Updated 24th May 2021
2021 Visa and Placement Update.
We’re very pleased and proud that we have staff who have landed in America now to enjoy their summer experience and are busy working so every participant follows suit.
Currently placement for summer camps is extremely positive. Camps are very welcoming for international staff and have worked on protocols to ensure that anyone travelling to the US or Canada completes and necessary quarantining prior to camp, if necessary. Vaccinations are available to camp staff, should they not have been administered in the home countries.
While we globally recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, different countries are able to act in different ways at different speeds. Currently, the processing seems to be divided into three main levels, those countries who are processing visas, those who will process once the travel ban with the US in their particular country is lifted and those where the embassy is not processing or closed.
We are continuing to work closely with the Department of State and the US Embassies in each country. Those countries that are allowing visa processing, we are able to issue J1 visas for, and our first staff have already stepped onto US soil ready for their dream summer.
We are taking applications for 2022 season where we believe that the sun will be shining brighter and are working hard to deliver 2021 and 2022 seasons to staff worldwide.
Updated 23rd February 2021
2021 Summer Camp Update. USA & Canada
After a long lockdown the latest government announcement begins the process of re-introducing society which is great news. Though it may feel a way away it’s expected that the first dose of the vaccination for 40% of over 18 vaccinations will have been completed.
We are awaiting further announcements but you will be legally allowed to attend a US Embassy appointment to get your visa for the summer. International Travel Restrictions are expected to end in May which is further positive news for summer workers.
Travel from Ireland to the US is due to be assessed on 5 April 2021. There is also a possibility of a flight bubble, or travel corridor being opened between Dublin and New York or easing of restrictions for those who have been vaccinated.
As expected, US sleep-away Camps have been approved to re-open for summer 2021, with day camps already able to open. Camps will have a mandatory testing protocol in place to ensure safety, details of which will come soon.
Canada’s working holiday quotas open on Monday 1 March 2021. You can apply for your work permit via the Working Holiday Lottery. Should you not be lucky enough to be selected, we can switch you to an “employer specific” Camp Counselor Visa.
It’s a positive outlook in the process of returning to what we knew as “normal”. We recommend applying as soon as possible and completing your application profile as soon as possible for those wanting a summer at camp in 2021.
Updated 4th January 2021
2021 New Years Update
Happy New Year to everyone from USA Summer Camp. USA Summer Camp aims for 2021 to be one of positivity. We have our first update of the year to cover travel, summer camps and UK/IE Covid-19 vaccines.
Vaccinations for Covid-19 have now began in the UK, Ireland and America and we are expecting that this good news will allow is to have issue free travel in the summer.
Travel from the UK to the US is currently permitted once there is proof of a negative COVID-19 test for all passengers. There is also a possibility of a flight bubble, or travel corridor being opened between London and New York or easing of restrictions for those who have been vaccinated.
Camp placements in 2021 are rising for USA Summer Camp participants as camps aim to open for 2021. State and Local boards are providing rules and guidance to camps on how to operate, with assistance from the American Camp Association for implementing this.
With positive news in respect of travel, summer camps opening and the huge vaccine rollout we expect the coming months to provide even more reason for positivity. As always USA Summer Camp aim to stay up to date with local, and worldwide developments. Our participants our priority and will stick to our policy to send everyone to summer camp in future seasons, should anything affect 2021.
Updated 6th October 2020
Final 2020 Update
The 2020 summer camp season has come to a close and we are now opening applications for 2021.
As the world changes and adapts so have we. USA Summer Camp will send more amazing applicants on the most rewarding cultural exchange program on earth.
Our staff are returning to a more consistent working schedule and we thank you for your patience over the summer.
Updated 14th May 2020
Travel Restrictions Update
We wanted to give a brief update on the current status travel restrictions to the USA at this time.
As you are aware, there was a suspension of Exchange Visitor Program visa arrivals up until May 11th. This has expired at this point. Unfortunately, the US Embassy has confirmed with us that arrivals to the USA from the UK or Ireland (and the Schengen Area countries) continue to be prohibited under the Presidential Proclamations (issued March 11th and 14th) and there is no current expiry to these restrictions.
Due to the above, no arrivals will be permitted at this point and you can not enter the US without prior approval from your visa sponsor.
We are continuing to stay in regular contact with the US Embassy and the Department of State in America to monitor changes, as well as your camp in America.
We are currently awaiting an update from the CDC which will give further guidance on how camps can operate this summer. The CDC is expected to be issuing their report shortly and the ACA then creating a guideline for camps to use to assist them in making plans for the summer.
We will provide another update once that report has been issued.
Stay safe,
USA Summer Camp
Updated 30th April 2020
Corona Virus Update
We hope you are continuing to be safe and well.
We wanted to give you a quick team update. We are currently working with a reduced staff force. Because of this, wait times may be longer than normal. The best way to get the quickest response is by emailing us at ireland@usasummercamp.com. We will respond to your query as soon as we can.
Thank you for your patience during this time.
Updated 16th April 2020
Corona Virus Update
The Coronavirus pandemic has challenged us all in many ways, on a scale we have never encountered before. We want to thank our first time and returnee applicants for their positivity and patience while we navigate through this unprecedented time. Your positive messages are so meaningful to us and our entire team appreciate them greatly.
As it stands, we continue to receive positive news from the U.S and the CDC who have reinforced that summer camps, and the amazing opportunities they provide, are of the utmost importance and the vast majority of camps are continuing their plans to remain open this summer. We are working together with these camps and participants to ensure they are prepared for their summer departure to camp. Currently, travel bans are on course to be lifted before the majority of departures are due to take place.
We continue to support our camp partners, in line with current advice from WHO, CDC and Government advice, and assist with any changes that may need to occur. In some cases, this may involve arrival date changes or new travel arrangements to ensure camp can continue as smoothly and safely as possible. If this happens, we will contact you as soon as possible to assist you and guide you through your next steps.
However, a very small percentage of camps have had to make the sad decision to close summer camp for this season. This is an unfortunate solution for all involved, staff and campers alike. If you have been affected by a camp closure or cancellation, we will continue to notify you immediately. We understand that this is disappointing news.
USA Summer Camp has proudly sent thousands of applicants to America since opening 13 years ago. We know first hand how valuable and magical summer camp is and remain positive that while we have faced difficult and new challenges during these past few weeks, by staying safe, patient and informed, we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure you have the experience you have been so looking forward to over these past few weeks, months and years.
We will continue, as ever, to monitor changes and keep you informed.
If your summer camp placement has been cancelled by your camp, please read the below information:
As we said above, we understand that the news will have been a disappointment. However, in this situation, we can offer you the following:
A New Camp Placement
Many of our camps are still working towards summer 2020 and are actively hiring. In this case, together with our US Team, we will work to find you a new summer camp placement. Most airlines are offering some flexibility with dates which will help in facilitating this change.
If you would like a new summer camp placement, we will discuss this with you and help address any questions you may have.
Should you wish to not seek a new camp placement, withdrawals will be made in line with our Program Agreement.
Further Update
Updated 31st March 2020
USA Summer Camp would like to reassure our participants that we are keeping updated with the current situation. We are monitoring the guidance provided through the Department of Public Health and Government of Ireland regarding the spread of the virus. Thank you for continuing to be patient and we hope you are all staying safe. Our team are working hard to answer all your questions and concerns as well as getting your profiles ready for your summer in America.
The HSE are working hard to provide essential healthcare to all those affected and we can all continue to do our part. Through staying indoors as well as practicing good hygiene through regular handwashing, we can all help limit the spread of the virus. We have immense gratitude and respect for all those working on the frontlines during all of this.
To help stay motivated for the summer ahead, now is a great time to connect with your future co-counselors. Your camp will most likely have a Facebook group full of returning and new counselors from all over the world. If you are a placed applicant, you can also join our Facebook group to connect with others on the program.
In the meantime remember to stay safe and keep the summer dream alive!
We’re Working From Home
Updated 19th March 2020
Firstly, we want to thank all of our participants for being incredibly patient and positive during these challenging times. We want to reassure you that your USA Summer Camp team are working hard to answer all of your queries and we’ll continue to keep you posted as we receive updated information.
As you are probably aware, we have all been encouraged to implement social distancing across the country. We are following this advice and our teams have now transitioned to working from home. We wanted to let you know and encourage you to practice your own social distancing!
Our move to working from home will have no impact on your ability to contact us. Our teams will be answering your phone calls as normal as well as being on hand to answer all of your questions via email and social media.
As a reminder, if you need to reach us, you can find us on:
Phone: 01 533 0818
Email: ireland@usasummercamp.com
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @USASummerCampIE
As always, we aim to respond to your queries as quickly as possible and maintaining our strive for excellent customer service. We look forward to chatting with you soon.
Stay safe!
