The weather is heating up, car windows are being wound down, and the sunglasses are coming out! All of this can mean only one thing – summer is within our reach, and we can hardly wait to get to Summer Camp USA! In case you didn’t know, Summer Camp USA is BUNAC’s incredible programme which gives young people the opportunity to work at a Summer Camp in America, spending every day in the American sunshine and living your best life teaching activities to children aged 6-16 years old. Applications for Summer Camp USA are still open, but this is your last chance to apply!
If you’d like to find out more information about the programme, or if you’ve already completed your Summer Camp USA application and been hired at camp, this blog is for you. BUNAC are in the midst of Summer Camp USA Orientation season, and soon you’ll be attending a BUNAC Orientation in a city near you and jumping into the Camp spirit!
1. What are the BUNAC Orientations?
The BUNAC Summer Camp USA Orientation days are a favourite event in the BUNAC team’s calendar! These high energy days get you fully prepared for the Camp experience with games, songs and fun activities, plus you’ll get the chance to meet and socialise with other new Camp Counsellors – some of whom may be working alongside you this summer. The Orientations will also be a great source of other super important information about Summer Camp USA including your visa, flights and what to expect at Camp. They’ll also be an opportunity for you to ask any other questions you have about the Camp experience.
BUNAC are absolutely amazing at preparing their participants for their arrival at Camp, so come with an open mind and get excited!
2. Is attendance compulsory?
Yes, and honestly it’s for a good reason! Attending the BUNAC Summer Camp USA Orientation is a US Department of State regulation of you having a J1 Visa, so you need to make sure you attend it and find out everything you need to know. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself afterwards when you’re the most clued up person at Camp. No one wants to be the person bringing high heels or running out of socks halfway through the summer (you’ll be kicking yourself!)
3. When/where are the BUNAC Orientations?
BUNAC have 4 more Orientations coming up in various UK cities. See dates below:
- Saturday 21st April (TOMORROW!) – Manchester
- Sunday 29th April – Belfast
- Saturday 12th May – Edinburgh
- Sunday 20th May – London
Don’t worry, the BUNAC team have made sure not to clash their Orientations with the Royal Wedding or the FA Cup Final so you can still enjoy your British traditions whilst getting ready for the USA. The best of both worlds, right?
4. How long do the BUNAC Orientations last?
The Orientations start at 1PM and finish at around 5PM. I would recommend getting there by at least 12:45 so you’re ready to start promptly at 1PM. Make sure to eat before you arrive so your stomach isn’t rumbling halfway through a talk about the delicious food at camp (nom, grilled cheese.)
5. I’m a Summer Camp Returner, do I still need to come to the BUNAC Orientations?
Nope, you’ve been there, done that and quite literally got the t-shirt so you’re all set to go to Summer Camp USA. Use your time wisely: start packing and get planning for your epic travels after camp. You are entitled to up to 30 days on your J1 visa, so make the most of them. Oh camp, how we’ve missed you this past year.
If you have any more questions about the BUNAC Summer Camp USA programme and how you can get to Camp (the happiest place on Earth) this year, visit the BUNAC website here. Check out BUNAC FAQs here, too. Don’t forget to check out my other blogs on the BUNAC application process.
**I’m returning to camp this summer with BUNAC who have been sending people just like you to camp for many years. Get in touch with them via their website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, by phoning them on +44 333 999 7516 or by email at enquiries@bunac.org.uk.**
Disclaimer: BUNAC 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 