Updated 6th October 2020
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
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
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
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.
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!
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!
Updated 16th March 2020
With a few months to go before camps begin, we are working towards ensuring all participants attend camp as currently planned. Our main priority will always be the health of our participants and we believe the measures that the United States has taken will ensure that you are able to attend camp in a healthy environment come May. We are in contact with the US Department of State on a daily basis and will keep you informed of any changes regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) as soon as we have them.
As we are sure you will have seen over the last five days, because of COVID-19, the United States have brought in both a 30-day temporary travel ban from Europe to America and have also temporarily paused their international exchange programs until May 11th. If you are one of the very few participants due to depart before this, we will liaise with you and your camp to arrange all the relevant changes for you to arrive from May 11th onwards.
Whilst we recognise the seriousness of the Coronavirus outbreak USA Summer Camp expects there to be a very limited impact on travel to camp. If you have departure date before May 11th our team will be in touch with you and we ask at the moment if your travel to camp date falls after May 11th you wait before contacting us as we will release regular updates to all participants over the coming days.
USA Summer Camp is committed to ensuring you have up to date information provided to you. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will, of course, keep you updated.
We are staying informed and monitoring alongside CDC, WHO, Foreign Office and Gov.ie, as well as the US Department of State and our Visa Sponsors in America.
Please note that this information is correct as of 16 March 2020.
Please note that this information is correct as of 16 March 2020. These Frequently asked questions may contain information that is no longer valid. We will continue to update this page regularly with important information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and summer camp situation.
Yes, our applications are still open for 2020. Current participants are still expected to travel to America in May and June to work at camp.
We are staying informed and are monitoring the situation alongside CDC, WHO, Foreign Office and Public Health England, as well as the US Department of State and our Visa Sponsors in America.
As the NHS and each countries health service advise, you should have a period of quarantine, or treatment. With full recovery you are still able to go on the camp program.
Yes, we have updated out Medical Insurance to include cover for Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are experiencing any symptoms pre to departure to the US, we ask that you contact us and follow the advice of your local health aurthority.
At camp, all medical issues will be covered by the camp’s protocol. Camps have medical professionals, a health centre and the support of their local authorities.
We will update this page regularly, and keep everyone on the USA Summer Camp program up to date with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We advise you to follow and keep up to date with your national and local news and listen to the advice of the governments involved. Please do not pay attention to social media or none official media.
The USA Summer Camp program is still going ahead for summer 2020. The terms and conditions, as per your program agreement still apply. We advise all participants to wait, continue your application, and attend camp in the summer.
Yes. Camps are counting on you to work this summer in America. We expect the program to be running this summer and your placement at camp will still stand.
With the coronavirus, each countries US Embassy will have a different protocol in place regarding appointments. There will be up to date information, as well as updates from USA Summer Camp regarding these.
Until further notice, to protect the safety of every applicant with USA Summer Camp, as well as staff members, we will be operating on-line only Pre Departure Orientation Days. Pre Departure Orientation is a mandatory requirement from the department of state, so completing one is important.
Currently, if you are a new applicant, returner or current first-timer, you should continue your application as normal. Your next step could include completing your online application, booking an embassy appointment, submitting paperwork or paying your fees.
