Internationalymca

3. Welcome to the YMCA’s International Camp Counselor Program (ICCP). We are very pleased to be sponsoring your stay in the United States. You are coming to the United States for two very important reasons: To learn everything you can about life in the United States and about yourself. Most participants tell us that they learn more about themselves and their own values than about any other topic while in the program. To share your experiences and knowledge about life outside the United States. This may be more important than you realize. Your stay in the United States will help those whom you meet better understand the differences and similarities in our practices, values, and beliefs.

4. As an ICCP-sponsored camp counselor or other staff member, you will be part of a group of over 3,000 ICCP participants from more than 80 countries who will be working in United States camps this summer. YMCA Values As a participant in a YMCA program, you will be a role model to everyone with whom you have contact. Whether or not your training site is a YMCA, you are a participant in a YMCA program. As such, you are expected to model positive values. Caring: To love others; to be sensitive to the well being of others; to help others. Honesty: To tell the truth; to act in such a way that one is worthy of trust; to have integrity to make sure one’s actions match one’s values. Respect: To treat others, as you would have them treat you; to value the worth of every person, including yourself. Responsibility: To do what you ought to do; to be accountable for your behavior and obligations. We encourage you to accept the challenge!

5. Terms and Conditions of Your J-1 Visa • The J-1 Visa is given to Exchange Visitors. It is issued with the understanding that at the end of the program you will return to your country to continue promoting international understanding.• Under the terms of the program, you are allowed to serve as a staff person at a summer camp.• The visa does not allow you to engage in any other employment while in the USA.• The government regulations implemented in 1994 limit your visa to a maximum stay of four months. Your J-1 Visa cannot be extended.• The DS-2019 form sent to you by the International YMCA must be with your passport in order for your J-1 Visa to be valid. If you lose the DS-2019 form, you should contact the International YMCA immediately for a replacement. The International YMCA charges a fee to replace lost DS-2019 forms. The dates on the DS-2019 form governs the length of your stay, not the dates on the J-1 visa in your passport.

6. Document checklist: You must bring your DS-2019 form for the J-1 Visa to be valid. The immigration officer will scan the DS-2019 form and return to you with a white I-94 entry form. Keep your DS-2019 and your I-94 with your passport while you are in the United States. Form I-94 indicates the place and date of your admission to the U.S. and shows the period of your authorized stay. Note the red stamp on the form. The letters “D/S” should be written. This stands for “Duration of Stay.” It means that you can stay until the expiration date on your DS-2019 form plus 30 days for travel. During the 30-day travel period, you may be a tourist in the United States, but you may not work. The United States immigration officer at your point of entry has the final say on whether you can enter the United States, so it is advisable to have available proof of your agreement with the host institution when you pass through customs.

7. Document checklist: Alert: Transit visas: Some nationalities may need a transit visa if they are transiting through other countries (i.e. Italy- Germany). You need to apply for this transit visa before you leave your home country. If you are not certain whether you need it or need information on how to apply for one you should check with the consulate for that particular country. Exit Visas: In addition to your J-1 Visa, some countries require that residents who are traveling abroad apply for exit visas some weeks before the intended travel date.

8. Document checklist: Placement Notice: Camp, contact info., position hired for, start/end dates, arrival airport. Domestic Travel Instructions: You must know how you are getting to camp before departing to the U.S. Social Security letter: You must apply for the social security card upon arrival to camp. Keep copy of receipt. This will enable you to get paid. Urgent Reminder: Make copies of your passport and DS-2019 to leave at home with your designated emergency contact in case these are lost or stolen while traveling.

9. Commitments of the Regular Program and the Work/Travel Participant The participant agrees to: Fulfill the conditions as stated on the ICCP application. Attest to the accuracy of information given in the dossier. Promptly sign and return a copy of the Camp Staff Contract. Notify ICCP of arrival to camp within 15 days of start date on the DS-2019 form Fill out and submit Travel Itinerary form to ICCP and make sure that ICCP has your updated after camp travel plans. Fulfill the job responsibilities as outlined. Complete the length of service as described in the Camp Staff Contract Reimburse employer for a pro rata amount of the ICCP service fee in the event of early departure. Accept the terms of the Exchange Visitor Visa: to work only in camp and to return home no later than the expiration date of the visa. Assume responsibility for transportation from camp to the point of departure, and for all financial needs from the close of camp until the departure flight. Maintain sickness and accident insurance that meets United States government regulations during the entire stay in the USA.

10. Illegal and Inappropriate Behavior: NO Alcohol at Camp Drinking and Driving Smoking Drugs, controlled or Illegal Substance Abuse Violation of these regulations will result in immediate termination from the program and possibly prosecution by the law.

11. Sexual Harassment: No means no  Sexual harassment is not limited to physical contact. It occurs any time an individual is uncomfortable with another’s approaches, discussions, or comments. Sexual Harassment is a crime, and could result in your being fired from your job, arrested, charged, going to court, serving jail time and being deported. One of the greatest cultural differences between the United States and other countries is the understanding of what is sexual harassment. There will probably be other staff you will be attracted to and interested in, and this is perfectly natural, because you will be spending a lot of time with others and working closely with them. What you do with that interest and how you handle it, however, is something you should think carefully about, because the other person may not be interested in you, and not want you to express your interest.

12. Child Abuse The United States has very strong laws regarding the abuse of children. You will learn more about what is considered physical or emotional abuse in the state in which your camp is located at staff training. You may find that what is considered an acceptable action in your country is considered child abuse in the USA.

13. Here are some simple precautions, which you should always practice and follow: Always be in view of others. If you need to speak with a child alone, do so in an area where you are in view of others. Do not allow campers into private staff areas. Do not let campers into staff housing areas; staff meeting rooms, storage rooms, etc. Know your camp’s procedure for handling discipline. If you do not understand how your camp handles discipline by the end of staff training, ask your camp director. Be aware of what information you share. It is not unusual for children to imagine romantic relationships with camp staff members. So, use discretion with what information you share, especially as regards details about your private life. Report and/or record suspicious or unusual observations. If a child is acting in a way you consider unusual, report this behavior to your supervisor. Keep a written record of your observations. In rare occasions, parents may accuse you of being the person who caused the behavior. Your reported observations will help you protect yourself from unfair accusations. Supervise private activities in pairs. If you are supervising children during times when they are changing clothes, putting on bathing suits, taking showers, or otherwise using the bathroom, make sure another counselor, who is of the same gender as the children, is with you. Do not force your attention on a child. It may be common for you to want to hug or touch a child who is hurt or homesick. Before you do, make sure the child understands your action. Never be alone with a child.

14. Problems during your stay: If you decide to leave before the end of your program or if you are terminated by your host site, the International YMCA sponsorship of your visa will also be terminated. If you are terminated from your assignment your Camp Director/Supervisor will ask you to leave the grounds immediately, not giving you much time to pack. You will not be allowed to say good-bye to campers or friends.

15. If you are fired from camp… You must contact ICCP immediately for the following: Discuss the reasons for your termination Ensure that you receive your pro-rata pocket money from the time that you have worked until the Point of termination. Make sure that we know your exact whereabouts when you leave your placement site and assist you on where to stay. Discuss the possibility of re-assignment. Under no circumstances should you leave your assignment without first contacting ICCP. Such a decision could cause you to be dismissed from the program and have your visa cancelled

16. How to contact ICCP… If your dismissal is outside normal working hours, find a local place to stay and notify ICCP on the emergency number (1-917) 273-8964. Do not travel to New York until instructed to by an ICCP director. Once you are off site you are financially responsible for all associated expenses including food, accommodation and travel Depending on the cause for dismissal you will: Be re-assigned to another camp/conference center (depending on availability and a positive reference from your prior supervisor). Be responsible to finance your immediate return flight from the US.

17. Emergencies When things go wrong it is normal to assume the world is about to end. Please resist the temptation of calling home right away Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. call the International YMCA 1-888- 477-9622. This number is free of charge. ICCP Emergency number: 1-917-817-1750. This is for emergencies only.

18. Your Job at Camp Camping is an American tradition and a YMCA tradition that dates back to the 1860’s Every summer in the United States, over 12,000 organized youth camps cater to 10 million children. ICCP works with hundreds of these camps Most camps are on the outskirts of the city, thereby, providing a primitive “wilderness” experience for urban children.

19. Types of Camps  American camps divide the summer into sessions. In most camps, campers have the option of taking part in sessions of one, two, four or eight weeks.   Overnight/Resident: located in rural areas away from the town and transportation. Campers and staff stay at the camp, experiencing a full schedule of activities during the day and sleeping in cabins or tents at night. There is very little free time or privacy. Most of the camps are resident camps. Some resident camps offer day camp programs. Girl Scout Camps: They are highly scheduled, and serve young girls. The staff and campers live in platform tents, and living conditions are generally rustic. Wilderness Camping: Many overnight camps have trip and/or biking programs. The staff working in these areas will take groups of children away from camp for hiking, canoeing or just tent camping for many days. YMCA Camps: The YMCA is a Christian organization.  Although it does not belong to any specific denomination, prayers and worship may be part of the camp’s activities. YMCA Camps serve their communities by promoting positive values through their programs that are open to all. Religious: Operated by religiously affiliated organizations, these camps provide a broad range of outdoor activities within the framework of promoting positive life values based on the religion’s particular traditions.

20. Types of Camps Underprivileged: At these camps, children referred by social service organizations are given the opportunity to experience positive, outdoor activities outside the troubled urban environments in which they live. Special Needs (Physically, Mentally and Developmentally Challenged): At these camps, children and adults with physical limitations and/or learning disabilities are provided special attention and facilities to make it possible for them to enjoy a wide range of camp activities and to achieve their fullest potential. Working with special populations in a summer camp environment can be physically and emotionally demanding. However, it is one of the most rewarding experiences. Conference Center: Some ICCP participants are placed at conference centers. Conference centers differ from camps in that they offer educational activities to primarily adult populations. ICCP participants assigned to conference centers are those who have applied for kitchen, office, maintenance, and housekeeping positions. Day: These camps are usually located in urban settings. Campers arrive at camp each morning and return home in the afternoon. In most cases, international staff members live with “host families” and are able to experience United States community life.

21. Job Descriptions General/ Cabin Counselor: Counselors can make the difference in a child’s experience because they fulfill the most important role at camp-In Loco Parentis. This Latin term, meaning “in place of parents,” represents the counselor’s greatest responsibility in the cabin. Parents turn over the care of their children to the counselors and it is expected that you rise to the occasion in every respect.

22. Job Descriptions Program Specialists: Many ICCP participants are employed as program specialists, working as lifeguards, art and crafts teachers, horse-riding instructors, trip leaders, etc. If your camp director notifies you that your job will be in a specific area of the camp program, be sure to bring to the United States original copies of any formal certification you have that relates to your role. Most states have strong regulations regarding the training and experience program specialists must have. This is particularly true of waterfront workers and trip leaders. Your camp director may also ask you to bring special clothing if you are a trip leader. If you have not received a letter from your camp director, write and ask for advice on what to bring and what to leave at home.

23. Job Descriptions The resident summer camp requires many parts to run successfully. The counselors and specialists have the primary responsibility of caring for the children, while the Support Staff are critical to the overall efficiency of the operation of camp. Food Service: The Kitchen Staff rise early in the morning to get ready for Breakfast, and their day usually finishes after Dinner clean up. Kitchen Staff work in food prep, cooking, cleaning and service. Kitchen Aid/Dishwasher: This person is responsible to the food service manager.

24. Job Descriptions Maintenance: This position is responsible for attending to the camp’s physical plant and facilities. With the assistance of the full time care-taking Staff, the maintenance workers make repairs around camp, handle upkeep and appearance of the area, work on building projects and perform other similar duties. Laundry: This position is responsible for washing camper’s and staff clothes Office: Camp maintains an office on site, which coordinates all of the camp’s communication, materials, scheduling and other needs, making the office a very demanding place. Your job will be to answer the phones, type letters and act as receptionist. Your English must be excellent for this position. No matter what position international staff members hold at camp, one thing never changes: the main concern for everyone is to meet the needs of the camper. Everyone at camp works to ensure the safety and well being of the campers. Camp rules apply to everyone.

25. Tax Information: United States Taxes As a nonresident alien participant on a J-1 Visa program, you are exempt from paying United States Social Security and Federal Unemployment taxes. However, the stipend you earn at camp may be subject to the income taxes of the United States government and the community and state in which your camp is located. If so, a small amount will be withheld from your pay. This is sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by your employer until you apply for a tax return. What to Expect You are taxed as a nonresident alien on a J-1 Visa. However, you are eligible for one personal exemption of about $3,000, so not all of your stipend is taxable. Please confirm the personal exemption figure, as this change yearly. Upon arriving at camp, you will need to fill out various tax information forms which will determine how much tax you will have withheld from your pay.

26. Tax Information: Filling out the W-4 Form All ICCP participants must fill out IRS Form W-4 within 3 days of being added to the payroll. Non-resident aliens (that’s you) should fill out the form as follows: In box 3 the participant should check off “Single” regardless of actual marital status. If you are expecting to earn more than $3,000 in the United States this year, you should indicate that an additional $7.60/week is to be withheld. This will avoid your having to pay additional taxes at the end of the year.

27. Tax Information: Filing a United States Tax Return United States law requires that every employer provide each employee with a Form W-2 showing the income earned and taxes withheld during the calendar year. These forms are sent out before the end of January of the following year. You can expect your Form W-2 to be mailed the following January. The Form W-2 is used with a Form 1040NR to file your United States tax return. Before you leave the United States, you should get a Form 1040NR from the Internal Revenue Service. You will have until April 15 of the following year of your participation to file your income tax return. Instructions on how to fill out the 1040NR and where to send it are found in IRS Publication 519. You can expect anything you read from the IRS to be extremely confusing. You can find help from the IRS officer at the United States embassy in your country. After you send your completed Form 1040NR to the IRS, you can expect to receive a United States Treasury check in a few months for any overpayment of taxes owed to you. If you have trouble cashing this check, contact the United States embassy. Government Forms and Publications – and Where/How to Get Them All IRS forms and publications can be ordered in the United States by calling: 800–TAX FORM (800-829-3676) or can be downloaded from the web site: www.irs.gov

28. Accident Sickness Insurance As an ICCP participant you are covered by sickness and accident insurance while in the United States. Your ICCP Insurance will begin one day before you enter the United States up to 12 weeks. If you stay in the United States after 12 weeks, you must contact ICCP to request the four weeks of additional insurance. There is a US$10.00 dollars deductible (this is the amount you pay every time you visit a doctor) Your ICCP Insurance won’t cover: Any illness or condition that begins before your arrival in the United States is not covered by insurance in the USA. Dental care- Do your check up before leaving your home country Eye care Pregnancy .If you discover that you are pregnant you must notify your supervisor and ICCP and you must withdraw from the program. Other important information If you plan to travel during the 30 days after your visa end date you must purchase additional insurance. If you are hurt while working as part of your job, the placement site’s Worker’s Compensation plan should provide insurance. Your host institution knows how to handle this. If you become ill, or are hurt while not working, your insurance is provided by ICCP . There is a $100,000 limit per accident or illness with this insurance. Bring any prescription you have for eye glasses or contact lenses. Be sure to read the insurance form in detail to understand what is, and what is not covered.

29. Accident Sickness Insurance Medical Treatment If you need to see a doctor or visit a clinic: Take the medical claim form with you. Most clinics and hospitals will not treat you until you can prove with the claim form that you have insurance. You will need to pay $10 the first time a doctor treats you for each accident or illness. This is called the “deductible” and is not paid by the insurance company. Sign the medical claim form and leave it with the doctor, clinic, or hospital before you leave. Make a copy of the original claim form. If you have Internet access you can download a copy of the claim form from our Web site: www.ymcaiccp.org. The claim form is sent directly to the insurance company by the doctor, clinic, or hospital. If you forget to leave the claim form, you could become responsible for the cost of the medical treatment beyond the deductible. This could cost you thousands of dollars! Medical care in the United States is very expensive. Remembering what you need and where things are when you are ill can be difficult. Keep a medical claim form and $10 with your passport. You will have everything you need in one place.

30. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a Support Staff and a Camp Counselor? Support Staff: is a full time student to be placed in a non-program position Camp Counselor: works directly with children in a program position Camp Counselors cannot be placed as Support or vice versa. This is a violation of the J-1 Visa regulations Can ICCP participants travel to other countries? Yes, This is permissible if the following conditions are met: The current J-1 visa stamped into the participant’s passport is not marked “1”, “one”, or “single” under the word “entry”. The travel time is within the dates on the DS-2019 form. A letter from the supervisor on your agency's letterhead is sent to YMCA International Branch giving the specific dates the participant will be out of the US. DS-2019 form is sent to ICCP at least two weeks before the intended trip. A self-addressed-stamped envelope should be included. Can the Camp Counselor / Support staff J-1 Visa be extended? No

31. Frequently Asked Questions What to do if I get fired or have to leave my camp early? You must contact the ICCP office immediately. If you fail to do this we are required by the Government regulations to terminate your J-1 Visa status How long can I stay in the U.S with a J-1 Visa? Until the Last day on the DS-2019 plus 30 days What if I lose the DS-2019? Upon written request, ICCP will replace it for a $50 fee Can I work during the 30 days travel period? No How do I obtain additional insurance? (www.ymcaiccp.org)

32. Frequently Asked Questions Can I work after my original camp assignment is complete? What is the last day that I can legally work in the United States? Can a camp director require that I leave the U.S. prior to the end of camp? What is the best way to have a great summer?

33. TRUE OR FALSE Resident camps only operate during the day, and campers and staff go home at night._____ American camps follow a standardized national daily schedule._____ ICCP only serves YMCA camps and centers._____ Staff at day camps generally has more free time than resident camp staff._____ Day camp staff is usually housed in an inexpensive hotel._____ Being a cabin counselor is a simple and routine job._____ If you are having a lot of difficulty with a camper or a situation, you should discuss the problem with your supervisor or camp director as soon as possible._____ Camps are required to try to accommodate children with special needs (those who are physically or developmentally challenged)._____ Only a small percentage of American children attend some kind of summer camp._____ It is acceptable to use physical punishment when a child behaves in a very aggressive or dangerous manner._____