For those of you who know Camp Friendship, you will know that we are diverse by design. Each summer since 1966 we have proudly welcomed campers and counselors from all over the world to our overnight summer camp in Virginia.
Impact of “Buy American and Hire American” on summer camps
Unfortunately, in the near
The elimination of these programs, specifically the J-1 Camp Counselor Visa and J-1 Summer Work Travel Visa, would devastate summer camps all over the US and present huge reductions in American jobs. Not to mention the loss of vitality in local economies and missed connections for American youth.
International workers meet camps’ hiring need
Camps that participate in these cultural exchange programs do so because there are not enough American students and workers to fill camp jobs.
At least 66% of all American overnight camps hire international participants each summer, making up between 10.9% and 19.7% of their staff team.
To counter the argument that the J-1 Camp Counselor Visa takes jobs away from Americans, American Camp Association (ACA) explains that “Many camps are located in remote and rural areas with low unemployment. Camps must compete with local businesses, internships, and summer educational programs in order to find staff willing to work during the short camp season.”
Diverse coworkers enrich the staff experience
Every year we witness the impact that working at a summer camp has on our staff. We see a tremendous amount of growth from their initial interview to their last day at camp. We see our camp counselors form close friendships, make travel plans, exchange ideas, discuss values and share cultures on every topic imaginable: school systems, sports teams, the differences between a biscuit and a cookie.
Our counselors (and our campers!) learn hands-on about different cultures and as a
Cultural exchange programs promote campers’ cultural sensitivity and curiosity
Cultural exchange programs are essential to the operation of Camp Friendship and many others. Beyond that, we see first-hand the impact of the cultural exchange on our American campers.
All of a sudden, campers develop new perspectives. New goals take hold—to travel the world and meet up with camp friends, learn more about different cultures, taste new foods, and see new sights. Summer camp could be the first time they are exposed to the notion of becoming a global citizen. We all know the world needs more people that promote kindness and acceptance.
In fact, Camp Friendship was founded on the notion of bringing children together from all over the world. Our aim is to provide a safe space for kids to learn and grow in peace. International camp counselors holding J-1 visas only strengthen this mission with the experiences they bring to share with our campers.
Our staff members help campers understand why differences make us special and why they should be celebrated. At Camp Friendship it never matters where you are from, but in the same way, it matters immensely.
How YOU can help
As a part of our camp and global community, we ask you to join us in support of this cause:
Learn more.
The State Department has established Route J-1 (#RouteJ1) to showcase the impact the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program has had on thousands of young participants.
ACA also has a number of resources for you to learn more about the J-1 Visa and why it’s important.
Share your story!
Let people know how you have been positively impacted by Camp Friendship’s international diversity. Whether you are a camper, parent, staff member or cultural exchange participant, we would love for you to add your story to an online review, email us, or email ACA directly.
Write to your representatives.
The American Camp Association has pre-written letters that makes it easy to support the cause by simply copying and pasting.
We know that camp is great for kids.
We believe that a camp that celebrates all forms of diversity adds even more magic to the camp experience. J-1 visa counselors are a key part of our mission. Thank you for believing in what we do and for helping us to continue to do what matters.
