How do camp interviews work?
When a camp is interested in hiring you, they will arrange an interview. This is a conversation between you and the Camp Director (or a senior staff member) to see if you are a good fit for each other. It is a two-way process: they want to learn about you, and you should use it to learn about the camp.
Most camp interviews are conducted over video call. The conversation will be slightly more formal than your Camp Leaders interview, but it is still a friendly chat. Be prepared, be professional, but most importantly, be yourself.
How will a camp contact me to schedule an interview?
Camps may contact you in several ways:
Book an interview directly through the Camp Leaders platform
Ask you to use a scheduling tool like Calendly
Message you through the platform to arrange a time
Camp directors are based in the US, so their emails might go to your spam folder. Check your spam regularly, and also check the messaging feature in your Camp Leaders profile as they may contact you there.
Check your messages regularly and respond promptly. Camp directors are often filling positions quickly and appreciate fast replies. If you have been On Review and have not heard from the camp, do not wait too long to reach out. Check your profile for the time remaining on your review, and send the camp a polite, friendly message through your profile to introduce yourself and show your enthusiasm.
Remember that there will be a time difference between your location and the US. Keep this in mind when scheduling your interview and be flexible with timing.
How should I prepare for a camp interview?
Be on time. Arrive 5 minutes early to make a good impression. Most camps use video call platforms like Whereby, which may ask you to knock before entering. The camp might not answer immediately if they are finishing another interview
Choose a quiet, indoor space with good lighting. Avoid being outdoors where sound quality might be poor. Camps will see your surroundings during the video call, so find a clean, tidy space or use background blur
Research the camp beforehand using their profile on the platform and their website. Camp directors appreciate when candidates show they have taken the time to learn about their camp
Review your own Camp Leaders profile before the interview. Camp directors often use your profile to guide their questions, so make sure you are familiar with what you have written in your Skills and All About Me sections
Prepare to talk about your skills, experience, and why camp excites you
Think about what kind of role and camp environment would suit you best
Have questions ready to ask about the camp and the role. Keep a pen and paper handy to note down questions as they come to mind during the conversation
Be yourself and let your enthusiasm show. Smile, be friendly, and stay engaged. With remote interviews, clear body language and a warm attitude are especially important
Speak clearly and maintain eye contact
Wear appropriate clothing. This is not a formal event, but you are interviewing for a job. Clean, neat clothing works best
Should I check my social media before the interview?
Yes. Camp directors often look at candidates' social media profiles before or after interviews. Take a moment to review your public accounts and make sure anything visible looks professional and represents you well. A quick tidy-up can go a long way.
What are camp directors looking for?
Camp directors want to see that you are enthusiastic about working with children and being part of camp life. They are looking for people who are friendly, approachable, and willing to get stuck in.
During the interview, directors will often ask about the skills and experience you have listed on your Camp Leaders profile, your motivation for going to camp, and how you would handle different situations with campers. They want to get a feel for your personality and how you would fit into their team.
You do not need to have all the answers or extensive experience. What matters most is your attitude, your willingness to learn, and your genuine interest in the camp.
What questions should I ask the camp?
This is your chance to find out if the camp is right for you. Good questions to ask include:
What does a typical day look like for this role?
What kind of training is provided before campers arrive?
What is the housing like for staff?
How many international staff does the camp hire?
What are the time off arrangements?
What activities is the camp known for?
What ages are the campers?
Do not be afraid to ask practical questions. The more you know about the camp, the better your decision will be.
What happens after the interview?
If the interview goes well, the camp may offer you a placement. This will appear as a placement offer on your Camp Leaders profile. Take time to review your role and responsibilities, start and end dates, and pocket money details before accepting.
If the camp decides not to move forward, your status will return to Visible and other camps will be able to put you On Review.
Being On Review and not getting offered a placement is completely normal. It is common for participants to be On Review several times before finding the right match. You might receive an offer from your first interview, or it might take several before you find the right camp. Do not be discouraged.
Do I have to wait for camps to find me?
No. You can take the lead by heading to the Camps section of your profile, browsing available camps, and requesting an interview directly. If a camp has open interview slots, you can book one straight away. If not, you can still send a request and they can suggest times if they would like to meet you. Adding a short, personal cover note explaining why you are interested can make a real difference.