Spend the summer abroad with International Camp Counsellor Programme (ICCP)

Each year millions of American children pack their bags and leave for thousands of summer camps spread all over America. To help deliver these camps, the US gives young people from around the world the opportunity to be Counsellors and support staff in these camps.

ICCP searches for the camp which best suits you, your skills, interests, and experience. You must be available for at least 10 weeks beginning on either May 10th or June 10th.. After the camp you may stay in the US to travel around the country till the end of October.

This programme is for young people who are searching for new friends from all over the world, enjoy travelling, want to experience different cultures, and are not scared to be leaders.

Job Positions:

• Counsellor: work with children, requires leadership abilities and patience, skills in conducting games and sports.
• Support Staff: roles such as office workers, kitchen helpers, dining hall attendants, drivers, housekeeping and maintenance

Types of Camps:

Overnight/Resident - They are located in rural areas away from the town. Campers and staff stay at the camp, experiencing a full schedule of activities during the day and sleeping in cabins at night.

Girl Scout Camps - They are highly scheduled, and serve young girls.

YMCA Camps - the YMCA is a Christian organisation. Although it does not belong to any specific denomination, prayers and worship may be part of the camp's activities. YMCA Camps serve their communities by promoting positive values through their programmes which are open to all.

Religious - Operated by religiously - affiliated organisations, these camps provide a broad range of outdoor activities within the framework of promoting positive life values based on the religion's particular traditions.

Underprivileged - At these camps, children referred by social service organisations are given the opportunity to experience positive, outdoor activities outside the troubled urban environments in which they live.

Special Needs (Physically and Developmentally Challenged) - At these camps, children and adults with physical limitations and/or learning disabilities are provided special attention and facilities to make it possible for them to enjoy a wide range of camp activities and to achieve their fullest potential. Working with special populations in a summer camp environment can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, it is one of the most rewarding experiences.

Day - these camps are usually located in urban settings. Campers arrive at camp each morning and return home in the afternoon. The day is packed with activities, but the staff has more spare time in comparison to overnight camps. In most cases, international staff members live with "host families" and are able to experience United States community life.

If you want to apply:

1) Requirements for applicants:

• Fluency in English
• Enjoy working with people (especially children)
• Leadership abilities
• 18+ years old

2) Those interested in this programme must complete the following application forms:

• Agreement (if applicant is under 21, parent or guardian must sign);
• Health History (your doctor must complete this form);
• Reference Form (2 references which must be filled in by either your teacher, coach, tutor, employer, priest or rabbi). References from family members or friends will not be accepted
• Application on-line (will be sent to you by email)

3) Applicants selection. Final decision on selection of participants will be made by the New York ICCP office. If the participant is chosen, ICCP searches the camps for an appropriate placement. Paperwork will then be sent to West London YMCA to enable an application to the US Embassy for the J-1 Visa.

4) Transportation. Once the visa is received participants must purchase flights to New York, Chicago, Miami or Los Angeles. In the airport participants will be met by ICCP representatives. Your accommodation and food expenses will be paid for that night. Participants will receive a full briefing and travel tickets before leaving the next day for their camps.

5) Camp schedule. All camps open from May or June. Participants will work there for 10 weeks. Before the children arrive, staff set up the camp for the season. During the stay counsellors will have one day off each week, but each camp has it’s own rules, so the weekly schedules can be different. The age group of children in the camps is 6-16 years old.

6) Travel time after the camp. After finishing work at the camp each participant has the option of travelling in the US. All expenses concerning this trip are at the participant’s expense.

7) Cost of the programme. Applicant must pay: