Welcome to the YMCA’s International Camp Counselor Program (ICCP).  We are very pleased to be sponsoring your stay in the United States.

In this manual you will find information about the responsibilities of being a YMCA participant, whether it is in the Regular or Returning Staff/Direct Placement Program. This manual contains information to help you get your J-1 Visa, make travel plans, and understand United States culture. You may have questions after reading this manual. If your director/supervisor cannot answer these questions, please contact the International YMCA office.

You are coming to the United States for two very important reasons.  The first is 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. Second, you are coming to share your experiences and knowledge about life out-side 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.

We update this manual each year. If you discover something important that isn’t covered—whether it’s about your visa, sick-ness and accident insurance, life in the United States, the YMCA, or United States income taxes, please let us know. Your help in making future editions of this manual as useful as possible will be most appreciated.

We enjoy hearing from our participants. We love postcards! Feel free to write and let us know how you are doing.

Good luck with your stay in the USA.

The International YMCA Staff

About Us
The YMCA International Camp Counselor Program 
The YMCA

Exchange Visitor Visa
Purpose of the Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) 
Getting a J-1 Visa 
The Visa Sponsor Form (DS-2019) 
Completing the DS-2019 Form 
Terms and Conditions of Your J-1 Visa 
What You Should Know About Your Visa 
If You Already Have a J-1 Visa

Before You Leave Home
Documents You Must Bring  
International YMCA Responsibility 
Travel Documentation  
Packing

Financial and Legal Details
Finances 
Legal Alert

Contacts 
International YMCA Staff Members in New York  
How to Contact the International YMCA

Commitments 
Your Contract with the International YMCA

Insurance
Sickness and Injury  
Medical Treatment

Your Job 
Sample Job Descriptions  
Unplaced Participants  
Camps in the United States  
Typical Camp Schedules   
Primitive Conditions at Camp  
Where Day Camp Staff Members Live  
How to Have a Successful Summer  
Important Guidelines to Follow

Serious Issues
Illegal and Inappropriate Behavior

Ethics
Code of Ethics for Camp Staff

Problems During Your Stay 
Finding Solutions

Social and Travel Tips
AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Illnesses  
Life in the United States  
Cultural Adjustment  
Travel to the United States  
Travel in the United States
Travel Outside the United States

Tax Information