Participant Applications

A completed Camp Placement application will include:

Personal Information: Please ensure the name and place of birth on the application match the name in their passport. This information is used to create their SEVIS records.

Photo:  Keep in mind that this is the first thing a camp director sees, so the applicant should smile! They can choose an image that reflects their personality, but make sure we can see their face clearly. Close-ups are preferred.

U.S. Travel History: We would like to know if they have ever visited the U.S., particularly previously on a J-1 Camp Counselor or Summer Work & Travel visa. It’s ok if they can’t remember exact dates.

Education: Is the applicant currently a student? We will check this section to confirm their student status, so the dates should be accurate. If they are a student, we will want them to add a “proof of student status” document to their application. If they are no longer a student, we still want to know where they studied, how long they studied, and what they learned. Additional courses offered by the University or external institutions can also be listed here.

Work/Leadership/Volunteer Experience: We require information about any relevant work, leadership, or volunteer experience. Applicants should highlight any experience they have working with children. Babysitting, restaurant work, or school volunteer experiences all count! If an applicant has a reference from an employer added to their application, we expect to see that employer/job listed in this section as well. This section is also essential in helping us inform our decision regarding eligibility as a teacher, youth worker, or specialist.

Medical History: Applicants should disclose any medical conditions in this section. We generally do not discriminate against anyone with a condition. Still, it’s essential that camps can review this information and determine whether they can accommodate the applicant and their medical needs. InterExchange Camp USA does not require a medical form to be completed by a doctor. The camp will likely require some medical forms to be completed before arrival.

Camp Placement Information: Applicants must select at least three camp types in which they are interested in working. These are preferences, but they won’t prevent applicants or camps from all categories from viewing their application. The more open-minded the applicant is, the more opportunities they’ll have.
Here’s a booklet that explains the different kinds of camps.

Skills and Experience: Camp directors often look for particular skills when hiring counselors. When completing the skills section of the application, applicants should consider the following questions and incorporate the answers in their application:

• Explain how you became involved in the activity. Include at what age you began, your progression through the skill levels, and if you have competed. Are you still actively involved?
• Do you have any current certifications in the activity? (personal accreditation or certification to teach the activity) Please include safety certifications, such as CPR or First Aid.
• Do you have experience teaching this activity? Whom did you teach? How often? When was the last time you taught the activity?
• Additionally, please discuss the safety aspects associated with each activity.

If they possess a skill not listed, they can describe it in the secondary skill section.

About Me: This is where applicants share a bit about themselves and explain why they chose the Camp USA Program. This is their opportunity to explain to camp directors exactly what they can do. Details about their experience working with children are essential, as well as their intentions and reasons for wanting to participate in the program.

Marketing: We ask how they discovered the Camp USA program.

Social Media Accounts: Optional to include, but if included, ensure they are suitable for employers to view. Applicants will also need to open and share social media accounts for the visa application process.

Personal Declaration: Applicants must read, understand, and agree to the essential rules governing the program. They must also disclose if they have ever been arrested or convicted of a crim, under criminal investigation, if they smoke, drink, or have visible tattoos or body piercings.

Participant Agreement: Applicants must read and sign.
Here is a copy of the Participant Agreement.

Two professional references: The applicant must invite at least two references to complete a form via email. At least one reference must come from a former or current employer or teacher. Additional references may be added, such as a “Childcare Reference” or extra “Skill References”.

Character Reference: The instructions to the applicant say, “Please invite a reference who can answer a few questions about your personality and experience. This reference must be a current or former teacher or employer of yours and cannot be related to you.”

Skill Reference: The instructions to the applicant say, “Please invite a reference who can attest to one of the skills that you list on your application. References are commonly a current or former coach, instructor, teacher, or employer.”

Introductory Video: Although not required for applying, we highly encourage everyone to create one. The videos will be one of the first things camp directors see, and some will not even look at applications without them. Videos should be short, 30 seconds to 5 minutes long, and serve as a platform to showcase their personality, creativity, and skills. Many applicants include photos and music in their videos. At the very least, we want to see a smiling face introducing themselves.

Photos: Applicants may upload additional images here. These photos can help showcase their personality to their future camp director or highlight their skills. They can upload pictures of your work if you have listed any skills in the arts, for example.

Please stress the importance of honesty to applicants. Each camp will provide its staff with a unique experience related to the type of camp. Participants should be very clear about what they are willing to do and what they are not willing to do at a camp placement. This information will help InterExchange match each participant with a camp that is most suitable to their skills, experience, personality, character, and camp preference. If we catch an applicant lying, we will remove the person from the program.