What is Summer Camp?
Going to camp for up to 9 weeks each summer is a well established North American
tradition. Summer holidays last for 2-3 months and so does the sunshine!
Camps are always on the lookout for enthusiastic and skilled international staff.
Most BUNAC participants are placed to work at camps in picturesque lakeside settings
in the New England and the Northeastern states, the Southeast, the Midwest, Texas,
on the West Coast and in Canada.
The camps in which we have placed staff over the past 40 years are of the highest
standards and are all approved by the American Camp Association or similar accrediting
bodies. You have the opportunity to tell us which type of camp you’d like to work
at, however the more flexible you are the greater your chances of placement!
Depending on your skills and experience, you would be placed at one of the variety
of camps listed below:
Private, Traditional, Residential Camps
These camps are independently owned and cater mainly for children of middle/high
income families. These camps usually devote a lot of time to sports, waterfront
activities, fine arts and outdoor programmes. The camps tend to be varied – some
are beautifully rustic, others boast excellent sports facilities, some give a lot
of time to competitive sports and some run more recreational programmes. BUNAC work
hard to find the camp that’s right for you based on your skills, experience and
personality!
Agency Camps
Agency camps are run by organisations such as the YMCA, YMHA, YWCA and the Salvation
Army and offer many of the activities that private camps offer. Campers at agency
camps come from a variety of backgrounds and communities and these camps give children
a unique experience away from their everyday life. Running from one to four weeks
in length, these camps are usually co-ed and offer a variety of facilities, accommodation
and programmes, ranging from rustic to modern.
Girl Scout Camps
Girl Scout camps are generally centred around campcraft, pioneering and outdoor
skills. Some camps provide accommodation in tents whilst others have more modern,
custom-built facilities. Some Girl Scout camps also specialise in certain activities
such as horse riding, arts and crafts or wilderness tripping.
Day Camps
Day camps offer a large range of activities and are often located at local private
sites such as church halls, parks, YMCAs or at a residential camp. Day camps usually
run from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Staff work during the day and stay either
at the camp or with local families during the evening and at weekends.
Religious Camps
There are many church-based camps operated by all denominations. These camps are
perfect for people who believe strongly in their faith and who are able to lead
devotions and guide campers spiritually, in addition to teaching the usual camp
activities. If you’d like to work in a religious camp, let us know and we’ll do
all we can to find you the perfect placement!
Some standard and, traditional camps have a religious affiliation also.
Special Needs Camps
Special needs camps cater for those with who are mentally or physically challenged
(adults as well as children), as well as diabetics, those suffering from cancer,
the learning disabled, hyperactive and those with behavioural problems.
Special Needs camps are run privately or by non-profit agencies and need experienced
staff who are calm, patient and caring and who can give specialised care and attention
to the campers.
The level of instruction required will vary depending on the child. For some, basic
skills and sports can be taught and enjoyed, while for others it may be limited
to assist the children in everyday activities such as eating their meals. Supervision
and care are priorities at Special Needs camps, as well as dealing with unpredictable
behaviour.
Camps for Disadvantaged Children
Operated by various social or charitable organisations, these camps aim to give
disadvantaged children the chance to experience a week or two in the country at
very little or no cost to their parents. The emphasis is on recreational games and
appreciation of the environment. Facilities can be very limited and rustic. Playing
and living together are the most important aspects of the camp experience.