AN i-NET BULLETIN FOR TAKING TIME OUT FOR A GAP YEAR ABROAD
The Gap Year Bulletin

Winter 2005/06
Current Issue


Summer Camp Counsellor in Russia

Organisation:
CCUSA

Location:
Russia

Details:
Every summer thousands of children head off for camps across Russia, from the shores of Lake Baikal to the beaches of the Black Sea. Each camp has its own philosophy, but all provide children a place to relax while having fun in an outdoor setting. In many ways, these camps resemble those in the United States and Canada, usually located in rural settings, miles away from the nearest town.

For thirteen years CCUSA have offered this adventurous, challenging program to those who want to work as a counselor in a Russian summer youth camp for four to eight weeks from June through August.

As a counselor, you are a teacher, a leader and a friend to a group of children between the ages of eight and 16. You are responsible for the safety and well being of your campers and for giving them the time of their lives. Spending most of the day outdoors, counselors perform a wide variety of duties and each day brings something new. By the end of the summer, you will have discovered a lot about Russian culture and yourself.

CCUSA strongly advise that this programme is rigorous. You may experience culture shock and physical stress due to changes in diet and other factors specific to the climate and location of each camp. This is not a holiday, but with the right attitude it can be the most rewarding experience of your life.

You receive free room and board throughout the program. These are considered volunteer positions because you are paid the same as your fellow Russian counselors, which may only work out to be a very small stipend.

Eligibility:
To meet the requirements to be eligible for Camp Counselors Russia you must:

  • genuinely like children and have some experience working with them
  • be at least 18 years of age by June 1st
  • speak or have a desire to learn Russian
  • be outgoing and happy with a great sense of humour
  • be conscientious, co-operative and hard-working
  • adapt well to new situations
  • be patient and flexible

Cost:
£95 application fee, £700 acceptance payment, £25 pm insurance (optional).

CCUSA will provide the following benefits to help make your experience a success:

  • Placement at a Russian camp with (shared) full room and board
  • Roundtrip travel to Moscow (UK, US & Dutch participants only)
  • Staff handbook
  • Pre-departure meeting or phone session
  • Processing of your Russian visa
  • Overnight Orientation Session in Moscow, including room and board and city tour
  • Round trip transportation between Moscow and your Russian camp
  • Pocket money from the camp (usually 1000 rubles per month)
  • Support throughout the program through offices in your home country and Moscow
  • CCUSA eKit Card - Global Phone Card

Departure Dates:
The application deadline for 2006 is April 1st. Departures in June and July.

Contact:
Camp Counselors USA
171/177 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PQ, UK
020 7637 0779
www.ccusa.com

GAP YEARS WORLDWIDE +++ TEFL JOBS IN CHINA +++ COMMUNITY WORK INDIA +++ INTERNSHIPS
SUMMER CAMP COUNSELORS USA +++ VOLUNTARY WORK IN SPAIN +++ CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN PERU
TEACHING IN NEPAL +++ MEDIA PLACEMENTS IN BOLIVIA +++ SUMMER JOBS +++ VOLUNTEER TRAVEL