Your Guide to Summer Camp Costs & What to Consider
Summer camp programmes are incredible value for money, with your placement, food, accommodation, medical insurance, and more all included. But a few things are out of our hands, so here are other costs to consider.
Camp Leaders
Summer camp programmes are incredible value for money, with your placement, food, accommodation, medical insurance, and more all included. But certain things are out of our hands, and these are costs to consider when going to summer camp.
It's important to show everyone all the costs you may need to consider when applying for summer camp, as no one wants any extra surprises.
As you go through the process, the following costs are ones you'll want to work into your budget to make summer as affordable as possible.
Here's what we'll cover in this blog:
- Core summer camp programme costs
- Extra summer camp costs
- Costs during summer camp
- Costs after summer camp
- The importance of the exchange rate
So, what are the core summer camp program costs?
You'll need to complete an entire process, from application to placement, to apply for summer camp.
A lot of work goes into ensuring that we only work with the highest-quality summer camps and that you're matched to the ones that suit you best.
That includes innovative application systems, online hiring fairs, and staff always on hand to help you whenever needed.
Not to mention government processing fees, the collection of (and help in applying for) documentation, and even more, all from a team that has done the exact journey you're going on yourself.
As part of it, we ensure most things are taken care of for you. This includes working with your new camp on food and accommodation and organising any required training.
The support structure allows you to focus on enjoying the journey.
Ready for your American adventure?
So here's what to consider:
- Program Costs: $749 early bird / $799 after 1st Jan—As described above, these programme costs are required to cover all the vital areas needed by Camp Leaders to provide summer camp opportunities. They can be broken down into multiple, smaller payments.
- Australian Federal Police Check: Approx $50—This is an essential cost you must account for, as the programme requires every applicant to have a clean police check. Understandably, working with children requires the right people with the right attitude.
- Medical Clearance (only if required): A medical is only required in certain circumstances, and if it is, it is needed for the visa, which makes it an essential cost.
- Visa application fee - USD 185.00: This fee is a required cost for the visa application and has to be paid directly from you to the U.S. embassy; we have no control over the cost.
- Nonimmigrant visa issuance (Reciprocity) fee: $215 USD: This is another required visa fee paid directly to the U.S. consulate, over which we have no control or say.
- Domestic travel to your in-person U.S. visa appointment (Varies): You'll have to travel from wherever you live to your U.S. visa appointment, which is a cost you'll have to consider.
- Passport postage costs (Varies): If you've clicked to have your passport returned via post, you'll need to cover a small cost for this.
What about the extra summer camp costs not included in the program?
There are a few extra costs that you'll need to consider when travelling to the U.S. They are:
- Flights. Once your visa is approved, you'll need to look at booking flights unless you plan on swimming there (we'd suggest not to).
- Travel insurance. Although the programme includes medical insurance, it's sensible to have travel insurance to cover other eventualities.
- Further medical coverage. Extra medical insurance is only required if it is necessary for a particular reason or if you want much higher coverage.
- Accommodation before camp if you arrive early. If your flight arrives a couple of days before you're meant to be there, it's up to you to cover those days before pickup or arrival is scheduled.
- Transport to summer camp (if not included): Same as above if you have your own plans. Most camps will have pickups and plans for staff arriving, but if you aren't in those for any reason, you'll have to find your own way.
- SIM cards/phone plans. It's definitely worth getting a U.S. SIM so you can contact people within the country, have an emergency number, and use data to contact those back home.
- International debit card. Some summer camps provide these for staff, but if not, it's a great idea so it's easier to pay.
- Tipping. Tipping is required in the U.S., and it's a culturally sensitive topic. Ensure you know the norms and expectations and have the money to tip.
What are the costs during summer camp?
There are only a few extras to consider at summer camp, as your accommodation and daily food are included. But here's what you may want to budget for:
- Day's off. This is a string guess for your budget, depending on how you spend it. Anything on your day off is up to you, so use your budget wisely.
- Trips to shops. Everyone loves the trips to Walmart and other supermarkets, so these trips are up
What are the costs after summer camp?
Everyone loves travelling after summer camp; how you budget for this depends on your plans. Here is what you should budget for:
- Flights or transportation around the U.S.
- Accommodation (hostels are great, a cheaper option)
- Food & necessities
- Shopping
- Onwards travel costs
What's the exchange rate, and why should I keep watching it?
The exchange rate will significantly impact how much you can spend your dollars.
In December 2024, AUD$100 worked out as USD$64.87, but this will definitely move as the year progresses.
Keep checking it to ensure you know exactly how much your savings will be worth.
