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Summer Camp Jobs
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Summer Camp Pay
One thing about working as a summer camp counselor is that you won’t retire on the money you’ll make. The amount you’re paid adds up to little more than pocket change when you factor in the hours that you’ll be expected to work, but if you’re in it for the money then a summer camp counselor job is not for you.
What you will get is a lump sum, generally between US$1000 - $2000, paid into your bank account at the completion of your contract. During your time at the camp however you will be able to live essentially cost free, as your accommodation and meals are provided for you. The only money you need would be for your scheduled time off should you choose to leave the camp and visit nearby towns, cities and other attractions.
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The amount you get paid will vary from camp to camp, as will the extra little benefits like free laundry, the type of accommodation you are offered, Internet access, local transportation, and so on. Camp owners generally realize that the more they look after their staff, the more the staff will look after their campers – and happy campers will come back year after year. Good conditions and perks are also good incentives for camp staff to return year after year, and for returning staff the pay is often slightly higher than for first-time counselors.
Some camps will require the staff to pay for items such as laundry or bedding etc. These items normally can be paid for as you go, or they can be totaled up during your employment term and deducted from your salary at the end of the camp. Small items can add up so if you choose to keep a running tab make sure you keep receipts or notes of your expenditure. If you choose to pay as you go you will need to have sufficient money with you to cover all your incidental expenses. Many camps have places where you can buy refreshments and other items during the day.
One consideration for applicants from abroad is the availability, either on-camp or locally, of Internet access. Having readily available Internet access will make it easier to keep in touch with family and friends while working at the camp.
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If you’re traveling to the USA from the Southern Hemisphere then your flights are not paid for by the camps or the agencies but you will normally qualify for a rebate against the cost of your airfares. This can be in the region of $500 or so. If you’re from Europe most of the agencies provide a free flight as part of the salary package. As the details will differ from location to location, agency to agency etc. it pays to compare offers to make sure you’re getting the best deal you can.
Many camps offer the chance to work before and after the official camp season as there is always a lot to do before the children arrive and after they leave so there is the chance to earn a little bit more money. Generally speaking the rates are higher than during the official camp term, but for international counselors check your J-1 visa details to see if extra work at the camp is allowed. Camp counselors are normally required to attend camp prior to the children arriving so they can familiarize themselves with the camp, the rules and regulations, and the expectations of the camp directors. Any specific training that is required will be provided during this period and your salary will cover the entire time you are expected to be at camp.
In addition to the pay there is also the opportunity to make new friends with the other counselors and the children. It’s also not unheard of for counselors to spend time with the families of some of the children they meet after the camp is over.
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