Your employers at the camp are most concerned with all of our jobs getting done and with the campers having a wonderful summer. We understand that you want this job primarily for the experience of being in a different country with a different culture, and of course, money. We know that you are interested in how much time off you get and what you get to do with your time off. We have had wonderful experiences in the past with Camp America workers and want to make your time with us enjoyable. We love the J-1 visa program & do what we can to facilitate cultural exchange.
Cars:
- If you have an international driver’s license, we will let you drive one of our vehicles on your day off or night out. You must pass a small driving test by Britt or Edward just to make sure you know what you are doing.
- Most nights and days you will be able to use the car. You must ask permission from Edward or Britt though, just to make sure. There are times when we have an emergency come up and the car may be needed by the camp. But, that doesn’t happen very often.
- The cars we use must be kept clean. Please don’t leave any trash in them and do a spot check after you are done with them.
- Everyone must wear seatbelts at all times.
- Drinking and driving is not tolerated in any way.
- Curfew is at 1:00am and it is extremely important you don’t come in late.
- You must tell either Edward or Britt where you are going on your day off or night out. It is very important that we know where you will be when you are away from camp.
Days Off:
- At the Guadalupe River Camp: For 1st and 2nd term, each person gets 3 days off. For 3rd term, each person gets 1 day off. Also, there will be time off in between 1st and 2nd term and then again in between 2nd and 3rd term. This is the policy for everyone at camp, whether you are a counselor, a Camp America staff or any other staff member.
- At the Cypress Lake Camp: For 4th and 5th term, each person gets 1 day off. For 6th term, each person gets 3 days off. Also, there will be time off in between 4th and 5th term and then again in between 5th and 6th term. This is the policy for everyone at camp, whether you are a counselor, a Camp America staff or any other staff member.
- Days off officially start at 12:00pm. Usually you can start your day off a little earlier though. In the kitchen, once the morning prep work is done, everyone goes on break, and those with their day off can start. For the cleaner/commissary workers, the same sort of situation is in place, that you can start once the work is done.
- If you leave camp on your day off, you must be back inside the camp by 1:00am.
- The day after your day off you can sleep in and don’t have to report for work till 10:00 am.
- Some people will be able to take the same days of together during the sessions. But it is dependent on how many people we have. It is usually not a prole at all that people with different jobs can match together on days off. But a day where half the kitchen wants to take off together may be impossible.
- Days off are flexible. For instance, you may take Tuesday off the first week, and the next week switch to Friday. Cooks just need to coordinate with Richard and Cleaner/commissary workers just need to coordinate with Britt.
Nights Out:
- Camp America staff will be able to go out each night of the week.
- Nights out are from 8:00 PM till 1:00 AM.
On-Camp Time Off:
- There are fairly large breaks that happen through the day. During that time, you are free to hike and explore anywhere you want on the camp.
- During the afternoon, the campers have a rest period from 1:30 to 3:30 where they stay in their cabins. Female staff are free to use the main waterfront to swim or canoe during this time, as long as you put back any equipment you borrow. Male staff are able to use the Guadalupe River waterfront every Sunday afternoon.
- If you wish to swim any other times, there are a few out of the way spots that will probably be available.
- In the evenings, if you would like to use any of the camp equipment, like volleyballs, soccer balls, baseball equipment, basketballs, tennis rackets, etc. it is not a problem at all. Just talk with Britt and he will help you.
- You can use any of the equipment and facilities as long as it doesn’t interfere with what the campers are doing.
- In the evenings the campers and counselors have things like campfires, movie nights, dances, carnivals, etc. You are free to go and enjoy them as much as you want, as long as you don’t interfere with the events.
