By IANS
Mumbai : Camp America, a cultural exchange programme that provides an opportunity for young people from across the world to participate in a summer camp in US, has launched its full-fledged Indian operations. The first batch to US will leave in May 2008.
Senior Assistant Director of Camp America Allen Langer told IANS Friday that the programme provides a unique opportunity for youth to have fun, adventure, travel and explore new places, interacting with similar youngsters from over 30 countries who will join the camp in two batches, May 1 and June 28 next year.
The Indian operation is expected to help Camp America mark its foray in Asia where currently it has no footprint, Langer said, adding that this year, 12,000 vacancies are available for the programme, with no upper limit on the number of applicants from any country.
“However, being the first time, we have kept a modest target of around 300 participants in the 18-plus age group. We are hopeful of increasing the number next year onwards,” said Namrata Agarwal, chief consultant Innovative Education Nework (IEN) Pvt Ltd.
In May 2007, a pilot team of 30 students from Delhi had gone for Camp America and the response was “overwhelming and enthusiastic”, according to Namrata.
Participants will be required to pay $570 to American Institute of Foreign Studies — a leader in international education that conducts Camp America — to cover expenses, visa fees and air travel.
“Participation at the camp will be subject to the candidate clearing the J1-US cultural visa interview,” Namrata said.
Lodging and boarding is arranged by Camp America and participants will receive $650-1,100 pocket money, depending on their age and experience. Selected participants may be placed in any camp around the US to enable the right cultural mix, said Namrata.
Langer, who arrived in New Delhi last Monday, held meeting with officials of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and University of Delhi (DU) for prospective participants.
Langer said Camp Amerca brings together more than 8,500 international students and youth to the US every year to work as camp counsellors and support staff in summer camps.
“The youth get an opportunity to spend between three and four months plus an option of travelling anywhere in the US for another month, provided the participant bears the expenses,” Langer said.
Namrata said Camp America provides individuals an opportunity to network with youth from over 30 countries, including the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. It also helps acquire leadership skills, teamwork, team management of people and tasks, learn and hone new skills from fellow counsellors. The activities include sports, crafts and performing arts.