Applying for Camp in America..

[StarsOfCCTV]

I was thinking of applying to a special needs camp next Summer. I have a lot of time so I thought I might as well do something worthwhile with it. :)

I'm filling out a vacancy enquiry and I've done this for a quick statement, but I'm going to attach my CV too. I need some advice for the statement though.

I am applying for this vacancy because....(whats a good way of saying - I want to do something worthwhile with my summer by helping kids?) :hmm:
I believe it will expand my experience with young children...something along those lines. :searchme:

I have no professional qualifications, (they don't require them) however I have a great deal of experience helping to look after, and solely looking after a disabled child.
Working at a primary for three weeks last summer extended my experience working with children, including how to deal with behaviour and planning and carrying out activities.

I am available and happy to work from Mid June to September.

Should I say something about how I'm an outgoing, friendly person who has patience with kids?

Thanks in advance. :)

[Perdita]

Good on you for wanting to do this :clap: I think you are doing ok with the statement about being experienced in looking after kids and that is why you are applying. You might want to elaborate how/why you have the experience of looking after a disabled child and that you enjoy this. Also being available for a couple of months should be an advantage. And yes, I would put a statement about being an outgoing, caring person with patience. How do they people in America go about Criminal Records Bureau checks? Will they apply and pay for it?

[Abigail]

If you're talking about Camp America, they sort all your visas, work permits, flights etc out once your send your payment.

I thought about doing it but looking after a group of kids for eight weeks in the heat is not my idea of fun.


Maybe you could get the teacher you worked for to write a mini reference about the time you helped in her class and include that.

[Trinity]

They do not call primary schools primary school in the states - they are elementary schools. I would expand on that section to say primary school (children age 4 - 11) just so that they are clear.

Do you have a first aid certificate/ helped at Brownies/helped with younger kids at school/ prefect/swimming club/sports club/ play musical instruments

Anything at all like that helps with Camp America.

Why do you want to do this? Do you have ambitions to teach or anything like that?

Do you really like kids, find it rewarding helping disadvantaged youngsters experience the freedoms that other kids take for granted, want to widen your experience and perhaps travel a bit after camp?

And, yes being out going, patient and good with kids is a definite advantage - don't miss it out.

[Abigail]

Can you use your initiative to make up games or sing songs etc while waiting for activities to start or in the dinner queue?

Also, are you able to keep order while still having fun?

[StarsOfCCTV]

How do they people in America go about Criminal Records Bureau checks? Will they apply and pay for it?
You have to pay £36 for that. Which I think is only after your accepted. I will have to read the terms and conditions. You do get everything else payed like insurance its just £99 deposit and £200 for applying but if you don't get accepted after an interview that is refunded. I've only looked at CCUSA but BUNAC looks good too.

I have a first aid certificate, been a prefect, play musical instruments. I will include about being patient etc. :)

I will add the things you guys have suggested thanks for your help. :D

Edit: Although I'm not sure about going this summer. It might be wiser to go next year, I will be needing the money they pay more then! and I can get more work experience with kids. I'll have to think about it though.

[di marco]

How do they people in America go about Criminal Records Bureau checks? Will they apply and pay for it?
You have to pay £36 for that. Which I think is only after your accepted. I will have to read the terms and conditions. You do get everything else payed like insurance its just £99 deposit and £200 for applying but if you don't get accepted after an interview that is refunded. I've only looked at CCUSA but BUNAC looks good too.

I have a first aid certificate, been a prefect, play musical instruments. I will include about being patient etc. :)

I will add the things you guys have suggested thanks for your help. :D

Edit: Although I'm not sure about going this summer. It might be wiser to go next year, I will be needing the money they pay more then! and I can get more work experience with kids. I'll have to think about it though.

you can always go next year as well. my housemate went last year and is going again this year too

[Perdita]

If you have the time and money to go this year, you want to consider going. Who knows what might happen next year, circumstances could change and then you might regret not having used the opportunity this year.