New Zealand Participant Agreement

Terms & Conditions

Overview

AmeriCamp is part of International Training and Exchange (Intrax) Global LLC, a US designated J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsor.

AmeriCamp is a cultural exchange experience designed to promote global understanding through shared participation, enabling friendships between Americans and camp counsellors attending the Summer Camp Program.

AmeriCamp is not an employment agency and participants are not employed by AmeriCamp. The program is a cultural exchange initiative facilitated through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.

You understand that by participating in this cultural exchange program and volunteering your time, you will receive a set allowance intended to contribute toward travel and personal expenses associated with participation in the program.

At no point are you employed by AmeriCamp and participation in the program does not guarantee future employment, qualification, or permanent work opportunities.

AmeriCamp facilitates and supports your cultural exchange journey. Neither AmeriCamp nor Intrax Global LLC owns or operates the camps participating in the program.

The purpose of this Program Agreement is to clearly explain:

  • what participants can expect from AmeriCamp; and
  • what AmeriCamp expects from participants.

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PARTICIPANT TYPES

Participants fall into one of the following categories:

First Timer Participants

Participants who have not previously attended camp in the USA through a designated J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsor.

Returner Participants

Participants returning to the same camp through a designated J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa sponsor and who already hold an invitation to return or camp contract.

If your returning camp does not rehire you, AmeriCamp cannot be held liable.

Direct Participants

Participants who independently secured a camp placement before making payment to AmeriCamp and who have not previously obtained a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.

Repeat participation is not guaranteed. J-1 visa allocations are limited each year and availability is subject to sponsor allocation limits.

Payment alone does not guarantee visa allocation or approval.

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NON-EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP

You acknowledge and agree that:

  • AmeriCamp is not an employment agency;
  • participation in the program does not create an employment relationship between you and AmeriCamp;
  • any allowance paid during the program is intended to contribute toward travel and personal expenses associated with the cultural exchange experience;
  • host camps independently manage day-to-day activities, supervision, accommodation, and participant responsibilities;
  • AmeriCamp does not control the operation of host camps or guarantee any particular experience, conditions, or outcomes.

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FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS

Participation in the AmeriCamp program may require additional third-party costs outside AmeriCamp's control, including but not limited to:

  • NZ Clean Slate Police Check fee (currently NZD $19.95)
  • Medical form completion fees
  • US Consulate visa appointment fees
  • Government fees including SEVIS or security processing fees
  • Flight costs
  • Travel insurance
  • Camp transportation costs
  • Vaccinations or medical testing
  • Accommodation during grace periods
  • Costs arising from quarantine or medical isolation
  • Replacement DS-2019 fees caused by participant error
  • Additional processing costs arising from participant error

AmeriCamp is not responsible for increases or changes in third-party fees.

Failure to make required payments may delay visa processing and placement opportunities.

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WHAT PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE

Participants will receive:

  • support throughout the application and visa process;
  • DS-2019 documentation via AmeriCamp Inc/Intrax Global LLC;
  • access to placement opportunities with US summer camps;
  • emergency support during the program;
  • medical insurance during approved program dates;
  • accommodation and meals during camp dates as agreed with camp;
  • a minimum allowance of USD $2250 before tax for first-time participants.

Placement is not guaranteed.

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PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

Participants must:

  • comply with this agreement;
  • complete all required documentation on time;
  • provide truthful and accurate information;
  • comply with all visa requirements;
  • maintain communication with AmeriCamp and camps;
  • obtain required travel documentation;
  • comply with camp rules and policies.

Failure to do so may result in cancellation of participation without refund.

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HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Participants must complete:

  • a Health History Form; and
  • a Medical Form signed by a medical professional.

Participants must disclose all pre-existing medical conditions.

Failure to disclose relevant medical information may result in:

  • removal from the program;
  • visa issues;
  • insurance exclusions; and
  • loss of refund eligibility.

Participants are responsible for obtaining additional insurance for pre-existing medical conditions.

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CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

All NZ Residents must complete an NZ Clean Slate Police Check through AmeriCamp's designated provider.

Current fee: NZD $19.95.

Participants must disclose all cautions, arrests, and convictions.

Failure to disclose criminal history may result in:

  • removal from the program;
  • visa refusal;
  • termination without refund.

Additional police checks may be required for participants who have lived overseas.

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J-1 EXCHANGE VISITOR VISA PROCESS

All participants must apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.

Participants are responsible for:

  • attending required US Consulate appointments;
  • paying applicable government fees;
  • submitting required documents;
  • ensuring passports remain valid.

AmeriCamp cannot guarantee:

  • visa approval;
  • appointment availability;
  • government processing times.

Visa decisions are solely determined by US authorities.

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CULTURAL EXCHANGE PLACEMENT

AmeriCamp will use reasonable efforts to secure placements for eligible participants.

However:

  • placement is not guaranteed;
  • camps independently determine hiring decisions;
  • camps may withdraw placements at their discretion.

If a participant is not placed by 1 June through no fault of their own, AmeriCamp may provide a refund of eligible program fees.

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MEDICAL AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Participants will receive medical insurance coverage during approved program dates through the designated J-1 sponsor provider.

Participants remain responsible for:

  • travel insurance;
  • personal belongings;
  • additional insurance outside approved dates;
  • pre-existing condition coverage.

AmeriCamp is not responsible for:

  • travel disruption;
  • lost luggage;
  • cancellation costs.

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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

AmeriCamp acts solely as a cultural exchange facilitator and is not the employer, owner, operator, or manager of any host camp.

AmeriCamp shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, incidental, or special loss, damage, injury, delay, expense, or claim arising from:

  • actions or omissions of host camps;
  • cancellation or modification of camp programs;
  • visa refusals or delays;
  • travel disruptions;
  • medical events;
  • government actions;
  • participant misconduct; or
  • events outside AmeriCamp's reasonable control.

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REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Refund eligibility depends on the participant category and stage of application.

The following are generally non-refundable:

  • Application Fee
  • Placement Fee
  • NZ Clean Slate Police Check fees once submitted;
  • visa fees;
  • government charges;
  • flights and travel bookings.

No refund is payable where:

  • false information was provided;
  • the participant withdraws after accepting placement;
  • the participant is dismissed from camp;
  • the participant breaches program requirements.

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CAMP RULES AND PARTICIPANT CONDUCT

Participants must comply with:

  • camp rules;
  • US laws;
  • visa regulations;
  • safety requirements.

Participants may be dismissed for:

  • misconduct;
  • illegal activity;
  • breach of camp policies;
  • inappropriate behaviour.

AmeriCamp is not responsible for costs arising from dismissal or early departure.

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PRIVACY ACT 2020

AmeriCamp complies with the Privacy Act 2020 (New Zealand).

By participating in the program, participants consent to AmeriCamp collecting, storing, and sharing personal information where reasonably necessary for operation of the program.

This may include sharing information with:

  • AmeriCamp Inc./Intrax Global LLC;
  • US camps;
  • government agencies;
  • visa sponsors;
  • insurers;
  • emergency support providers.

Participants may request access to and correction of personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020.

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MEDIA CONSENT

Participants agree that photographs, videos, and media recorded during the program may be used by AmeriCamp Inc. or Intrax Global LLC for promotional and marketing purposes.

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FORCE MAJEURE

AmeriCamp will not be responsible for delays, cancellations, or disruptions caused by events outside its reasonable control, including:

  • pandemics;
  • natural disasters;
  • government restrictions;
  • terrorism;
  • industrial action;
  • transportation disruption.

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ELIGIBILITY

Participants must meet:

  • J-1 program eligibility requirements; and
  • any host camp eligibility requirements.

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ELECTRONIC ACCEPTANCE

By electronically accepting this agreement, you confirm that:

  • you have read and understood these terms;
  • you agree to be legally bound by them; and
  • electronic acceptance has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.

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CONSUMER PROTECTION

Nothing in this agreement is intended to exclude, restrict, or modify any rights or remedies available under:

  • the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993;
  • the Fair Trading Act 1986; or
  • any other applicable New Zealand legislation.

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GOVERNING LAW

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.

Any dispute arising from this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

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CONTACT DETAILS

Website:
www.AmeriCamp.co.nz

Email:
info@americamp.co.nz

Emergency support details will be provided before departure.

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