States Of Excitement

Newcastle Herald

Friday November 9, 2007

BECOMING a camp counsellor is one way to enjoy a break from school or university, and pick up some valuable job and leadership skills in the process.

Since the 1970s Australians have been recruited by groups such as the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) to work in the American summer camp program.

Groups such as Camp America provide more than 7000 young people from throughout the world with a nine-week work placement in more than 900 camps around the United States.

Similarly, last year Camp Counsellors USA recruited 1500 Australians, including several from the Hunter, to work in an exciting overseas environment.

People involved in the program are responsible for the wellbeing and safety of their young campers, but the job descriptions are tailored to match individual interests and aptitudes.

Jobs on the camps include positions as lifeguards, arts and craft specialists, soccer coaches, horse riding instructors or leaders in many other activities.

While at camp, participants receive free board and three meals a day plus a financial allowance.

And your American adventure need not end once you leave the camp.

The US J-1 visa allows for some time to travel after you finish working.

This makes it a cheaper alternative to an after-school gap year, or a couple of months break from university.

Visit the websites at

campamerica.com.au or

ccusa.com.au

for further information.