has become an increasingly popular option for young South Africans that want to leave behind the winter months and head for their own ‘Adventure of a life time’ working at camp. If you are aged between 18-30, have a sense of adventure and like children, you could do it too!
As a camp counselor you will wear many ‘hats’! You will be a role model, leader, and friend, as well as a big brother or sister, teacher or coach and possibly a little bit of a parent too! You will certainly learn new skills, meet people from all over the world, and even have the chance to travel around the USA once you’ve finished working at camp. Many people have such a great time they return for a second summer. You’ve been WARNED – it’s addictive!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What do Chilli Adventures provide?
 |
Recruitment and assistance with your camp application form. |
|
Placement at an accredited summer camp in the USA, including food and accommodation (laundry as well in most cases). |
|
Comprehensive Work and Travel insurance that meets and exceeds US government regulations (includes medical, baggage, etc). |
|
The DS2019 visa form, necessary to apply for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, plus assistance with visa processing in South Africa. Chilli Adventures have an excellent reputation with the US Consulates in South Africa and will assist you with every step of the visa process including the booking of your US consulate appointment. |
|
Prep day orientation with Chilli Adventures staff and former participants to help you prepare for your summer at camp. |
|
Prep day orientation with Chilli Adventures staff and former participants to help you prepare for your summer at camp. |
|
Access to discounted travel through our preferred travel agency – STA Travel. |
|
Discounts on various overland trips in North America – Including Trek America. |
|
24-hour emergency assistance hotline in both South Africa and the USA. |
|
The Best ‘Summer of your Life’! |
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Reasons To Apply through Chilli Adventures:
- 100% placement guarantee
We guarantee placement at the top US summer camps for ALL accepted applicants.
- Perfect Placements
The utmost care and attention is taken throughout the interview and placement process to ensure that we make the best camp match through our one-to-one personal placement service. Placements are made to fit your personality, interests and skills. You WILL feel as if YOUR camp is the BEST!
- Friendly, Experienced and Efficient Service
All Chilli Adventures full time staff and National Team have experienced a summer at camp in the USA first hand. We are with you every step of the way with professional friendly advise and assistance.
- Affordable
Chilli Adventures is an independent agent and work with only the very best overseas agencies. As a result we are able to pick the best deal available to South Africans. Our program fees this year are lower than any in South Africa. In addition, the summer camp program is subsidized which makes it very affordable.
- Flight Subsidy
To make the program even more affordable, we are able to give you $800 of what you would have earned at camp, upfront towards the cost of your flight to the USA.
- HIGHEST pocket money
You will earn the highest pocket money available. $1550 for the first nine weeks irrespective of age. Compare this to the other agencies around. If you are 18 for example, you are able to make up to $375 more than with some agencies.
- Make new friendships from around the Globe
...friends that will last a lifetime.
- Learn Life Skills
...such as confidence, motivation, independence, maturity and other valuable life-long skills that will broaden your horizons and your future career.
- Travel time
The J1 visa that allows you to work at summer camp also includes a 30 day grace period so that you can travel and explore the USA with new friends once camp is finished.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Work Hard – Play Harder!
A summer at camp will be both the hardest job you’ve ever done AND the most rewarding. It can be tough at times as you spend 24 hours a day with the children, living and sleeping in the same cabins, as well as working and playing with them. It will also be the easiest job you’ve ever had as there cannot be a more exciting, fun, or energetic environment to live and work in. Working at camp is an ideal way to gain great international work experience, make new friends from around the globe and have the ‘Best Summer of your Life’!
Back to top |
