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CampLeaders Reviews Summary
CampLeaders has a rating of 2.9 stars from 62 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. CampLeaders ranks 2nd among Camping sites.
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I have been through this company 3 summers in a row and they have been equally helpful each time! They are always willing to help everyone and keep in contact with you so you keep ontop on deadlines and payments. I would totally recommend this company!
After using camp leaders last year, I cannot say a bad word about it! The staff are absolutely wonderful and make a very complicated process seem simple. If I ever had any problems I could always get through to a member of staff and the issue would be rectified straight away. I could not recommend camp leaders more!
Camp Leaders are all about getting the best experience for the individual. Very grateful for my journey and opportunities gained with this organisation.
Would recommend the Camp Leaders experience to any young person. Life changing!
I applied through Camp Leaders to go to work at a summer camp in the USA last year. The application process was straightforward and the Camp Leaders team were there to support me with any questions I had along the way. I would recommend Camp Leaders to anyone wishing to work at a summer camp.
Had the best summer, meeting and working with people from all over the world. Traveling after was so fun. Nothing better the Lifeguarding in the sun. Can't wait to go back and see all my friends!
I went through Camp Leaders a few years ago and could not have been happier with the service they provided. The application process was very clear and straightforward and I could contact Camp Leaders so easily if I had any queries. I was placed at one of the job fairs and had a wonderful summer. Would definitely recommend!
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'm afraid to say that Camp Leaders, though a useful mechanism for applying to summer camp, is essentially a way to siphon off a huge amount of money from young people wanting to work at summer camp. They take several hundred pounds in fees from you at the beginning, largely simply for so-called 'admin costs' (i. E. to supply themselves with salaries). Once I arrived at my camp in the US I found out when talking to American counselors that my paycheck was half of what they were earning - why? Camp Leaders. About $1,700 was. This was not something that had been made clear upfront to us; in fact, at the preparation day in London we were told to go to, they discussed the fees, and they claimed that it was 'camp' that paid this sum, not you. What they happily omit to say is that camp is paying this money out of your own paycheck, so in fact it is you paying this money.
This is utterly ridiculous. The fees to work at camp in the United States are not that high; it is simply a job, and under no other circumstances would you spend that sort of money (for me £450 fees plus $1700, i. E. about £1750) to go and work! The main services they provide are the following: sending off your application to camps; booking your flights; providing health insurance; sponsoring your visa.
The first of these seems very useful when applying, because you only have to fill out one form for Camp Leaders detailing the areas you would like to work, and they send out lots and lots of applications, almost guaranteeing you a job. However, your chances of working at summer camp are very high if you simply apply straight to camps; of course, you have to fill out a separate application per camp, but for the amount of extra money you will make not having to give it to Camp Leaders, it is well worth the extra effort. Camps need a lot of people, and especially if you have some experience working with children or skills (however basic) in outdoor activities finding somewhere to work should not be too hard.
Secondly, booking your flights; quite simply, this you can easily do yourself, and not something you need to have an external company do for you.
Thirdly, providing health insurance; again, basic health insurance coverage is not too difficult to purchase.
Finally, they sponsor your visa. This is something that often seems very attractive for Brits coming to camp; there are two points to make on this. First of all, I was personally very irritated at Camp Leaders because I have a US passport, so I did not need a visa, something Camp Leaders knew. As a result, the proportion of my fees that were spent on this aspect were simply me giving money to the company for nothing in return. However, if you do require a visa there are many other organisations (google 'designated sponsors j-1 visa' for the government-approved list) that will sponsor it for you. These will of course require some fees, but you will still be paying far less than you would if you operated through Camp Leaders.
Overall, therefore, the company is an utter scam. Their business model is simply to exploit young people's desire to work at camp by performing tasks for them that they could do themselves, as detailed above, and then taking an enormous chunk of their paycheck when they are working the US. They will get few repeat customers (all the other British counselors I know who used them will never use them again), but they know that they will get enough new customers every year that it does not matter. This is straight-up exploitative and very unfair.
Two further things to add; first of all, I do not mean to be disparaging on the individuals you interact with at Camp Leaders; those I talked to were all very friendly, helpful, and kind people to work with. As far as my experience went, the system was operated smoothly and efficiently. The second thing to add, is that I cannot recommend working at summer camp enough; it was an incredibly fun experience, you meet a wonderful group of people, and working with children in an environment like that was enormously fun. I very much urge anyone thinking about it to go and do it, it was a very special experience. I simply think that using Camp Leaders is an awful idea because of the hidden costs; I was lucky in that my camp paid fairly well, so I still managed to come home with money. I know other people who went through Camp Leaders and who worked at different camps who earned maybe $800 (£600 or so), which means they essentially break even when you take into account the fees they gave Camp Leaders at the beginning.
I would therefore urge anyone considering Camp Leaders to think very hard about it; the benefits you receive from Camp Leaders are all things that you can do yourself, and which may take a little more effort and time from you, but overall will mean you earn far more when you are in the US.
Hi David, thank you for reaching out to us, we appreciate your feedback.
First of all we’re very glad that you had a great experience working at a summer camp in America and would recommend the experience to others. We’re also glad our process worked smoothly & efficiently for you and that our staff were helpful for you.
We are disappointed however that you would describe our company as an utter scam when you’ve highlighted that you had a successful summer camp placement through Camp Leaders, complimented our customer service and had a great summer in America.
The first and most important thing to note is that the summer camp J1 program is a cultural exchange program, not a program that is there to make money. We make this as clear as possible. If you are looking to earn good money whilst you travel, camp is not for you. If you are looking for an outstanding experience with lots of support with great people, with a bit of pocket money, camp is for you.
In response to your payment issue
To make the program accessible to all we have set up the fee structure in such a way that the participant only has to pay a portion of the fees in advance of their departure to America. The rest of the fees are then covered by the camp at which the participant will work for the summer. The camp pays an agency fee to Camp Leaders when the participant completes the full contract. So in essence, the participant is 'working off' the fees which have been paid on their behalf by the camp.
When you get placed you get a contract from camp outlining what your pocket money is. You get 100% of that pocket money. This will be the contract that you signed before you left for camp. Any participant can call us to walk through the contract before they sign it.
The placement fee that camp pays depends upon where in the US they are based, the age and experience of the participant, what they will be doing at camp etc. It is not fixed. This cost is outlined to the camps, as they pay it. It is usually referenced in the contract you sign with camp too.
This is all outlined in the program agreement you sign before joining the program and the fee disclosure section of your profile. It also highlighted multiple times by our customer service team throughout the process and at the preparation day you attended.
The pricing page on the front end of the site gives you an idea of the amount of pocket money you can could get for the summer; http://www.campleaders.com/gb/summer-camps/pricing/
This practice is standard with all of the agencies who work with camps, allowing more people to head to camp by lowering the upfront fees.
In response to apply directly to camps
Yes, you can apply directly to a summer camp without using an agency. However by building your online application with Camp Leaders you are adding your skills, strengths, experiences & personality to our online database which can be seen by all the American Camp Directors we work with. We work with 500+ ACA accredited camps which means you’re chancing of getting a placement are much higher. We also try tailor to your needs as much as possible so we can place you with a summer camp that is the best possible fit for you. Our customer service team are all in constant contact with directors and each team have all personally been to summer camp so can help you build your online application to look its best.
Of course you need to get your visa which you can not do directly yourself as the US Government needs a recognized body to carry out checks on both the camp and the participant, things like collecting and checking references and ensuring the camp has appropriate insurance.
In response to flights
The Camp Leaders program offers every participant that applies the option for us to book their flights or not. Therefore you can book your own flights if you wish. However 85% of our first time participants choose to let Camp Leaders book their flight due to the added advantages and cost-effective price.
Our flights team will then arrange and book your flights but also organise your onward travel to camp and be there to help you with any flight changes or problems that may arise with airlines.
In response to insurance
The Department of State insists that every participant has insurance. To fulfill this obligation we provide insurance as a part of your package.
During your preparation day we walk you through the insurance so if anything does happen to you in America you have the necessary basic coverage required. The American system works differently to the U. K. and we aim to make the differences as clear as possible for participants.
In response to Visa
You can contact any of the other visa sponsors and join their programs. Each has it’s own merits.
We believe in the in country support that we give ensuring that people are ready for camp. All of the agencies work on the same cost model for first time placements. In some cases you might be able to pay less, but in that case you would get less support, for example not having a local office to get you ready, not having a face to face interview and so on.
The program includes a lot more than listed above. This includes the 24/7 support in the US, camp visits in the summer checking in with participants, the support offered at the embassy on busy visa days, the fairs we have where we bring America camp directors over from the US to meet participants and much more. We believe the program offers great value for money and an outstanding experience.
Thanks again for your feedback, if you wish to discuss this further then give our team a call on 0151 708 6868
Kind Regards,
Liam - The Camp Leaders Team
From my experience with Camp Leaders they have been nothing but helpful and made me feel comfortable when it comes to questions or even when I had my interview! Also with my Camp Fair day they where full of energy and making sure everyone had the best chance possible. I feel this the most as they persuaded me too stay and try and now I am off to New York for the Summer thanks to them!
The gap between being interviewed was a little long with no contact. My interviewer had said that he would be emailing me constantly and on my back all the time about my application but I didn't have any of that which was a shame. Other than that it's been excellent, any time I've phoned I've got an immediate helpful answer from someone friendly. The placement fair was very well organised and successful! So great!
I have been planning on working in an American Summer Camp for years and one that was recommended to me time and time again was Camp Leaders. I started my application and they were very helpful throughout the process. Their customer service is outstanding and they have helped me meet some of the most amazing people.
I know I still have a way to go yet before jetting off for the best summer of my life, however I am glad to be given the opportunity to feedback on my experience so far.
4 years ago, I signed up with Camp America and didn't get placed due to an error on my behalf around dates. Last year, I decided to give this thing another go, now I'm a graduate and a bit older, I felt more ready for this.
I researched and researched about which company to go for. I tweeted Camp America, Wild Packs, Camp Leaders and BUNAC saying I was trying to decide who to go with and it was Camp Leaders who stuck out to me throughout all of my research.
They weren't telling me not to go with other companies and badmouthing others, and they weren't, as one company did, trying to appeal to me by telling me they'd pay me the most (that's not why I'm going to camp). What they did do, was explain why I should choose them. They explained HONESTLY that I would get the same outcome from each company, to go to America, however Camp Leaders has a very supportive structure in place to help you with every step of the way.
As someone who likes to know every detail and plan my own trips, I thought this would be perfect for me. They rang me the next day explaining everything and then I started a profile. About a week later they rang again, and I paid my deposit.
I haven't looked back.
I cannot fault the enthusiasm and patience of everyone I have spoken to. They are a unique company in the fact that they really seem to care and take the time for every one of their recruits. They are all excited to get you placed and celebrate when you do.
Imogen on Twitter (if there's anyone else on there, you too, sorry) has been phenomenal to keep up with what's going on and being in Bear Team has been beyond excellent to keep me on track and not feeling too lost.
Genuinely, through my experience so far, I cannot think of a bad word to say, I just hope this continues for the rest of my experience and I have no doubts that it will.
Thank you Camp Leaders.
(They also do great stash).
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!
Very helpful and the best option out there compared to rival companies such as camp America.
I was happy at the prospect of becoming a Camp Leader, after applying a little late I was told that there might be a chance I might not be placed in time for Summer 2014, due to the time scale, however they would do their utmost to help in any way possible.
Unfortunately as I was not placed, they promised for the money to be transferred onto the following year and I would be contacted in September that year, however up till now they have not even attempted to contact myself, and have taken all my money! They had even closed my account - anyone who doesn't get placed please demand for a refund there and then as they will simply not contact you ever again -SCAM!
Hi Jade,
Thanks for reaching out. As I know you are aware, we do not own any camps in America, and we can not guarantee placement. We would love to place everyone, but for a very small percentage of our participants this does not happen. Re-instating your profile can easily be done, and we do reach out to our entire database regularly offering a wide variety of opportunities.
Let me have a dig and look specifically in to your case and get back to you. At any point, please feel free to call us (0151 708 6868) and we'll endeavor to do all we can for you. Mark Hodgson
HAVE ADDED EXTRA STAR TO ORIGINAL REVIEW AS GOT A GOOD ANSWER FROM CAMP LEADERS TO MY REVIEW QUESTION. (now 4 stars - Cool)
Hey Camp Leaders, it would really help you and anyone reading your reviews if you cleared up the worry on if you take a further payment (after the £549 flight included and visa costs etc). Is another payment charged after this from what you earn at the camp in America? If so what is it?, how much? And where does this it say this on your site as it really needs to be clear.
Thanks
Hi Thomas,
Thanks for the question.
To make the program accessible to all we have set up the fee structure in such a way that the participant only has to pay a portion of the fees in advance of their departure to America. The rest of the fees are then covered by the camp at which the participant will work for the summer. The camp pays an agency fee to Camp Leaders when the participant completes the full contract. So in essence, the participant is 'working off' the fees which have been paid on their behalf by the camp.
When you get placed you get a contract from camp outlining what your pocket money is. You get 100% of that pocket money.
The placement fee that camp pays depends upon where in the US they are based, the age and experience of the participant, what they will be doing at camp etc. It is not fixed. This cost is outlined to the camps, as they pay it. It is usually referenced in the contract you sign with camp too.
This is all outlined in the program agreement you sign before joining the program and the fee disclosure section of your profile.
This practice is standard with all of the agencies who work with camps, allowing more people to head to camp by lowering the upfront fees.
If you would like a call to chat through any part of this, please do let me know.
Thanks, Mark
Hi,
How do you organise your flights to and from the UK. Is this something in the fee or is this done separately by us.
Thanks
Hello - if you choose the flight option we quickly book your flights after your summer placement is confirmed by camp. The time we take doesn't affect you though, as you'll set your start date with your camp and we book that date for you, so if it takes us a day or a month your fees don't chang nor does your trip start date. I hope this helps, Mark
I have used Camp Leaders to get out to camp for two summers now. They have been nothing but helpful and supportive through every step of the process. They have the best customer service of any company, that I have ever used. I cannot fathom anyone wanting to use any other company to get out to work at summer camp in the USA. Best value for money and best company!
I have gone through camp leaders twice as i have attended Camp Alleghany for Girls for my previous two summers. Camp leaders offered me full customer service and reliability throughout the course of my summers. I have had such great experiences, things i would never experince whilst sitting at home all summer, i cant wait to return back to camp for a third year in a row working for an amazing company!
This is unconnected with my previous negative review of CampLeaders based on the low pay and long hours my daughter experienced in Lochearn camp. My daughter is not having a good summer. After completing tough 10 weeks she planned on travelling for 2. In Boulder, Colorado 2 days ago she had an emergency apendecomy following a week of severe pain. She is now waiting to be repatriated. Campleaders team 'wolverine'! Are supposed to help with this process and have done absolutely nothing. We had to contact airlines, insurers, pay up front for altered flights. The bottom line is that CampLeaders are a lucrative enterprise for a few directors - they pay staff very little from the mislead student labour to their own inadequate support staff. Avoid at all cost.
Hi James,
I'm sorry that you're unhappy on behalf of your daughter's experience. We do everything we can to prepare participants for what to expect at camp, including the information our main site, our guides, supporting service and our preparation days, in which we cover all aspects of summer camp life before. The 'typical day at camp' is one of the main pages on our site (found here: http://www.campleaders.com/gb/summer-camps/typical-day-at-summer-camp/) and we do our best to manage expectations of the programme from the very beginning.
It's a shame that your daughter feels out of place with her colleagues - we completely understand potential difficulties for adapting to the cultural shift, but the programme specifically falls within the cultural exchange category. For our Central European recruitment, we require participants to have a high enough level of English to work with other English speakers and are all vetted for English language proficiency. Granted, some Central European participants may not be fully fluent, but learning languages is something we consider a positive aspect of the international travel experience.
In terms of money, the financial structure of the programme is made very clear throughout the entire process and is always accessible in your daughter's programme agreement, which she signed to confirm she had read, understood and agreed before paying any money towards the programme. This is also reaffirmed with our guides, preparation days and a double-confirmation check before she heads out to camp.
If you would like to discuss anything further with us, we are more than happy to discuss the situation. If your daughter is unhappy at camp, we suggest she follow the standard protocol which would have been explained at camp. If she still feels unhappy, she should contact our US office to discuss potential solutions.
Regards,
James - the Camp Leaders team.
From the business
Think of Camp Leaders as a super hero factory. You? ۪ll tell us what makes you great and we'll match you up with an awesome camp in America. We can help you sort out your application, your visa, even your flights. Basically, we? ۪ll take the best care of y...
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Thank you for reaching out to us. We appreciate your feedback.
You might already be aware of this but we do not own any summer camps in America, and we can not guarantee placement. In an ideal world we would love to place everyone that applies to our program but for a very small percentage of our participants this does not happen. Our dedicated customer service team reach out to our entire database regularly and are in constant contact with the camps we work with to try secure everyone a placement.
When you build your online application with Camp Leaders it can be seen by over 500+ ACA accredited camp directors on our database with the aim to save you the time and energy from applying individually to multiple summer camps. Our entire process is also designed to help match a participant to a camp that is best suited for them, make the visa paperwork and sponsor process easily understandable and attainable, book all participants flights and travel whilst get them prepared and ready for an entire summer in America at a cost effective price.
We value your opinion and we’re sorry that you didn’t achieve a placement with us, but at any point please feel free to call us (0151 708 6868) if you wish to discuss any of this further.
Kind Regards,
Liam - The Camp Leaders Team