Questions and Answers

What if I lose my passport?
Either phone or access the web site of your nation's home country consulate in the US. Each country may handle replacement passports differently. There is a list of consulates in your applicant handbook. It is always a good idea to keep a copy of your passport in a different location to expedite replacement. Click here for a link to embassy's.

What happens if I quit or am fired?
If you are fired for any reason, do not leave the premises until you have spoken with a one of our representatives and have made sure that you receive the pocket money that is owed to you for the amount of time at camp. Once you have left camp, we will discuss your options with you. What happens next depends on the circumstances and the recommendation of the camp. You may purchase a ticket home through us, or in special cases we may explore a rematch. If you quit the program entirely, your J-1 visa status will be terminated and you must return home immediately. You will be liable for the costs incurred for your flight and other services according to the terms of our contract with you.

I have to see a doctor, what should I do?
Find the nearest clinic or doctor's office. You are insured through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI). Simply show your insurance card to the receptionist. Coverage can be verified using the toll-free number on the card any time during business hours.

What is the deductible?
The deductible amount, $50 per accident or illness, is the amount that you must co-pay directly to the medical provider. CISI will pay claims in excess of this amount. Please refer to your policy concerning certain limitations, and familiarize yourself with usual, customary and reasonable charges.

Do I have dental coverage?
CAMP AMERICA participants are eligible for up to $500 in emergency dental coverage. It is important to remember that this is emergency coverage only, and that pre-existing conditions are excluded.

What are the terms of my J-1 visa?
Participants are eligible to work at camp for a period of four months, which is usually followed by a one-month grace period for the purposes of travel only.

Should tax be taken out of my pocket money?
The vast majority of participants earn less than the $3,000 IRS allowance for personal exemption. Therefore, no taxes should be paid on earnings less than this amount.

Why do American's get paid more?
You are participating in a program that includes a package of services, including flight, insurance and emergency support. Your camp pays a significant fee to us for these services.

I thought I would be doing something else, why was I given a different position?
Applicants are accepted based on the premise of total flexibility. As the needs of camps and resorts change during the season, all participants must be prepared to change their duties and responsibilities at any time.

How do I extend my visa?
The US Department of State has informed us that all J-1 participants must return home at the completion of the grace period and that extensions cannot be granted.

Is some one coming to visit my camp or resort?
We visit one-third of camps and resorts each season on a rotating basis.

How can I e-mail the Stamford office?
While you are in the US, we have an e-mail service for return flight queries: returnflights@aifs.com.

How do I apply for next year?
You will receive a mailing in October that specifies the repeat application process. In the meantime, keep checking our web site at www.campamerica.co.uk.

What number should I call in an emergency?
Dial 1-866-222-2074. If you have problems connecting after hours, dial our answering service direct at 1-800/877-4796. You will receive a return phone call from our duty officer. Please note there is only one person on call to handle any emergency. If your call is of a routine nature and doesn't need an immediate answer, please call during regular business hours.

How can I get information after the office closes?
There is a great deal of information available on the voice system even after hours. Follow the vocal prompts to get common questions and flight questions answered. Make sure you are dialing from a touch tone phone to access information. If you don't follow the prompts and just hang on you will be connected to our emergency service. Please only speak to the service in a true emergency. Any question that is not answered in the prerecorded information, can be addressed the next business day.