This handbook is your step-to-step guide of everything that you’ll need to know this summer while taking part in a summer with Camp America. From before you leave your front door, all the way to when you are travelling after camp, we’ve got your back! 

Along with this handbook, you should watch the Orientation Videos on your online MyCampAmerica account.

It is important to remember that Camp America is first and foremost a cultural exchange programme. We are required by the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program Regulations to operate in the spirit and intent of the legislation that created the J-1 visa. 

The primary goals of the programme are: 

• Mutual understanding 

• Personal growth 

• Cultural advancement 

• Global perspective 

Achieving the primary goals of the programme are focused on at US summer camps, where you will undertake a work placement followed by up to 30 days of free time to travel and explore the USA. Ultimately you should productively and positively interact with Americans, actively engage with the American people both inside and outside of camp and experience the lifestyle and culture. At Camp America we take the cultural exchange element of our programme very seriously. 

Our staff are dedicated to ensuring cultural exchange is at the core of everything we do. We are confident that through productive dialogue and interpersonal relationships you will return to your home country to share a positive view of the USA. The camp experience should include a wide range of opportunities to accomplish these goals. Tell us if at any time you feel that the cultural exchange component may be lacking for you. Likewise, as you make friendships, gain a valuable life experience, learn about the world and grow personally, please let us know about it. That’s what the programme is all about!

CONTENTS 

Contacting Camp America 

Child Protection 

• Child Abuse - Protecting Children, Protecting You
• Child Abuse - Recognising and Responding/Disclosure
• Sexual Harassment Policy

You've Made it to America!

• What To Expect and Have With You At Immigration & Getting To Camp
• Camp Life Begins, Accommodation, Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking, Social Networking Sites, Mobile Phones
• Sick Days, Time Off & Contacting Home
• Additional Costs on Camp, Quitting & Getting Fired

Visas 

• Visa Duration Period & Campower Participants
• Our Sponsorship & Return Flights

Group International Accidental and Sickness Coverage

• Getting Sick On or After Camp

Social Security Numbers 

Tax

After Camp

CONTACTING CAMP AMERICA

Use the contact details on this page for any queries you may have once you are in the USA. When contacting our U.S. Office in Stamford, Connecticut - please identify yourself clearly by stating your name. 

The Camp America US office in Stamford, Connecticut maintains an emergency phone support service throughout the summer - if your enquiry is not of an extreme nature or emergency, please send an email to our UK Help Desk - [email protected] - and we will get right back to you! 

CAMP AMERICA FREE PHONE FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE US: 1-800-727-8233 (9am-5pm EST. Mon-Fri - general enquiries; 24/7 for emergencies) - This number is only free if you are calling from a landline/pay phone. Mobile calls will incur a charge. 

CAMP AMERICA US OFFICE: 1-800-727-8233 (9am-5pm EST. Mon-Fri) - Free to call from land line/pay phone. 

US OFFICE – INTERNATIONAL CALLERS: 1-203-399-5409 24-HOUR EMERGENCY NUMBER: 1-800-727-8233 or 1-866-222-2074 - call if and when you need help. The Camp America US Office maintains a 24-hour emergency service for alarming situations that cannot wait until normal business hours. 

STATE DEPT / J1 VISA HELPLINE: 1-866-283-9090 OR [email protected] (24-7)

EXTREME EMERGENCIES: 911 - for police, fire and ambulance in the US.

GENERAL EQUIRIES: 

UK: [email protected] 

AU: [email protected] 

NZ: [email protected] 

PL: [email protected] 

GER (for German, Austrian & Swiss Apps) : [email protected]

Camp America has arranged for you to be covered by a Travel Emergency Service. On Call International are an organisation that can provide assistance in medical or legal emergencies: 1-877-714-8179 (still a free call inside Canada and USA) / 1-603-952-2660 (outside the USA call)/ [email protected]

Calling an American number in the USA - Phone numbers in the USA start with a 1. If you are using an American mobile or camp phone – just dial 1 then the rest of the number / If you are using a UK mobile – put 001 or + before the 1.

CHILD PROTECTION

As official visa sponsors it is our responsibility to make sure child protection information is available to you. 

Camp America believes that children and vulnerable adults should never experience abuse of any kind. We are committed to work in a way that keeps Child Protection and Safeguarding at the centre of our practices and procedures. We require all participants to understand that any inappropriate behaviour towards children or vulnerable adults in the USA will be reported by camps to law enforcement authorities and the full force of the law will be brought to bear on perpetrators of abuse. We want you to have a safe, fulfilling and enjoyable summer but it is important that you understand your responsibilities and obligations. 

CHILD ABUSE – PROTECTING CHILDREN. PROTECTING YOU 

Child abuse is a high-profile issue in the US, as it rightly should be. It is important that you are careful in your dealings with children. If you are in any doubt, seek advice from your superiors at camp. They are there to help you and have experienced all manner of situations whilst working at camp, so do not be embarrassed or scared to ask for advice. 

If you are fired for physical violence, you should expect that the police will be involved, at the very least. You will have your Visa revoked and you will have to immediately finance your flight home. You will also be held liable to reimburse Camp America for the cost of your outward flight to the USA.

There must also be boundaries both for the children’s sake and for your own protection against compromise and possible misinterpretation. Gently discourage a child from sitting or lying in your lap. Be prepared for hugs, don't let them hug you unless there are other adults present and can clearly be seen non sexual. Don’t make them an issue, but gently and firmly tell the child that you don’t really like that sort of thing. Discretely discuss any such advances with your unit head or Camp Director. Do not privately cuddle or kiss a child and whilst it may be appropriate to respond to an emotional goodbye at the end of camp, this should be open and public and only at the child’s instigation. Do not carry a child unless necessary in an emergency and never allow a child to share your bed even if they are upset and homesick.

CHILD ABUSE – RECOGNISING & RESPONDING / DISCLOSURE

The consequences of Child Abuse in all its forms - physical, sexual, emotional and neglect - are horrifying and, in many instances, can seriously harm a child’s natural development long into adulthood. 

Honour any wish expressed by a child to talk to you privately. Do so out of earshot but always within the view of other adults. Tell your co-counsellor what you are doing. In the first instance always suggest that the child goes with you to speak to the Director (with whom you are obliged to share information regardless of whether it is ‘confidentially’ passed to you). If the child is only willing to speak to you, do not commit yourself to keeping secrets - but always react with belief in what the child is saying to you, and with sensitivity. Never show shock, embarrassment, disgust or disbelief. Try to remember what the child said in his or her own words, not your interpretation of them. If possible, write them down as soon as you can, noting date, time, circumstances, etc. Do not probe or push a child for more information. It is vital that you share such disclosures with the Director discretely and as soon as possible - so that you can be advised and properly supported and that measures can be taken where necessary to protect or support the child.

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT POLICY

At camp, you will form close bonds very quickly. This is one of the best things about camp - as you really are sharing experiences with people who will become your best friends for a long time. Sometimes however, people can overstep boundaries and it’s important to acknowledge that Camp America and the camps we work with will have policies relating to sexual harassment. 

Sexual harassment can take many forms, but can include: Unwanted sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favours, and other behaviour or communications of a sexual, lewd, offensive or suggestive nature.

Remember: the US is very culturally different from other countries – particularly in relation to areas related to sex - so a joke or anecdote that may be acceptable in your own country may not be acceptable in the USA. 

You have a responsibility to ensure you do not engage in any activity that can be deemed sexual harassment. Equally you have a right to protect yourself and should not feel your position on camp is dependent on a relationship of a sexual nature with anyone else. 

Remember no means no - if someone doesn’t consent you should respect their personal boundaries. 

Camp America and all camps operate a very strict no sexual harassment policy. If you believe you are being sexually harassed (and you are not in immediate danger) you can consider talking to a supervisor, Director or someone in a position of authority OR call Camp America for support - 1-800-727-8233. If you believe you have been injured, assaulted or threatened - or if you believe your physical safety is at risk, let a member of staff at your camp know immediately and call 911. This information is not designed to scare you, but we do need you to realise that Child Protection is an important area on camp. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please pick up the phone and call us on 1-800-727-8233 or speak with your Camp Director.

YOU’VE MADE IT TO AMERICA!

WHAT TO EXPECT & HAVE WITH YOU AT IMMIGRATION 

You may have heard of ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is the online application you have to submit before you can visit America as a tourist. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THIS as you have a J-1 Cultural Exchange Visa! 

Note: If you already have an ESTA from a previous trip to the US as a tourist, then this WILL NOT affect your entry whatsoever, but it is good practice to clarify with the border agent that you are entering for your J-1 programme.

Before you get to the immigration desk, have the following documents in your hand luggage: 

• Passport with DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) for J1 Exchange Visitor Status and SEVIS I-901 receipt.  See Visa section later on for more details on the DS-2019.
• Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059 Blue Form) If required this will be provided to you by your airline.
• Placement Information – either take the email that you received with your camp details or take a screen shot of your placement page.
• Your camp address for your customs form.
• Phone number for your camp and Camp America. 

At the immigration desk, an Immigration Official will:

• Take all your biometric details (finger and iris scan). Fingerprinting is electronic, on a digital palm-pad, and the iris scan happens by photograph.
• Stamp your SEVIS Form for duration of status (“D/S”) for J-1 visa holders, with a date and port of entry.
• Ask you some questions, such as ‘What are you doing in the USA?’ and ‘How long will you be here?’. 

GETTING TO CAMP! 

Now the fun really starts! Here are three different travel options for getting to your camp: 

1. Fly directly to the closest airport to your camp where you will be met by a representative from your camp - instructions will be received through your MyCampAmerica online account. If for some reason you are not met at scheduled meeting point, DO NOT PANIC! Those responsible to meet you probably have a legitimate reason for being late. Please give 30 minutes before you call. Phone the emergency contacts from your camp, if you have no luck, phone our Camp America US Office at 1-800 727 8233 for assistance.
2. Fly directly to an airport close to your camp followed by making your own way to a bus or train station nearest to your camp. These instructions are available on the ‘Flights’ tab of your MyCampAmerica online account - not all camps are able to pick you up at the airport - follow the instructions given and remember to keep your receipts as the cost to you in getting to camp will be reimbursed. In the event there is no one to collect you at the bus or train station please contact your camp. If you have no luck, phone our Camp America US Office at 1-800-727-8233.
3. Booked our own flights package. You will arrange - and pay for - your own travel to camp. Please ensure you follow all specified timings and airport requirements provided by your camp to ensure your pickup is arranged. if you do not have this information - please contact your camp directly

CAMP LIFE BEGINS! 

The information contained within this section is general, as all camps are very different and have their own rules, traditions and culture - but a large majority of what to expect can be considered the same. This information is still important and will help prepare you for camp life. When you arrive at camp you will have training, which will be specific to the routine and rules of your camp. This is known as ORIENTATION. 

ACCOMMODATION

Every camp is different, and so is their accommodation. The most important thing to keep in mind is not to judge whatever your living situation is on first glance. For full information of the accommodation on your camp, log in to your online MyCampAmerica online account and you will find descriptions when clicking on the Placement Tab and then ‘About Your Camp’. 

ALCOHOL, DRUGS & SMOKING/VAPING 

The legal drinking age in the USA is 21. Do not attempt to purchase or consume alcohol if you are not of age as you will find yourself returning home quicker than you expected. It is also illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone else under the age of 21!  Smoking and vaping is banned on most camps and, of course, illegal drugs will not be tolerated!

SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES 

Keep in mind the cultural difference between where you are from and America. Camps have dropped people before they have even got to the USA after the camp looked at their online profile. We understand if you prefer not to delete your profiles. However, we do encourage you to consider being more mindful about keeping certain aspects of your personal life private.

USING YOUR MOBILE PHONE

We realise that your mobile phone is a very important part of your daily life - being without it feels like missing a limb!  But now is the time for a bit of digital detox, as all camps have a strict policy on using mobile phones on camp.  This can include:

• Restrictions during working hours
• Mandatory lock up during the day/during camp hours
• Restrictions on using your phone when with the campers

Why does camp have such strict rules?!?  Phones can be a distraction from your responsibilities and usually campers are not allowed access to their phones.  You will most likely have access during non-working hours to contact family and friends but remember signal/wifi can be patchy at camp.  Make sure you know your camp's policy before you arrive.

SICK DAYS 

Imagine you’re at camp, and you’re not feeling well... what will you do? Go to the camp infirmary/health centre - make sure your campers or work area is covered by another counsellor. The camp medical staff should be able to help you out with common problems. If you are ill for an extended period of time, please have your Camp Director call our Camp America US Office. If you have an illness or injury requiring outside medical attention, remember you may be responsible for the first $50 of each illness or injury. During your orientation week you should be informed of being covered by medical procedures while at camp. 

TIME OFF 

You should expect to work long hours. If in the evening a camper is unwell or needs your assistance, you will be expected to fulfil your responsibilities as a counsellor. This goes for any time you are on camp and responsible for children. However, we do not expect you to work 24 hours a day - seven days a week, for the full duration of time that you’re at camp! 

HOURS OFF 

If the camp is able to fit into the schedule, they will attempt to give you time off during the day or in the evening. This will always depend on the day’s events and the number of staff working on that given day. 

DAYS OFF 

Days off are at the discretion of the Camp Director. Generally, you will have a minimum of six days off during your stay at camp. Time off policies vary from camp to camp. It is important that you understand your camp’s policy and speak to your Camp Director if you have any questions.

CONTACTING HOME 

Getting in touch with home is important, but not always easy at camp. Just because you're half way round the world, it does not mean your parents will not be worried about you. During the summer your parents can be the reassuring figure you need when things do not always go well. Here are some helpful hints to keep your parents assured you are still alive and well:

• Send your parents a text or WhatsApp when you land in America and arrive at camp. Keep them updated.
• Don't forget to call home on your time off.
• If an emergency happens during your travels please contact them straight away and let them know you're safe. 

Mobile reception and WI-FI will be more limited than they used to be. On your days and time-of you will be able to send and check your social media as you will be in locations with WI-FI and signal. 

ADDITIONAL COSTS ON CAMP 

You may be required to pay for some added extras on camp, things like uniform or medical supplies should you need it. It’s important to keep in mind as well that your food will be provided throughout your time actually working on camp. If for example, you have a day off and decide to leave the camp for the day it is therefore expected that you provide your own food on those days. Camps will provide participants, without cost, housing, meals, uniforms, linen and laundry services during their stay at a camp, and to reimburse participants promptly for all expenses incurred on behalf of the camp.

QUITTING/HOMESICK

It is not unusual to feel unhappy at some point during your first two weeks. With the combination of culture shock, being in an unfamiliar place/country, missing friends and family – you may start to wonder what you’ve gotten yourself into! Please do not panic or worry as this is completely normal! If you feel this way, please speak to the other new members of staff as there is a good chance that they’ll be feeling the same as you. Camp provides a great support network for situations this like this! If you are still unhappy after 2 weeks, speak to your supervisors or contact the Camp America US office if you are still unhappy and have tried other solutions. 

Note on quitting: Please remember that it is a serious decision to leave camp. Call us first, so that we can attempt to resolve the situation together. If there is a true mismatch, our professional staff will work toward saving your cultural exchange experience. Think hard, however, before deciding to end your programme early. You will be responsible for domestic and international travel costs and other financial implications related to leaving the programme and breaking its terms and conditions. There is also the matter of your J1 visa status that may reflect cessation of employment. 

IF YOU’RE FIRED 

You will be made to leave camp that day and you will not be given the opportunity to say goodbye to campers or fellow counsellors. While these measures may appear drastic, most terminations in the USA are handled in a similar manner to avoid potential disruption on the camp. Once you are off camp, you are financially responsible for all associated expenses: including food, accommodation and travel. 

If you have been fired, you must call our Camp America US Office right away – as we need to:

• Discuss why you have been fired.
• Ensure that you receive your pro-rated pocket money for the time that you have worked.
• Make sure that we know where you are going when you leave camp so that we can assist with information on where to stay.
• Discuss the possibility of reassignment.

If you have been dismissed, call the Camp America US Office before phoning home as we may be able to solve your problem immediately, without causing your parents any anxiety. DO NOT LEAVE CAMP until instructed to do so by our Camp America US Office. Once the office have reviewed your situation you will either be offered another placement or you will be required to leave the USA.

VISAS

The DS-2019 form is your visa form (Certificate of Eligibility). The DS-2019 form contains your programme start and end dates, employer’s address, and your personal biographical data. 

You must keep your DS-2019 (the one signed by the embassy plus any updated forms) and SEVIS I-901 receipt together. If you try and enter the U.S. without them it may delay your entry or lead you to being denied entry! If you lose either of these forms prior to departure please contact Camp America immediately.

I HAVE LOST MY DS-2019 ON THE DAY OF MY FLIGHT! SHOULD I FLY? 

Yes!  But you can access your DS-2019 on your MyCampAmerica (visa page).  Airports usually have somewhere you can print documents.  Note - if you don't have the DS-2019, although the officer at the Port of Entry has the right to refuse you entrance, you will more than likely be given temporary entrance to the U.S. If this is the case, you will be given instructions to send documents to a specific address, which will activate your J-1 Visa. Contact Camp America (USA) if this happens or you have any questions about your DS-2019 form.

VISA DURATION PERIOD 

The State Department have stipulated that for Counsellors, an applicant’s start and end date of their DS2019 form must correspond exactly with their placement duration. Therefore, if your camp begins June 1st and ends August 14th, then you can stay for this duration plus an extra 30 days.

The additional 30 days you can stay is known as the Grace Period. During your Grace Period, you can't leave the US and re-enter on a J-1 Visa. If you decide to leave the US and re-enter in your Grace Period, you should apply for a B-2 Tourist Visa, prior to departure to camp. 

All entries are based on to your visa stamp in your passport (which we call the entry visa). If this not valid past the date you plan to leave and come back, you won't be allowed back in, regardless of what dates is on your DS-2019 form. Even if your entry visa has a later expiration date, like 2028, it’s not valid for work. You always need a DS-2019 to work, regardless of what the entry visa says.

CAMPOWER PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS 

Campower applicants MAY have the opportunity to depart the U.S. and re-enter before their Grace Period begins. Your J-1 visa is valid until the end date listed on your visa form, regardless of your last day at camp (and this date differs from country to country – so please check your individual DS 2019 form).Scenario: A participant’s work placement at camp finishes on August 3rd but their DS-2019 is valid until August 31st. This applicant can re-enter the US up until August 31st, which is when the Grace Period will begin. The applicant must then depart the U.S. no later than September 30th. Whilst you are on your grace period you are NOT allowed to work. 

If you are a student, and regardless of whether you’re on the Counsellor or Campower programme, Government regulations require that you must return to your home country in time for the start of school/university. 

OUR SPONSORSHIP 

At Camp America, we’re very proud of our official J1 visa sponsorship. It differentiates us from other companies and we work really hard to maintain our standards and provide the best possible customer service. 

TRAVEL VALIDATION SIGNATURE 

You must have a Travel Validation signature on your DS-2019 form if you are traveling to a country or island that does NOT bored the US (territories not requiring a signature are: Canada, Mexico, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, The Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Miquelon, Saint Pierre Martinique, Trinidad, The Windward & Leeward Islands, and other British, French, Netherlands territories or possessions in or bordering on the Caribbean Sea). It is required for travel to ALL countries not listed. 

This signature can only be obtained within the USA (it cannot be signed before departure) and the purpose of the signature is to notify U.S. Customs and Border Officials that you are still in good standing on the programme. It can be obtained by mailing your DS-2019 form to our Camp America US Office in Stamford, Connecticut AT LEAST 2 WEEKS PRIOR to your planned date of departure from the U.S. The Camp America U.S. team will email you a new one as a backup and is best to travel with both. 

We also issue DS-2019 with a digital travel validation signature. The participant should travel with both DS-2019s, the one signed by the embassy and the one with the travel validation so that when they reenter the USA, they can show both documents to immigration. To request this, the applicant should send an email to [email protected] 

Applicants MUST include either $15 to cover the cost of express shipping the form back to you or a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:

US OFFICE ADDRESS: CAMP AMERICA TRAVEL VALIDATION 1 HIGH RIDGE PARK STAMFORD CT 06905

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

• Visa dates must be valid for re-entry and if the visa has expired or Grace Period has begun, applicants will not be allowed to re-enter on the J1 and must apply for another visa.
• All counsellors are only allowed to travel outside of the country and re-enter on the J1 visa DURING their programme dates. After you leave camp, you are on your Grace Period and must remain within the United States during your travels if you want to remain on the J1.
• Campower participants may leave the country and re-enter on the J1 during the programme dates on their DS-2019, as long as their visa is still valid at the time they plan to re-enter the United States.
• All applicants are permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date of your DS-2019.

RETURN FLIGHTS

Your return flight information will be on your MyCampAmerica online account. Once you are in the USA, the Camp America US Office in Stamford, Connecticut will deal with 'Return Flight Enquiries'. Please do not call Camp America UK. 

Your MyCampAmerica online account allows you to make flight changes in the portal up to 7 days in advance. Please look at taking this route before calling the Camp America US office.

Note: You are responsible for making your own way to New York City to catch your return flight home (unless you paid extra to fly from another city). If you let us know the date you want to return before you leave for the states your return flight from New York is free.

Call this number if you have any questions: 1-800-727-8233

GROUP INTERNATIONAL ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS COVERAGE

GETTING SICK ON/AFTER CAMP 

Group Coverage id Card - this will be emailed to you within 2 weeks of your camp start date (or flight date you have given us if you are departing earlier to the US).  This card must be presented when attending medical appointments.  Full group cover information can be found here - including explanation of how the cover works

The US does not provide free healthcare for US citizens nor for foreign visitors. This includes visits to Accident & Emergency departments (ER) at hospitals, provision of Ambulances or visits to a local doctor. There is always a charge, and costs in the US are amongst the highest in the world. Your Group International Accident and Sickness Coverage provided through Camp America covers you (to specified levels as detailed in the policy document) throughout the period that you are under our J1 visa sponsorship. This includes during your 30 days post camp travel. 

The coverage you have does have ‘deductible’ charges. This means that you are responsible for certain initial costs on each claim you make. If you go to a hospital emergency room (ER) for an illness or injury and are not admitted as an inpatient for treatment, you will be required to pay the initial $250 of the costs claimed. Treatment provided at other medical facilities will have an initial cost of $50 that you will need to pay. 

If emergency services are not required, then camp will also be able to assist you. The following information, and that on the Group International Accident and Sickness Coverage pages of your online account will help you find the most appropriate help for your situation. If you are struggling for a solution, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you.

Drink or drug abuse will render your insurance void. Be responsible for making sensible decisions for your own welfare and for those around you. Stay healthy for the best summer!

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS

You are required to obtain a social security number so must apply in person in the United States to an official of the Social Security Administration. Once your Camp Director has validated you in the SEVIS* system, you will then be able to obtain your social security number, this will be completed upon arrival at camp.  It is your responsibility to obtain your social security number.

If you haven't received your social security card at camp - contact Camp America U.S.A by calling 1-800-727-8233 or email [email protected] 

IMPORTANT! You will need your DS2019 form, your mailing address and phone number in the United States to apply for a Social Security Number - you can find this information on the placement page within your online MyCampAmerica online account. 

General information about social security numbers for J1 visa holders (and foreign workers) can be found on the web as follows: Foreign Workers and Social Security Numbers (ssa.gov)

TAX

Camp Counsellors and Campower staff (who hold J-1 visas) will now have taxes deducted from their pocket money and will required to file a U.S. Federal income tax return and in certain cases, a State income tax return to satisfy their U.S. income tax liability.

As Camp America is not a licensed U.S, tax advisor, we cannot give any advice or guidance for the completion of U.S. tax return forms.

Note: a non-resident alien of the U.S (that's you!), the due date to file your income tax return for tax year 2025 is April 15, 2026. 

Camp America does not have tax preparation capabilities but can provide a referral to an accounting firm which can assist with completing and filing the foregoing tax forms and remitting the tax due to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Below is an outline of the documents that you would be required to submit in connection with your U.S. tax reporting obligations.

What you will need to file your tax return(s): 

1. DS-2019 Form: This form is sent to you from Camp America when you’re placed.
2. W-2 Form: This form is sent out by the camp to their participants at the end of the tax year (December 31st). This form will detail what was earned and the amount of taxes (federal and/or State) that have been deducted. It is the responsibility of your camp to provide this form to their participants. This form is generated in late December and then posted directly to you so please ensure you keep your camp updated on any address change after you return home. Camp America does not produce these forms or have copies and if you have not received one you must contact your camp. Please check with your camp on how you will receive your W-2 Form.
3. Social Security Number: Within the first two weeks at camp, you will get a Social Security number – DON’T LOSE THIS! This is a number for life - your should treat it like your national security number at home.
4. Payslips From Camp: You will receive payslips at camp – keep hold of them and bring them back home. 

Camp America will email you to remind you that you are responsible to file a tax return. 

How to complete your tax declaration:

• You can choose to file your tax declaration by yourself, or
• You can use designated tax software, such as Sprintax, that will guide you through the process in simple steps for a fee.

Further information about your Tax filing services will be sent out during the summer and a reminder of the need to file a U.S. tax return will be sent in January/February.

AFTER CAMP!

Once you’re finished at camp you’ve got the whole of the U.S. to explore. REMEMBER, you’ve got 30 days to travel after camp ends! You have the opportunity to see some of the greatest sites and tourist attractions in the world! 

This is the time in the summer where you should be in contact most with your family members. As soon as you leave camp, we have no idea where in America you might be. So we are no use to any parents / guardians ringing up worried because their child hasn’t been in contact for a while. So please keep this in mind when you are travelling and get in touch, just to let them know where you are and that you’re safe.

This Participant Orientation Handbook is your guide to the perfect summer! It will help you with any problems you may have in the USA and will provide you with lots of handy tips and advice, so please make sure you have read through all sections carefully. 

Remember, you are taking part in a cultural exchange this summer and have been hired as a role model to your campers. Show America what you and your country have to offer and what they can learn from you, as well what you can learn from them. 

For more information about Camp America visit our website at www.campamerica.co.uk 

Have an amazing summer!