Summer Camp USA Eligibility Placement options Flights Costs and application info

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Application info

• STEP 1
  Download and read the Summer Camp USA brochure or request a copy to be sent to you by post.
• STEP 2
  The easiest and quickest way to apply is online at: www.bunac.org/APPLY. Here you book an interview and complete the application form.
  
  Alternatively, you can book an interview and request a copy of the application form in the post by calling the Summer Camps dept. on (020) 7251 3448.
• STEP 3
  Once you have attended an interview and after checking your references, BUNAC will immediately start trying to find a suitable placement for you on camp.
• STEP 4
  BUNAC notifies you regarding placement. You then pay for your insurance, book your flight and apply for your J-1 visa.

More detailed information on the application process and full programme terms and conditions are available in the Summer Camp USA brochure and on the online application page.

If you have ever been arrested, cautioned or convicted of any offence, please call BUNAC before making an application as this is likely to have implications at the visa processing stage.

Returning counsellors

BUNAC offers a great value package for anyone who wishes to return to camp including a special low price package for anyone who applies before 31st January 2008. You can be a repeat counsellor with BUNAC regardless of whether you originally went with BUNAC or not. Once you have a contract from your camp, you will need to complete the Summer Camp USA Returner Pack. Alternatively, call the office on (020) 7251 3472 for further information.

BUNAC values and welcomes returners and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible in order to beat upcoming visa deadlines.

Don't delay - another great summer at camp awaits.

Good news for returning cousellors in 2008. Click here for more info.

Salaries and fees

Summer Camp USA is structured to make it as affordable as possible. It only costs £141 (includes the £25 deposit) to apply plus £5 to join BUNAC, if you are not a current member. You don’t pay the cost of your transatlantic flight. BUNAC covers this cost for you along with other programme expenses. Your camp pays these costs back to BUNAC on your behalf once you complete your contract.

You receive an in-hand salary of $935 or $1075 (if over 21) to put towards your end of summer travels. An additional $100 is payable if you are placed at a special needs camp or hold a valid RLSS NPLQ Award and are placed in a swimming role. If you are not placed on a camp, your registration fee, minus the initial £25, will be refunded in full.

A summary of programme costs for a first-time applicant is as follows:

• Registration fee £141 (includes the £25 deposit)
• BUNAC membership £5
• Insurance £133
• US Embassy visa processing fee £55

Guarantors

If you are accepted by BUNAC, you will need to provide the name of a guarantor; this is normally a parent or guardian. Your guarantor should be a permanent resident in the UK or Ireland and is required to protect the costs which BUNAC has incurred on your behalf before you arrive at camp.

If you don’t complete your contract and leave camp early, your guarantor is liable to pay BUNAC the costs which BUNAC has incurred on your behalf. This includes your airfare and any other costs which BUNAC would no longer be able to collect from camp.

You would only be paid for the days you have worked at camp. You or your guarantor would be liable for the pro-rated portion of this amount.

What happens after application?

Once a camp director offers you a job, you’ll receive two copies of the contract from BUNAC. Sign it and return one copy to the camp. The next step is to book your BUNAC flight and pay for your insurance. You’ll then be sent the visa application forms.