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Pay close attention to the guidance, as it holds crucial information.

“The Adventure of Your Life!”

CCUSA Orientation – Summer Camp Program

Before Your Trip

Placement

Placements begin in October and end in April. During this time, camps review different profiles — it’s possible that more than one camp may contact you.

It’s very important that your profile is fully completed before you can begin the placement process. Even if you have already made your payment, your profile will not be visible to camps until you have uploaded all required information and documents.

In January, we host our Camp Job Fair, where many participants are hired. However, your profile can be accepted by any camp before or after this fair.

If your English level meets the program requirements, it’s very likely that a camp will hire you. The CCUSA team in the U.S. reviews each profile and provides recommendations to help improve your chances. Once you are placed, your camp information will appear in your Footprints account — along with the profiles of participants from around the world who will share this amazing experience with you.

⚠️ If you decide to withdraw from the program for any reason, please contact us immediately so we can remove your profile from the system.

DS-2019 Form and J-1 Visa

Your visa start and end dates are based on your camp contract. These dates appear in your Footprints account and in SEVIS.

This is not a work visa, but a Cultural Exchange Visa (J-1) — valid only for working as part of a summer camp staff in the United States. It includes a 30-day grace period after camp to travel within the U.S.

These dates CANNOT be extended, unless your camp contacts CCUSA’s central office to request a contract extension (which cannot exceed 4 months or go beyond September 21). CCUSA will only update your dates in Footprints and SEVIS after the additional insurance coverage fee for the extra days has been paid.

The DS-2019 form is your official authorization to stay in the U.S. — your visa is not valid without it.

🚫 DO NOT lose it!
Keep it with your passport before traveling. While in the U.S., scan and store a digital copy in a safe place, in case you need to reprint it. Do the same with your passport and visa — in case of loss or theft, copies can speed up recovery.

Once you arrive at your camp, ask your Camp Director to make a copy of your DS-2019 and keep it with your passport in a safe place.

Police Clearance Certificate

Submitting a Police Clearance Certificate is mandatory.
Procedures and costs vary depending on where you live, so we recommend searching online for your local process — it can take several days.

Upload this document to your Footprints account. Sometimes, camps require you to bring it with you — if so, they’ll let you know in advance.
If you fail to submit it on time, you’ll be withdrawn from the program and the U.S. offices will be notified.

Medical Form

This form is mandatory and must be completed by a licensed doctor.
Download it from your Footprints, fill it out, scan it, and re-upload it.

Check with your camp if they require specific vaccinations. If you’re currently taking medication, bring enough for your entire stay and keep them in their original packaging. Adjust your schedule to the time difference so you take your medication correctly.

All prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g., aspirin) must be turned in to the camp nurse upon arrival.

Flights and Travel Information

Enter your flight information in Footprints as soon as you book your flights.
Make sure you have the contact numbers for both CCUSA and your camp.

Contact your camp before departure to confirm arrival details. Always notify your camp of any changes to your travel plans. Keep your Placement Letter and camp contact information with you at all times.

Travel with enough money for meals and any unexpected expenses (e.g., delays). Keep your passport, visa, and DS-2019 easily accessible during your trip.

During Your Camp

Arrival in the U.S.

When you go through U.S. Immigration, present your J-1 Visa and DS-2019 form.

✅ Important: Both your passport and DS-2019 must be stamped upon entry.

Airport personnel will speak to you in English and ask questions similar to those from your visa interview — keep that information handy.

Once you’ve cleared customs, call your camp to let them know you’ve arrived safely. Confirm all arrival details and also contact your parents. Only accept rides from authorized camp representatives or the official meeting point.

Social Security Number

To obtain your Social Security Number (SSN), your visa must be validated at least 3 days before applying. Your camp will assist you with the process.

This number allows the U.S. government to correctly record your income for tax purposes. Requirements may vary by state, and some states may not require an SSN depending on local laws and international agreements.

Money for Your Trip

Exchange some cash into U.S. dollars before traveling or at the airport.
CCUSA recommends bringing at least US $300. You may need to pay for food or other expenses during layovers.

Bring a Visa or Mastercard debit card in case of emergencies.
After camp, plan a travel budget of about US $300 per week, depending on your location and travel companions.

Taxes

Tax regulations vary by state. Typically, around 10% of your paycheck is withheld.
You will file your tax return using the W-2 form.

Mark only box 3.
Enter “1” in box 5.
Indicate “Non-resident alien” in box 6.

Provide the mailing address where you want your W-2 form to be sent.

Medical Insurance

Having medical/travel insurance is a J-1 visa requirement.
CCUSA is not an insurance company — we work with IMG Insurance, part of the Envisage Group.

Check your Footprints account for your insurance ID and coverage details. Review the policy carefully with your parents before departure. Any specific coverage questions should be directed to IMG.

Make copies of all your insurance documents and leave them with your parents in case of emergency.

If you get injured during camp activities, use the camp’s insurance, not the CCUSA policy.

Important Points:

Never assume you are covered until the insurance company confirms it.
Always provide your own contact information, not your camp’s.
You are responsible for completing all claim paperwork.
Do not go to an emergency room for non-emergency issues — this can cost you US $250 or more!
U.S. insurance claims can take time — be patient and follow all reimbursement steps carefully.

Life at Camp

Each camp provides an orientation covering your daily schedule, camp rules, and responsibilities as a Counselor or Support Staff.
If you need assistance during the summer, contact the CCUSA U.S. Office at 1-800-999-2267.

They work in the same time zone as your camp and can contact camp directors directly if needed.
Please note: CCUSA can only communicate with your emergency contact in case of a medical emergency — not with your parents or friends.

Visa Validation and Monthly Check-In

This is a mandatory requirement for all J-1 participants and must be done in Footprints.
Within 3 days of arriving at your camp, click “VALIDATE VISA” and enter your camp address (including your cabin name) and a U.S. phone number.

You must also complete a monthly check-in every 25-30 days.
Failure to validate or check-in can lead to program cancellation and early return to your home country.

Rules, Conduct, and Harassment

Pay close attention to all camp rules — they exist for your safety and the campers’ well-being.

Examples of reasons participants have been sent home:

Inappropriate conduct or language in front of campers.
Posting inappropriate photos on social media.
Having relationships with campers or junior counselors (minors).
Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes at camp.
Returning to camp intoxicated after your day off.
Failing a drug test or breaking curfew.
Theft or misconduct on or off duty.

If you leave camp early, your J-1 visa will be canceled, you’ll lose your remaining pay, and you’ll be responsible for a USD 1,650 fine and any related agency fees.

Remember: You are an ambassador of your country. Behave accordingly.

Emergencies

If you need help during the summer, CCUSA is just a call away:
📞 1-800-999-2267 (toll-free within the U.S.)
🌎 Outside the U.S.: +1-415-339-2728

CCUSA is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies such as:
death, hospitalization, accident, arrest, job termination, or legal matters.

Travel delays or flight issues are not considered emergencies — contact your camp directly in those cases.

Camp Visits

CCUSA staff may visit you during the summer.
The U.S. Department of State may also conduct site visits to speak with you about your experience and cultural exchange activities — this is the main goal of the program.

Cell Phone

Using your cell phone in the U.S. can be expensive — check your Footprints for exclusive CCUSA deals with J1 SIM cards and phone plans.

Ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling or buy one upon arrival.
International roaming can be very costly — check your local carrier’s rates.

📝 Note: Some resources and videos on this page are in Spanish for our Mexico participants.