J-1

PARTICIPANT

PRE- DEPARTURE
ORIENTATION
BOOKLET

Hey, Wild Packer! Your American Summer camp adventure is almost here! However, before you
depart for camp there are a lot of important guidelines that you need to be aware of. This pre-
departure orientation booklet contains important information that you must read, review and
understand.

In order to have a fantastic experience at camp you need to be fully prepared and organised before
heading to the States. This booklet will help you to understand the details of your J-1 visa, what you
need to know about entering, living in, and leaving America, and provide you with some advice
about what to expect at camp.

It is required that you read through this booklet and send us

a signed (can be digital) copy of:
the last page of the this document- the Confirmation
Page (page 16). Please email it to docs@wildpacks.com

If you have any questions about the material outlined then please call us on: 01383 435 991. We are
more than happy to go through anything you need us to!
 Important Organisations
You will know all about Wild Packs but it is important to know about our partner organisation
who you may be in contact with over the summer.

Wild Packs are an International Summer Camp Recruitment and

Placement Agency. Since you made an application, we have assisted
you through the whole process by interviewing you, helping you to
produce the best application possible, sending your application off
to suitable camps that we work with, confirming your placement at
one of our camps, collating your important visa documents, sending
off for your visa sponsorship forms and booking you an Embassy
Interview appointment. We are here at each stage of the process
and our offices are open over the summer whilst you are at camp.
However, our American partners, IENA will be on hand to assist you
with any issues whilst you are in the US.

IENA (International Exchange of North America) are a designated US

State Department J-1 visa sponsor for Camp Counselor and Work
and Travel programs. Only designated sponsors can issue DS-
2019 forms, which enable participants to obtain a J-1 visa. Wild Packs
work closely with IENA in order to make sure each of our participants
has the correct documentation to work in the USA. IENA also act as
your stateside support if anything was to go wrong at camp during
the summer. Their number is 1-888-724-4292 EXT 4; this number is
toll free in the US and the number is monitored twenty four hours a
day, every day. You must only call this number if you have a serious
issue at camp, specifically if your contract is terminated early or you
need to leave camp. We have included their number in the pack we
posted out to you with your visa paperwork, it’s on the business
card.
 J-1 VISA

In order for you to legally work in America and participate in the Summer Camp program, you need
to obtain a J-1 visa. By this point, you should have already attended an Embassy Appointment to get
the visa approved OR you will be waiting to attend your booked appointment. If not, please email
ella@wildpacks.co.uk ASAP. The visa will be stamped into your passport and returned to you around
a week to ten days after your Embassy appointment. This is an extremely important document so
please do not damage it whilst it is in your passport.

A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to exchange visitors participating in
programs that promote cultural exchange. It is defined as: “An Exchange Visitor visa for individuals
to participate in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs”. The categories of the J-1 which
are related to camp are ‘Summer Camp Counsellor’ and ‘Summer Work and Travel’ (All Support
Staff). The J-1 programs are classed as CULTURAL EXCHANGE programs.

The Camp Counselor program enables post-secondary students, youth workers, and teachers to
share their culture and ideas with the people of the United States in camp settings throughout the
country. The requirements for Summer Camp Counselor visa participants are as follows:

• Participants must be at least 18 years old

• Participants must speak proficient English
• They must be a foreign post-secondary student, youth worker, teacher or individual with
specialized skills

J-1 visitors may remain in the United States until the end of their exchange program, as specified on
their DS-2019 form. Once a J-1 visitor's program ends, he or she may remain in the United States for
an additional 30 days, in order to prepare for departure from the country. This is often referred to as
a "grace period". This is not printed on your visa.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NOT NEED TO GET AN ESTA or a

tourist visa!! You will not be entering the US as a tourist. You
are entering on your J1 cultural exchange visa.
 Before you fly!!

Once you have received your J-1 visa, you can make the final preparations needed before you get on
your flight.

• If you haven’t done so yet, then you will need to book your flight. If you would like to book
with our flight partners STA you can find their information here- via our online enquiry
form- https://businesstravel.statravel.co.uk/wild-packs.htm, call them on 03333 213102 or
email wildpacks@statravel.com and STA will get back to you. Please confirm with your
camp your expected arrival date, time and location before you book your arrival and
departing flights. Please also add it to the placement page on your Wild Packs dashboard.
• Make copies of all of your important documents: DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, visa (in your
passport), Passport picture page, medical insurance card. As well as making copies to take
with you to America, we recommend to leave a copy at your UK home address and also to
email a copy to yourself. This way, if you lose or damage any of the important
documentation, you still have copies available in a number of locations!
• Confirm your arrival details with your camp. Who is picking you up? What is their name and
contact number? Are you making your own way to camp? If so, how are you getting there?
Print off any bus/train timetables you may need. If somebody from camp is coming to pick
you up please make sure you give them the details of your flight, in case there are delays in
your travel.
• Take any other important supporting documents with you, including your Police Background
Check document and any medical reports.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NOT NEED TO GET AN ESTA!! You are entering on your J1 cultural
exchange visa.

Travel Documents
Please make sure you look after the following documents, and keep them with you at all
times when travelling to and from America this summer, these are vital going through the
border.
• Your passport with the visa
• DS-2019 form – says Certificate of Eligibility at the top
YOU MUST TAKE THIS WITH YOU!! PLEASE DON’T THROW IT AWAY OR MISPLACE IT WHEN IT COMES BACK TO
YOU IN YOUR PASSPORT FROM THE US EMBASSY. IF YOU FORGET THIS YOU WILL ONLY HAVE 14 DAYS TO GET
A NEW ONE ONCE IN AMERICA.

• Medical Insurance Information

• J-1 sponsor emergency contact information (IENA details can be found in this
pack and your original Visa Pack)
We also recommend that you keep the following in a folder in your hand luggage:
• Employment contract with the name and address of your camp and camp director
• Any other documentation provided to you by your camp

Please do not include any of the above documents in your baggage that is checked in at the airport!
If you do so, you will be unable to present the documents as you enter America. As a result you may not be
able to enter the country. Be sure to keep all of your documentation in your hand luggage or on your person
at all times.
 Entering the United States

What will happen when I reach the United States Border?

You will go through an initial inspection with a Customs and Border Protection Officer. All visitors
entering the United States must state their reason for wishing to enter the country. You will also be
asked to provide information about your final destination. It is important that you tell the inspector
that you will be working in the US for the summer as an Exchange Visitor and that you are on a J-1
visa. The inspector will check the documentation in your passport. Be prepared to provide the name
and address of your camp director.

US-VISIT

All non-immigrant visitors holding any type of visa to work in the United States will participate in the
US-VISIT, a comprehensive registration tracking system for entries to and exits from the United
States. The program involves obtaining a scan of two index fingerprints and a digital photograph.
This will be taken by the officer at Customs.

Check In Requirements

Wild Packs will contact your camp director the day after you are scheduled to arrive on camp. We
have to legally verify your arrival in the SEVIS system and this officially validates your J-1 visa. We
have up to 10 days from the start date on your contract and DS-2019 form to do this but we will
make sure we do this straight away. Please check in with your camp director or leadership team to
make sure that you have been verified. If you have arrived at camp early then we are unable to
validate you until your official start date on your DS-2019. You cannot begin working until this start
date, so let us know if you plan on arriving at camp early.

Communication

You must provide Wild Packs with a valid and current email address so that we can reach you by
email if we need to communicate with you over the summer.

Serious problems/Emergencies

If you have a serious problem whilst in America, for example with your J-1 visa, entry into the US or
if you lose your position on camp then you must contact our visa partners and program sponsors
IENA. They are your stateside support and work alongside Wild Packs. Their number is 1-888-724-
4292 EXT 4; this number is toll free in the US and the number is monitored twenty four hours a day,
every day.
 The W4, I9 and Social Security Forms

When you arrive at camp your camp will take you through a couple of important forms which you
need to complete, as you may have to pay tax whilst you are working at camp.

You must obtain a Social Security Card, if you do not already have one. Your camp may ask you to
also complete the I9 Employment Verification Form, W2 and the W4 Tax Form.

What are these forms?

W2 and W4 tax forms - Complete this form so that your employer can process the correct federal
and/or state income tax from your pay.

I9 - The Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 is a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
form. It is used by an employer to verify an employee's identity and to establish that the worker is
eligible to accept employment in the United States.

All J-1 camp staff are required to obtain a Social Security Number. The camp should provide you with
the correct forms (SS5) and we have also included an example in our Visa Pack, along with some
instructions on how to fill it out. The forms are also available at www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf
Some camp directors arrange for a Social Security staff member to visit camp during orientation to
process applications but most will send you and all other international J-1 staff members on a group
trip to the nearest Social Security office. The Social Security Card will be mailed to the address you
list on the SS5 form (your camp address). It can take anywhere from 2-12 weeks to receive your
Social Security Card, however, you are still legally allowed to work at camp.

Your camp must have let Wild Packs know that you have arrived so that we can validate your
arrival in the SEVIS system (see above section on Check In requirements). You will not be able to
apply for a Social Security card/number if your arrival and Visa have not been validated.

When you go to the Social Security office, you must have identification so be sure to take your
passport with you. You must also show them the visa stamped into your passport, your camp
contract and DS-2019 form. You will also need to take your I-94 form to the social security office.
You will be emailed the instructions on how to access this before you depart for camp. The paper
I-94 form has now been abolished and replaced with an electronic version which applicants or
employers can print out by following the links on this page:
http://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/i-94-instructions . If you haven’t remembered to
print this out before you leave then your camp will also be able to do this for you. They must wait
a minimum of 48 hours following the validation of their Visa and printing their I-94 before
attempting to apply for Social Security. Camp have access to all this information.

Please do not worry too much about these forms! Someone will be on hand at camp to help you!
 Medical Insurance and Emergencies

The exchange visitor program requires all participants to have medical insurance coverage throughout
their stay in the US. Medical insurance is provided through your sponsor IENA, covering the dates you
have pre-selected. Please note that the medical insurance issued does not cover some pre-existing
conditions. Check the policy to see if you are covered thoroughly before departure.

Before you leave you should download the IENA medical Policy details and your Insurance ID Card.
You will be emailed about this when it is available to download. Before you leave for America please
familiarise yourself with your medical policy. You should carry your insurance ID card with you at all
times, especially when off camp. Save their phone number in your phone too!

Most camps will have a nurse and medical centre and can address minor issues such as colds and
cuts. The medical staff should be fully trained and can offer you in-house respite to your
injuries/condition. If the medical team at camp thinks you are in need of medical attention at a local
emergency room or doctors, it will be worth contacting your insurance company before seeking out
any treatment for minor injuries or illness. The insurance providers will also help you to locate the
nearest facilities available to you if you are struggling to locate them. They will help you in the best
way possible.

Unless you are seriously ill or injured you should not go to A + E, the emergency room or Urgent
Care without calling your insurance provider first, and then awaiting their instructions.

For life threatening emergencies call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 911 emergency
services are available from all landlines, even if it is a payphone. The 911 service should only be used
in case of emergencies as response by local authorities is mandatory. Individuals who abuse the 911
services can be fined or prosecuted.

If you’re planning post camp travel we strongly recommend you extend your medical insurance with
to cover this time, and ideally take out additional travel insurance.

It is a requirement that you contact your insurance provider prior to seeking any medical care unless
you are experiencing a life-threatening condition. Your insurance provider will triage your situation and
refer you to an appropriate medical provider. Failure to contact your insurance provider for triage and
pre-authorization will result in financial penalty. If you have a life-threatening condition, you or another
person on your behalf must contact your insurance provider within forty-eight (48) hours. Please refer
to your ID card, policy guide and document for important details regarding triage and pre-
authorization.

Reminder- before you go to the doctors, the emergency room/A + E or Urgent Care you (or someone
on your behalf if you’re not able to call) MUST call your insurance provider. Their phone number is on
your insurance ID card. Save their phone number in your phone too!
 AT CAMP!

Twelve million lucky kids go to camp every year in the US, and you’ll be working with some of them! In
this section we will help to introduce you to camp and give you important information and tips
about everything we think you should know!

The Hardest Job You’ll Ever Love

Be warned holiday hunters, camp is not an easy job. You will find it physically and emotionally
challenging at times. However, don’t forget camp is so much fun; it’s an opportunity of a lifetime and
definitely worth the bug bites, long hours, hard work, limited privacy, cheese in a can and meatloaf. As
a staff member you need to have compassion, understanding, tolerance, patience, lots of energy and
a desire to have an adventure. The campers will feed off your energy and mood. Happy counsellors
make happy kids!

Bear in mind you’ll be looking after children for eight weeks, the parents of the campers have never
met you; therefore they are putting so much of their trust into you. The campers are from a diverse
range of socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds; they’ll have different personalities, interests,
abilities and possible disabilities.
 STAFF ORIENTATION

Before the children arrive, the camp will put you through some of the most extensive training you
will have experienced. You will be taught everything prudent to your position and duties at the
camp.

Some of you might have to arrive early on camp, be this for Red Cross Lifeguard Certification, Climbing
Certification, and horse riding training or pre camp roles. However, once all of the counsellors have
arrived at camp, staff orientation will begin. During this week the directors and key staff will organise
and run various activities, talks and games. Due to the mixture of counsellors at camp, the directors
will assume that most of you have never seen a child before, so those of you with a little more
previous experience will need to sit tight and listen to things that may be of second nature. When you
go on a camp tour do pay attention, you don’t want to be getting campers or their parents lost on
camp, it will look extremely unprofessional!

Staff working together as a proactive and supportive team is a vital part of camp. Camp cannot run
successfully unless their staff works well together. The aim of orientation is to get you all working as a
team. You are being employed to do a professional job. Be on time for every duty and make sure you
are communicating any issues to your leaders and camp management. The atmosphere at camp is one
of positivity, friendship and community. There will inevitably be days where you will feel tired and
your energy levels may be low, but you need to be at the top of your game for the children who are in
your care. In the first few days at camp there may be many activities that seem a little silly or strange
but throw yourself in and get involved! The best thing about camp is that everyone is accepted, no-
one will be judging you. If the campers see confidence, energy and enthusiasm from the staff then
they will respond by giving the same back. Don’t be afraid to get stuck in and let yourself go in the fun
and adventure of camp.
 PACKING
Sit on your suitcase until it shuts…

Camps often issue a packing list but if you want a second point of view here is the Wild Packs guide
to what to take (admittedly this is probably more of a female packing list!):

• 6-7 pairs of shorts –some of which you can wear on days off
• 6-7 T-shirts - some of which you can wear on days off
• Tracksuit/jogging bottoms for those cooler times
• A waterproof jacket - a must for those rainy days
• 1-2 one piece swimming costumes / swim shorts for guys, more if you’re working in
aquatics (make sure to follow the camp guidelines). Some camps provide towels so
check that with them
• A good supportive pair of trainers, flip flops/sandals, appropriate footwear for your
program area (e.g. if you’re a horse riding instructor then riding boots!)
• A couple of hoodies/jumpers – it can get quite cold some nights!
• At least 12 pairs of socks and underwear
• 2 sets of pyjamas
• Some nice off-camp clothes
• Toiletries including soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, shaving
equipment, bug spray, sun tan lotion, after sun
• A torch
• Something fun for fancy dress, we promise it will come in useful!

Remember also that you will be able to buy everything you could possibly desire in the wonderful
world of Wal-Mart so go easy on the shampoo.

Please be aware that camps each have their own guidelines on what they’d like their staff to wear.
At some camps you have to wear a uniform and at others you don’t. However, midriff and/or really
low cut tops, ‘rude’ slogan t shirts, hot pants and bikinis (at most camps) are no go areas. You need
to remember camp isn’t a fashion show and as much as you want to look nice you are a role model
for the campers. Dressing in an inappropriate manner just isn’t suitable for when you’re working
with kids.
 A typical day at Camp for a Counsellor

Every camp has a different daily schedule, but here is a rough idea:

07.30 Waking Bell

08.00 Flag Raising
08.15 Breakfast
08.50 Cabin Clean Up
09.15 First Period
10.25 Second Period
11.35 Third Period/Free Choice
12.30 Lunch
13.10 Rest hour
14.00 Fourth Period
15.00 Snack Time
15.20 Fifth Period
16.30 Sixth Period
17.30 Shower/Mail Time
18.05 Flag Lowering
18.15 Dinner
19.15 Evening Activity
21.00 Lights Out, Time Varies by Age

At most camps counsellors get a period off per day. This free period is a great opportunity to
recharge your batteries, catch up with f a m i l y o r f r i e n d s b a c k h o m e , have a nap or take a
(long awaited!) shower etc.

Many camps have a rotation system designating who is OD (On Duty); those who are OD must stay
in the cabin with the children overnight. Those who are allowed to leave the cabin and therefore
camp after evening activity need to observe the camp curfew (which changes camp to camp, but
typically you can expect to need to be back on camp grounds between midnight and 1 am).
 Hygiene

As you will be living in a bunk, in close proximity to campers and other staff, it is important to keep clean
and tidy. The cleanliness and good hygiene of yourself, your campers and your accommodation is very
important. There are many physical activities at camp and it is important that you have a good level
of hygiene. You will most likely take a shower at the start of the day, but by the end of it, when
you have been rushing around in hot temperatures, are covered in paint from arts and crafts
and dirt from throwing a baseball around, you will no doubt need another shower at the end of the
day! It is very important that you look after your health and cleanliness at camp. You are a role
model to your campers so you need to set a good example with all aspects of daily life. Most camps
will have designated shower times for campers and staff.

Homesickness

When you arrive in America, and at camp (your new home for 9 weeks!), you may feel a bit of a
culture shock! This is normal. You will have just been on a long flight, you will be a mix of excitement
and nerves and then you will be stood alongside an array of new people, trying desperately hard to
remember their names! You will no doubt be experiencing a bit of jet-lag and the new surroundings,
as beautiful as they will be, may take a few days to get used to. If you are feeling a little homesick then it
is important to get involved in all the activities and sessions put on at camp over your first few days.
Be pro-active, help out where you can and chat to all of the staff members that are arriving, and
ask for help! Before you know it, you will be so busy that you will forget all about missing home! The
days will be long, but the weeks will be short. 9 weeks will fly by and just as you are feeling comfortable
and completely settled into your new environment it will be time to go home! It
will be an incredibly sad time saying goodbye to the children you have been looking after 24/7, and all
the new friends you have made during the summer. When you get home you will most likely suffer
with a case of Camp sickness and it will take you a while to adjust back to real life! At this point you will
have a big network of camp friends to help you get through the dark rainy nights back in the UK.

Relationships

At camp you will meet similar aged people from all corners of the world. There will inevitably be
times where a relationship between camp staff members develops. If you find yourself in this
position then please think about why you came out to work in a camp. You are being employed to
do a professional job and you must not let a staff relationship become your priority and prevent you
from carrying out your duties. You are first and foremost a camp counsellor and are being employed
to put the campers first. Everyone wants you to have a good experience at camp, but not at the
expense of undermining your professional performance

Phones and Technology at camp

Most camps are phone free zones, whereby you can only use your phone in the staff lounge. Some
camps may require you to lock your phones and laptops away in secure lockers. You should prepare
yourself for limited screen time whilst working at camp, as you will most likely only have access to your
phone during your time off. Many camps will have a policy in place where if you are using your phone
when you shouldn’t (in the bunk, program area etc) you may face disciplinary action, including the
termination of your contract. Enjoy the digital detox camp allows you! Make sure you let your family
and friends know that you may not be able to contact them off often when you’re at camp- you’ll be
too busy having fun!
 MONEY

Your camp should outline in your contract how they will pay you over the course of your summer
employment. It varies from camp to camp. It would be wise to have a read over your contract when it
first arrives to see if it mentions the methods of payment.

Some camps will organise a member of a recognised international Bank to come in and set up debit
account for their international staff members. You will then have an account to deposit cheques and
take out your money from. Some banks will allow you to use your American debit card back home
(you will need to check with the bank when opening the account).

Some camps will pay you by giving you a cheque, which can then be cashed (for either free or a very
small fee).

In terms of when you receive your wages, some camps will offer to pay your full summer wage in
one lump sum at the end of your contract. Most camps will pay you a proportion of your wages
every 2 weeks.

If it does not state how you will be paid in your contract then it would be advised to contact your
camp by email for clarification. If you have joined a camp staff Facebook group, you could also ask
the returning members of the staff team for their advice.

We recommend taking some American dollars out to camp with you. This way you can pick up any
essential items you may need, or that you forgot to pack, in the first few days at camp. You could
take this as cash or travellers cheques. From experience, it is always handy to know you have some
cash on you in those first few days at camp. It especially helps you on your days off before getting
that first payment of your wages!
 US LAW
We would recommend you use your time off from camp wisely, to recharge, relax, see the sights and
make some memories. Unfortunately every summer a minority of applicants make silly mistakes
(normally involving alcohol) which result in getting reprimanded by camp and possibly fired.

You must be aware of the laws regarding alcohol, drug use and smoking. Any criminal incident is taken
very seriously and police action will be taken in the event of any criminal wrong doing.

The drinking age in America is 21 and unlike in all those American teen
movies you’ve watched this age restriction is strictly observed. A note to all
of you applicants who are over 21: do not buy or supply those under twenty
one with alcohol. This could result in you getting arrested and your contract
being revoked. Coming back to camp drunk is not a good idea as camp is an
environment where children are relying on you. Should there be an
emergency procedure whilst on camp you have to make sure you are in a fit
state to take responsibility for the children who are under your care.

Illegal possession and/or use of drugs and anything associated to illegal drug
use is a criminal offence in most jurisdictions. Long jail sentences and heavy
fines may be imposed as well as forfeiture of your US visa; not what you
wanted when applying to work at camp. Using illegal substances during the
time you are employed by your camp will result in dismissal, whether this
was done on or off camp.

The vast majority of camps have a no smoking/vapes/e-cigarettes policy

and if you are caught smoking on camp this may lead to dismissal. It is
extremely dangerous to even consider smoking in an environment like
camp. There are likely to be many wooden cabins and old buildings around
camp and one foolish decision to light up a cigarette could lead to
unimaginable consequences. Please also be aware that many states in the
US have banned smoking in public places, including restaurants and bars.

Termination/leaving camp

Hopefully this will not happen but if you choose to leave camp before your end date, or if camp
terminates your contract early then you MUST contact IENA BEFORE you leave camp. Call IENA from the
camp’s office on 1-888-724-4292 ext 4, IENA will also need to speak with a leadership staff member
(director, head counselor etc). IENA’s phone number has been included in the pack we sent with your visa
paperwork.

Terminations may occur due to you breaking camp rules (technology, inappropriate alcohol or substance
use whilst under contract at camp etc), poor supervision or treatment of campers, inability to complete
job description (e.g. working as a lifeguard and not being able to pass lifeguard certification),
inappropriate conduct in potential camp relationships etc. Make smart choices when working at camp!
 Post-Camp Travel

Its mid-August, camp is over and you’ve cried your eyes out over the kids and counsellors who have
suddenly vanished from in front of your eyes. What to do? Well, make the most of your time in the US
and do some travelling!

Helpful hint...Americans have houses and cars; befriend them, they’re a lovely bunch and staying at
their houses will keep your costs down. We would recommend having a vague idea about where
you’d like to visit before you leave home but don’t worry about not setting your plans in concrete.
So many people from your camp will want to travel post camp so remember to ask around.
Travelling with a group of people is fun, and also it’s a safer option than trekking around on your
lonesome.

If you want to get around the States via air travel then we recommend booking domestic flights
online when you’re in the States as they’ll be cheaper. You can book trains (Amtrak) and buses
(Greyhound, Megabus) online too and they’re not too expensive.

Remember that whilst you are travelling you are outside of the camp bubble. Don’t flash your
cash/expensive belongings around, and be sure to make use of the lockable lockers in hostels. Keep
your things safe, especially your passport!

After camp you may want to change your return flights home. If you booked with STA then it’s a
relatively easy procedure and can be done online. Remember the longer you leave changing your return
dates the less availability there will be. If you booked with another agency/airline you will have to
go directly to them and ask them what the procedure is.

A safer way to look after your money is to put it on a travel cash card. Some companies charge for this,
but you can get them free of charge from most travel agencies. They work like a UK cash card and you
put money in before you leave your home country. It transfers it into US dollars and you are given a
pin number. Another good thing about some of the cash cards offered is that you receive two
cards, one of which can be left with someone kind at home who can possibly put some extra
money on the card should you have to make that begging call/email!

Be aware that most banks put a charge on any money you take out on a UK debit/credit card. Check
this with your bank before you leave so you’re not paying through the roof. We recommend having
some US dollars in your wallet to get you by.

How long can I stay in the United States after my employment contract?

The J-1 visa allows you to travel within the US for no more than thirty days after your end date on your
DS-2019 form. This travel period is referred to as a grace period. Please bear in mind that as soon as
you leave the US, you will be registered on the SEVIS system as having left the country and this will
bring an end to the terms and regulations on your visa. Please be aware that if you leave the US after
camp (for example going to Canada or the Caribbean) you will need to apply for an ESTA (if eligible) to
re-enter the US, and purchase more medical insurance - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
 PARTICIPANT PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION CONFIRMATION 2019

I was provided with a pre-departure orientation outlining US entry information, program

obligations, US laws and other necessary information that I may need for the success of the
program. I understand that my program sponsors are IENA and that they will be my first point of
contact in the US if I need support and assistance in times of need. I also understand that my
sponsor requires that I maintain compliance with the program regulations and is obliged to
terminate my program if I fail to meet my obligations.

I understand that the points below are only the main program regulations and failure to comply
with these or other regulations may result in the termination of my program. If my participation in
the program is terminated then I understand that I must return home immediately at my own cost,
with no refund of my program fees and payment of the termination fee to Wild Packs.

• I must organise my arrival in accordance with the details provided to me by my

camp. I must arrive in time to attend my first contracted day of work. I must let
Wild Packs know if there are any travel issues or cancellations that would
prevent me from arriving at camp in time for my start date.
• I must ensure that my camp has confirmed my arrival with Wild Packs in order to validate
my visa.
• I MUST REMEMBER TO TRAVEL WITH, AND KEEP SAFE, ALL OF MY IMPORTANT
DOCUMENTS – ESPECIALLY THE DS2019 FORM – knowing that if I forget this form I will only
have 14 days to get a new one (by requesting and paying for one through Wild Packs)
otherwise my visa will be terminated.
• I must contact my sponsor if there is a change to my camp address or dates.
• I will endeavor to complete my employment as per the contract submitted to my sponsor
and will report any grievances to my sponsor.
• I must ensure that I am covered by medical insurance for the full duration of my stay.
Medical insurance is provided by IENA. I must make sure my insurance dates cover
the duration of my trip.
• I must abide by all US laws.
• I must not bring disrepute to my employer, my sponsor or the program as a whole.
• I understand that if my camp contract is terminated early, either as a result of direct
dismissal or by personal choice, I must notify IENA of my departure prior to leaving
camp – call them on 1-888-724-4291 ext. 4.
• I acknowledge that if I fail to complete my camp contract in full, I will incur a
‘failure to complete program’ penalty of $500 which will be invoiced by and paid to
Wild Packs directly.

Name:

Signed:

Date: