For International Participants
USA
Camp USA
Advice for Counselor Applicants From One of Our Camp Directors!
Advice for Counselor Applicants From One of Our Camp Directors!

Advice for Counselor Applicants From One of Our Camp Directors!

September 27, 2015

2 -min read

It feels like this summer just ended but it’s time to start making plans for next summer! Applications are being completed and employers are ready to interview and hire. As we enter camp placement season, Emily S., Director at Camp Stonewall, has offered some very good advice for anyone applying to our Camp USA program, or any J-1 exchange program for that matter!

Participants at Camp Stonewall. Image courtesy of Aiden H.

Advice for Camp Counselor Applicants

  • Absolutely, 100% make a video. I know it’s not required, but it has definitely made applicants I’d otherwise have passed over become much more appealing as prospects.
  • You should truly list all of your potential skills/talents. For a director like me looking for multi-talented vs. specialty counselors, staff who only list 3-5 things they can do limit their appeal.
  • You should anticipate searches of your social media. The number one concern for an employer is, of course, a profile heavy in drinking (even if age-appropriate), swearing, drugs, etc. The second issue, though, is the profile that’s blocked from searches (or names changed so wildly they can’t be found). That actually sends up a red flag for me too. We know 99% of young people have some kind of social media presence. As soon as I find an application I like, I check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. – not to rule out, but to rule IN staff. I love seeing pictures of potential counselors with friends, doing things they enjoy, posting about their favorite movie or music, etc.
  • Do your camp homework. If you get an interview request, research the camp! I am always disappointed when an interviewee “doesn’t have any questions,” because there’s SO much to discuss about camp, and that can signal disinterest.
  • ESL staff should know that no one is negatively judging them on their English ability, ever! They should not avoid asking questions or choose to answer more succinctly because they’re worried about how strong/weak their English will be. More is more – more effort, more thoughtful answers; they can take their time, and we’ll be patient.
  • Lastly, check your email! That’s my primary initial mode of contact. I’ve had potential interviewees take over a week to reply, and similarly, already-interviewed staff take equally long to return the activity email we exchange after. Timeliness = respect for the seriousness of the job.

Now, how about putting this advice to good use and starting an application for our Camp USA program?

learn more about camp usa

Interested in Camp USA?

Immerse yourself in a new culture, gain valuable skills, and form lifelong connections. Find out more to start your journey today.

Tags

For International Participants

share this article

InterExchange is proud to have an experienced team that is dedicated to international cultural exchange. We come from a variety of backgrounds, but nearly every member of our New York City-based staff has extensive experience traveling, working, or living abroad.

Tags

For International Participants

share this article

Related Articles

For International Participants
3 -min read

February 22, 2024

Visiting the city zoo and museums, attending sporting events and concerts, enjoying roller coasters at Six Flags, and going to the top of the Arch – these are just a few examples of the cultural activities Mariana, Jordy, and Frank participated in this winter during their J-1 Internship program. 
Travel Experiences US Residents
3 -min read

February 9, 2024

Montreal is much more than Poutine and French colonial architecture. With Canada’s second-largest economy, it’s also a thriving center of industry and commerce. As such, it’s an attractive location for many Work & Travel Canada and Work & Travel Canada Young Professional program participants. 
For International Participants
2 -min read

February 5, 2024

Sunday, February 11th, 2024, is when the big game in the USA takes place! Two National Football League (NFL) teams—The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers—will face off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 4:30 pm MST (UTC -7), competing for the glory and the trophy! It’s a pretty big deal.