CampLeaders

I'll be returning to camp this summer for my 3rd time! If Camp Leaders didn't take the time out to explain the programme in full to me on the phone then I would of never gone to camp! I felt like they would answer any question I had and would do it with a smile, they have such detailed step by step instructions through the whole visa process and made the whole visa day a smooth process! I shout about Camp Leaders everywhere I go! Thanks guys! You're awesome!

I applied late in 2015 after a rash decision and I could not fault Camp Leaders! They supported me right through my application and helped to make sure I completed everything on time. I had an amazing time and have just returned from my second summer working and travelling in the States. Couldn't recommend this experience to anyone more, wish I could go back to camp every summer! :)

I applied to Camp Leaders quite late in the day for this summer (2014). The Camp Leaders team were very helpful in getting my application through and ready to be placed and because of that I had the best summer of my life and plan to go back next year!
The people who say this company is money grabbing and sneaky are plain wrong, the fact the flights are included in the fee you pay shows that it's good enough value in the first place! The guys at the end of the phone are always knowledgeable and helpful and I could not have hoped for a better service throughout my application.

I had an overall decent time working at a summer camp through Camp Leaders, but there are definitely some things you need to know before signing up. The experience itself—meeting new people, working with kids, and living in the U.S.—was memorable. However, the organization side of things was seriously lacking.

First off, don't believe the promise of earning $1800. That's not what you'll take home. There are so many hidden costs that they conveniently forget to mention. For example, you'll have to pay for your own transportation from the airport to the camp, which can get expensive, especially if your camp is far away. And while they do provide meals, don't expect it to be enough. You'll often have to buy extra food yourself just to avoid going hungry, which adds up quickly.

If you're not careful, you'll end up spending more than you're earning. So while the experience itself is fun and rewarding, don't go in expecting a big paycheck or great organization. Be prepared for extra costs and a bit of frustration when it comes to logistics. Would I do it again? Maybe, but with my eyes wide open next time.

When I applied to Camp Leaders, I was expecting the best summer ever. The reality is that not only I missed different lots of other opportunities, but also money, time and tons of phone calls.
Even though I was told that about 99% percent get placed, I was one of those 1%. Personally, I think there are more that 1% in my situation each year.
I think that if someone wants to do this during summer, they should directly contact camps, as the chances of getting a job would be higher.
Moreover, if you do so, you won't have to pay ahead a big amount of money and not even have a job secured.

I would love clarity from camp leaders about how the money they take from the participants is actually justified. The total costs have been £500 approx with the camp contract received showing a payment of additional £1000 approx to camp leaders. Therefore a total for camp leaders of £1500. This has paid for an interview, reviewing paperwork and will pay for a flight and insurance. Also someone will attend the visa appointment. As flight to the USA cost around £550 return currently and travel insurance for 3 months no more than £100 it is not clear where the remaining £850 is spent. The upfront costs are clear on their website but the amount they are paid from the camps is not broken down or justified anywhere. £850 camp leaders - what do you do for this?

I would like to say beware, do your homework, review camp staff reviews, prepare for the worst & hope for the best. Weight up your options. Is working long hours for 2mths & little pay, worth it? Then there is the risk of going to a bad camp, with staff that for some unconscious bias reason does not like you.
USA employment laws are unfair & there are camps that exploit overseas kids. I'm writing this as a parent that had almost 2 weeks of HELL! I am not going to go into that. Many States do not need a reason & can fire people at will (Camp Leaders in US, conformed that). We needed to get our daughter back home asap. The camp let her go immediately, before we had organised anything. As soon as the camp knew she had to leave, they were not interested in why, it was pack up & go. No compassion or empathy. We contacted the Visa sponsor, they promised they would help with accomodation & flights home. That did not happen. With help from our travel agent (on the other side of the world) we got her home.
What I do not like is the lack of follow up from Camp Leaders. There are good camps and bad camps. Do Camp Leaders vet the camps that use them? Do they ever hold camps accountable? If camps are exploiting overseas workers, Camp Leaders are allowing it to happen & that's what is damaging their brand. When I spoke to Camp Leaders US staff, I quickly realised there was lack of staff training. There was a lot of assuming, lack of understanding with poor questioning & communication skills.
My advice, if you want to go to the States, just save and go for a holiday.

I have never found a company with customer service as incredible as Camp Leaders.

Every step of the camp application process they would ring you up, drop you an email and do all they can to make the process of camp as simple as possible. The office staff, the person who did my interview and all the staff at the visa/prep days were also so friendly.

The camp experience itself was incredible too - and more than worth the application fee!

I applied to go to camp through Camp Leaders 4 years ago, they were so friendly and helpful. Any question, not matter how small, they would be very happy to answer and was always there to point me in the direction I needed in order to get me into the right summer camp for me. They weren't just helpful before I went to camp; checking everything I needed was done, even ringing me before I flew to check that my paperwork was all correct and being packed. They also had people in the states who would come and see me through the summer to see how I was getting on. Its this experience with Camp Leaders and my own summer camp that kept me returning for the last 4 years. I have never met a group of people who love their job so much and are happy to help no matter what is going on.

Camp leaders is not a travel agency. All they do is set you up an application, have you interviewed, maybe meet you at a job fair... BUT THAT'S ALL. They do not give you a job. They do not pay for your flights, they just place you. So don't sign up with them when you can easily apply at any camp for free.

Secondly, the website says there are no hidden fees, lies! From £389 is mentioned, but I paid £724 and none of it got refunded, apart from £145 and a 'free' t-shirt.

You could easily pass your interview and get an outstanding application, have all your fees paid - but not get placed. Like others have mentioned before, this is against the law because you're paying them for nothing.

So like I said, get a good CV uploaded to whatever camp suits you. Then you would still have to pay for your own travel like you would do with camp leaders. Save your money, time and 100 phone calls!

Camp Leaders are a fantastic company who can take a task that could potentially be daunting to some, and make it one of the easiest processes going! When I first applied to Camp Leaders, within 2 hours of submitting my application they had phoned me to tell me how excited they were to have me, and that my application already looked great, this spoke massive volumes to me about how important customer care was to them and them made me feel so comfortable and relaxed in every single stage I had to go through. They helped me get all my forms in with ease, explained anything which I was unclear on so that I understood it perfectly, and everything was well run from within so I could live my American dream as soon as possible. I would highly recommend anybody looking to work in America to apply through Camp Leaders as there is nobody who will make the process as comfortable as they will.

I can't thank Campleaders enough for all their help and for giving me the opportunity to spend 2 amazing summers in America!
My first summer at camp was 2014 and after a few recommendations from friends I signed up with Campleaders. The application process was so easy to understand and the Campleaders staff were so helpful and available anytime. I was able to go straight through to the phone lines to speak to someone who was always so enthusiastic to help. I was placed before Christmas so within just a few months!
My time at summer camp was honestly life changing and I came home with such a new perspective of life and with some insane experiences. It really helped me grow as an individual. I made some life long friends which I still skype and meet up with all the time! After having a year off camp last summer, I decided I needed to go back! Campleaders were again great with helping me as a returner and get all the relevant paperwork ready. They were speedy with email queries and with confirmation of uploaded documents. This summer at camp was my favourite yet! I returned to my previous camp and met some more amazing people. I then traveled around 10 states post camp with my Aussie Bestie and had an absolute blast! I can't thank Campleaders enough!

I don't know about the negative experiences of other reviewers but I couldn't be happier with the service I've received from Camp Leaders! I originally applied with a different agency but after a recommendation from a friend, I cancelled that application and registers on Camp Leaders instead. Best decision ever!

Every step of the way, Camp Leaders has been exceptional. Every single staff member I've encountered has been friendly, highly knowledgable in their field and has done anything and everything they can to help me. The support and instructions the company provides have made what will be my first summer at camp so straightforward to organise.

I also think that the fees I've paid are well justified. It's a lot of money but for the service you receive as well as the flights, insurance, paperwork (the list goes on), I can see where my money is going.

Thanks to Camp Leaders, I'm going to have the summer of a lifetime!