Camp America? Has anyone done this?

Lokolo

Hi,

I was thinking about doing a Camp America thing in the summer to earn some extra cash. However, I was just wondering if anyone has done this before and actually finaicially benefitted from it?

It just seems to me that you spend a lot of your hard earnt money actually going and time spent there rather than bringing back loads of dosh.

Also they pay you in $, worst sort of payment ever currently hm.

Anyone?

Danyúl_II

If it's making money you're after, then you needn't bother with Camp America.

The aim of this is rather the experience, then that actual money making. Indeed the amount you get paid, providing you don't get silly and waste it in needless things, will be just about enough to get you by, whilst allowing you to travel/visit a few places when your placement is over.

Hope this helps!

teeb

Correct - in terms of making money, Camp America doesn't work at all.

For one, you have to pay to go on the programme. Admirably Camp America are upfront about this - the costs are on their website. This covers things like flights to and from the US, etc.

At the end of it you get a pocket money payment - I think it's about $800. Which is not a great deal, especially if you use your free couple of weeks at the end of the programme to visit New York or other parts of the States.

On the flip side, you get a free bed, free food, and experiences that (cliché alert) last a lifetime. Two of my friends have done it and both rave about it - one because it made her decide to go into teaching, the other because she made awesome friends and ended up doing parachute jumps!


edit - checked the website. You have to pay £317 or £380 depending on when you pay, as well as US embassy fees, baggage insurance fees, doctor fees and criminal background check fees. In return you get flights there and back, 9 weeks of accomodation, food, and between $575 and $1350, depending on your experience (how many years you did Camp America), what you're doing (helping kids, teaching sport or cleaning bogs), and what kind of camp you're on (regular, special needs, musical, sports etc).

chunkymunky_3

Financially ive yet to meet anyone who didn't come back from camp america with less than they went with! (unless you forgo the private time at the end and whats the point in that)
But then im also yet to meet anyone who came back saying camp america didnt change them and their lifes for the better, AND AFTER ALL THATS THE REAL POINT OF THESE PROGRAMMES plus it looks great on your CV

my advise (for what its worth) is go for it jump in with both feet, you wont regret it

looby-loo_2

I did it exactly 30 years ago! Still looks the same. My two friends came back with nothing but I was lucky - I got treated by the parents of two of the children I looked after, I spent a week in Aspen and then a week in Santa Fe and got a nice big tip. I think it was quite common for that to happen then but I don't know about now.
I'd go again tomorrow if I could

Closer to home, my daughter had a great time on a National Trust volunteers week in Surry last year. She paid about £70 for food and accommodation and at the end got a years full membership to the National Trust. Look on their website for details

chunkymunky_3

looby-loo wrote: »

I was lucky - I got treated by the parents of two of the children I looked after, I spent a week in Aspen and then a week in Santa Fe and got a nice big tip. I think it was quite common for that to happen then but I don't know about now.

ive had friends who have been "looked after" by the families of campers, so it does still happen if youre lucky especially if you get a camp where the familes are quiet well off. but its best to go expecting it not to.

And i agree with looby-loo id go again tomorrow if i could, but i have a family of my own now

lr1277

I did BUNAC about 16 years ago. Don't remember paying anything out to work in a summer camp. I worked in the kitchens so got paid more than the counsellors (they had the joy of working with the children).

Before we went there were stories of people who made thousands including waitressing in Vegas where tips are a big part of the income. Some people were trained croupiers before they went out there so got similar jobs and again made a packet. In one case, the person made in one week what I made over the whole summer ($800 I think, but can't remember).
More stories of people working on fishing boats etc.

I spent my money on a national rail pass to travel around and that was good fun and a way of meeting Americans.

I would again go in an instant but I have other commitments now.
Good luck if you do go.

therivierakid

I did Work America about 7 yrs ago. I think its Camp Americas sister company. I worked on the gate of an RV park in Southern California and had a fantastic time.

misscomickat

I went with CCUSA in 2003. They cost less than camp america. I had a great time and came back with more money.

misscomickat

Oh and I was at a camp which was a working ranch in beautiful Southern California. I got lucky there!

princesslizzie

Camp America is not a money making iniative, I've been told by a friend that you do it for the experience. I looked into doing it but couldn't because they don't allow people on anti depressants. Just because I'm on them doesn't mean I'm severely depressed and am going to kill myself or anyone else! And this from America, the prozac nation!