Our last Q&A with CCUSA was all about their interview process and how to get accepted onto the programme. Now you’ve made it through that part, they’re back to tell you all about what happens next and how the hiring process works.
1. What happens now that I’ve been accepted onto the programme?
Firstly, congratulations on being accepted onto the program. Once you are accepted your entire application is sent over to our American office. They triple check everything and make sure they have all the bits and piece they need and they then accept you. As soon as the American office accepts your application then you enter this database with everyone else’s applications. This is where all camps can see your application and what you have to offer. If they like the look of you then they will be in touch or simply hire you on the spot.
2. When will I hear from camps?
This is a question we get a lot – and the truthful answer is we really don’t know. Once you have completed your application and it is in America it really is out of our hands. The fastest someone has been placed is 3 days. But this process can also take a bit of time. We want to make sure you find the perfect match for you and find you a camp where you are going to be happy. Don’t be worried if your application has been in America for a while and you still haven’t heard anything. For the last 2 years we have placed 100% of accepted applicants and we aim to do the same again this year.
3. I’ve been contacted by a camp, but I’m not sure about them, what should I do?
100% email them back and set up an interview. This is a very common question that we get and the majority of the time an applicant will go into the interview feeling unsure, and come out with a job for the summer and feeling a lot more confident and excited. Sometimes all it takes is a good chat with the camp director and hearing about the camp’s traditions and how it is run for you to realise that actually the camp is a great fit. In some cases, you get out of the interview and still don’t feel confident that it is the right place for you. If this does happen then please don’t hesitate to contact one of us in the UK office and have a chat. We can talk to you about what the next stages would be and getting your application back in America so that camp directors can continue looking at your application. Honesty is always the best policy, so if you are feeling this way then please also been honest to whoever you are having the interview with and they may be able to help you out.
4. It’s been weeks and I still haven’t heard from any camps, is there anything I can do?
Don’t be worried if you haven’t heard from any camps just yet. We work with over 600 camps in America and we have accepted your application because we believe you have the best chance at being hired. If at any point you can go to camp earlier, have new experience working with children, gain a new skill, get another reference, pretty much anything that will make your application stronger then let us know straight away. We will update your application straight away and this could get more camps interested in your application.
5. What happens if I turn down a placement?
We will always advise against turning down a placement. If you are in this situation then please sit down and have a long think, weighing up the pros and cons of why you want to turn down the camp. We know that all the camps we work with are fantastic camps, hence why we work with them. If, after having a good think, you still want to reject the camp then we will have a chat to you and revise what you have put down on your application for what camps you are willing to work at. Your application will then be put back onto the American database so camp directors can view it.
6. How many placements am I likely to be offered?
Once your application is in America, it can only be on review with one camp at a time. If a camp likes the look of your application and has contacted you for an interview then no other camps will be able to view your application. This avoids camps being put under pressure to hire people without considering you properly. Usually, once a camp gets in contact with you, they will offer you a position at camp and once you have accepted and sorted contracts, your application will be removed from the American database.
7. I got placed! Now what do you need from me?
YAY! Now you can get super excited about your summer. Once you have been placed at a camp your footprints account will take 1-2 days to update. The next step is to book your visa appointment. This will appear in the ‘Things to do’ list at the top of your footprints account when it is time to do this. You will also receive a message from Lydia with all the information you need to know.
8. I already have a DBS Check/other Police Check, will this be accepted?
Every single international person that goes to camp needs a new police check every single year. If your police check is dated June 1st or after and is an enhanced DBS then this will fine. However, if you don’t have an enhanced DBS then you will need to apply to for a brand new police check which costs £45. A link to this website and how to apply can be found on your footprints account. If you are confused about whether your police check would be accepted then email Laura on laurah@ccusa.co.uk
Keep your eyes peeled for the next Q&A, which will tell you everything you need to know about sorting your visa and flight. If you have any other questions at all about summer camp or CCUSA, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
**I’m returning to camp this summer with CCUSA who have the lowest returner fees and have placed 100% of applicants in the last 2 years. Get in touch with them via their website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, by phoning them on +44 0208 874 6325 or by email at info@ccusa.co.uk.**
Disclaimer: CCUSA are waiving my camp fees in return for this blog series, but please rest assured that all opinions are honest and my own.
Summer Camp Secrets 
One thought on “Q&A With CCUSA Part 4: The Next Steps – Getting Hired”