Camp Director FAQ's - General and Regular Program

Click here for FAQ's about the Camp USA Pre-Placed Program

Does the Camp USA office staff have camp experience?
What does it cost to register and to look at applications?
What countries do you recruit participants from?
How does Camp USA screen its applicants?
How do I review applications?
How long will Camp USA participants be able to work at camp?
What if I already have someone I want to hire?
What's the 10% rule I've heard about?
How do I sign up?
I just registered with Camp USA. How long will it take for me to get my username and password?
What happens if I make a mistake while I'm logged on to my camp's page?
I already approved a Pre-Placed applicant. Why is s/he still listed as "On Review"?
What do I do if I want to reconsider someone I previously rejected?
My participant's visa status is listed as "pending." Should I be worried?
What is the SEVIS fee I've heard about?
Are international staff exempt from paying taxes?
Are international staff exempt from Social Security, Medicare tax, and Unemployment withholdings?
What if I am having a problem with one of my InterExchange Camp USA staff members?
What if I need additional staff during the summer or for post-camp?

Q. Does the Camp USA office staff have camp experience?

A. Every employee of Camp USA has been to or worked at a summer camp. We seek out that experience because it is vital to helping us understand the needs and requirements of the camps we work with. We are true camping professionals.

Q. What does it cost to register and to look at applications?

A. There is no fee to register with Camp USA. However, you must register before you look at applications. Camps are only asked to pay a fee after they have hired a Camp USA participant.

Q. What countries do you recruit participants from?

A. Camp USA, through our partner organizations, works in more than 30 different countries with at least one partner on every (inhabitable) continent. Examples are Africa (South Africa), Asia (India, South Korea) Australia, Eastern Europe (Russia, Ukraine), Western Europe (Germany, United Kingdom), North America (Mexico), and South America (Brazil, Colombia).

Q. How does Camp USA screen its applicants?

A. Camp USA screens all applicants thoroughly. This process begins with the partner organizations in each country. Our partners conduct careful pre-screening of applicants and select the most qualified applicants to attend an orientation and interview session, which are normally conducted by a Camp USA staff member. Orientation lasts 2-3 hours, and interviews last 30-45 minutes. Applicants also fill out an extensive application, which includes two references, a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and a police background check.

Q. How do I review applications?

A. Camp USA scans all applications and sends camp directors a link to view these applications online through e-mail. There is an exclusive 5-day review period for directors to make a decision on an applicant. Directors can also log on to their personalized website to view and accept applications.

Q. How long will Camp USA participants be able to work at camp?

A. The typical camp placement is 9 weeks (63 days). If you would like to have your staff longer than 63 days, you will need to pay the participant $30 for each additional day. Your Camp USA staff can only work for a maximum of 3 1/2 months.

Q. What if I already have someone I want to hire?

A. If you already have someone in mind, then Camp USA's Pre-Placed J-1 Visa Sponsorship program is for you.

Q. What's the 10% rule I've heard about?

A. The old 10% rule, which limited the number of second-year support staff and third-year (or greater) counselors an organization could bring to the United States, no longer applies to support staff due to a recent change in U.S. Department of State regulations. Support staff can return to the United States without limit on the number of previous participants, but the rule still applies to counselors. The number of third-year (or greater) counselors we can accept is limited to 10% of the total number of counselors that Camp USA placed in the previous year. We suggest that these counselors apply early to secure a spot for the upcoming summer.

Q. How do I sign up?

A. Camp USA registration is quick and easy. You can register online, or download the registration forms and send them through the mail.

Q. I just registered with Camp USA. How long will it take for me to get my username and password?

A. Camp USA will e-mail you your username and password within 2 working days.

Q. What happens if I make a mistake while I'm logged on to my camp's page?

A. Nothing. If you have made a major change (e.g., accepting or rejecting an applicant) and you need to reverse it, simply call us within the hour. We will correct the problem on our end. Most minor changes that you make (e.g., adjustments to your camp profile, staffing needs) you can change as many times as you like, so you can correct errors yourself.

Q. I already approved a Pre-Placed applicant. Why is s/he still listed as "On Review”?

A. Pre-Placed applicants remain "On Review" until their applications are complete. For a list of items that your applicant is missing, please click on his or her name.

Q. What do I do if I want to reconsider someone I previously rejected?

A. Call us. We will tell you if the applicant is still available.

Q. My participant's visa status is listed as "pending." Should I be worried?

A. Keep in mind that a participant cannot apply for a visa until s/he has a placement at camp. Visa processing times vary by country, but most participants will wait at least a month to receive their visas. In short, there is no need to worry unless there is less than a month before camp starts and you hired the participant several months ago. Camp USA will keep you updated on any potential visa problems, but feel free to call us at any time to ask about the process, or about specific countries.

Q. What is the SEVIS fee I've heard about?

A. On September 1, 2004, the U.S. Department of State mandated a $35 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee for all camp participants. This fee must be paid before Camp USA is able to print DS-2019 forms. Camp USA will provide participants with SEVIS receipts, which they must bring to the embassy as proof of payment. Participants are responsible for paying their SEVIS fee, which is included in all Regular program fees. We recommend that camps allow Pre-Placed applicants to pay the SEVIS fee on their own.

Q. Are international staff exempt from paying taxes?

A. Camp USA participants are not required to pay federal taxes as long as they earn less then $3,050. State and local tax laws vary. While some participants are university students in their home countries, the IRS does not consider them students while they are in the U.S. For tax purposes, Camp USA participants are considered non-resident aliens. International staff must file a tax return and are often eligible for a refund.

Q. Are international staff exempt from Social Security, Medicare tax, and Unemployment withholdings?

A. Yes. Camp USA participants are non-resident aliens on a J-1 Visa. They should not have Social Security, Medicare, or Unemployment withheld. For more detailed information, please look at the IRS's Employer Tax Guide and Publication 515 at www.irs.gov.

Q. What if I am having a problem with one of my InterExchange Camp USA staff members?

A. Call us immediately. The Camp USA office staff is here to help with any issues you might have with your participants.

Q. What if I need additional staff during the summer or for post-camp?

A. Give us a call and let us know what you are looking for. We will keep you in mind in case any staff members become available. For post-camp staff, please let us know what positions you need to fill and the dates they need to be there. When participants call us at the end of the summer looking for post-camp work, we will pass along your contact information for them to get in touch with you.