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Returning Staff Questions

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Updated : 01/03/2023

In 2023 we're making some big changes

You've certainly noticed that the website has been moved around for 2023. We’re rebuilding after Covid severely impacted our programming for three seasons. We’re also saddling up for our 30 year anniversary in 2024. 

In order to improve camper experience, employee experience, partnership satisfaction and administrative functioning, the program, your salaries,  training and expectations  have been restructured. Basically : 90% of everything stays the same, and 10% changes in order to be better! 

Upon hire, reread all documents. The Internal Regulations (rules), the Counselor Webzone (employment questions, links for ESL/ACT Prep) and the Employment Program Manual. This document also explains when there are or aren't differences between Vacation camps and School Trip camps.


 - Re-Applying in 2023 -


Do I have to complete an online application?

Of course! Otherwise, it is hard for us to evaluate your employment request. 

A returning employee's review is based on four factors:

  1. Job performance reviews during previous employment period(s)
  2. Respect of company rules and regulations during previous employment period(s)
  3. Experience gained since last employment
  4. Job performance self-assessment

To upload your new C.V. and Letter of Motivation, click the blue button "Browse".

If hired, you must update your employee file with:

  • A recent criminal records check 
  • Any updated documents or newly acquired diplomas
  • Return of signed contract & documents

 

Which position should I choose? 

You've noticed that the names on the applications have changed for 2023. This refers to our reorganisation. If you are a Language or Daily Life counselor applicant :


                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  


  • Only available during school vacation periods => Use "Vacation Camps - Veteran Counselor". Both Language Counselors and Daily Life counselors are processed under the status of Veteran Counselor. 


                                                  
                                
                                                  


In 2023, are counselor contracts still limited to 80 days?

The School Trips Camp teams will all be on CDD. Therefore, it is possible to work at both types of camps, because only the Vacation Camps teams are on CEE (limited to 80 days annually).


Can I make special requests about location, camper age, or favorite colleagues?

Just like first-year employees, you can submit a location or colleague preference to us during an interview. That said, placements are determined based on the needs of the camps and how your dates match up with them. You'll notice we listed the sites next to the openings on the dates pages. Priority in hiring will be given to applicants who can join the team for a full period. 


How do I get ready for camp ?

In 2023, employee preparation has four axes :

  1. The hire documents clearly outline company policies and your responsabilities. 
  2. The Employee Program Manual 
  3. A completely re-oriented Counselor Webzone 
  4. Once at camp, your team will work together to plan the session program in detail, establish rules for the campers, and set up camp materials.


- Evolve on our team -


What is the Head Language Counselor?

The HLC is a leader during Vacation Camp sessions. He or she has a larger workload than other counselors, which is why the HLC is paid 10€ more per day than the other counselors. Summer HLCs are to be present for a required preparation meeting is planned for Saturday June 03, 2023 on Zoom.

The HLC :

  • is an Activities counselor
  • does not necessarily speak French
  • is a leader who knows how to work under a manager (the director)
  • organizes and guides the other counselors in the program
  • has some administrative duties, and duties managing the materials

To apply, complete the designated section on the Veteran Counselor application, and update your letter of motivation to reflect why you should be selected to this position.



Who selects the Head Language Counselors?

As often as possible, we prefer that the site director selects his/her Head Language Counselor. 

  • Spring and Autumn Vacations : Camps are back-to-back, the team is already at camp. The site director selects the HLC.
  • Summer Vacations : The HLC is hired in advance and assigned to a camp. A director can request a specific HLC, in order to aid recruitment.


How can I become a director?

  • This position is bilingual, French is required.
  • School Trip Camp Director : no Brevet d'Aptitude aux Fonctions du Directeur (BAFD) required.


                                                  
                                
                                                  



  • Vacation Camp Director :  a Brevet d'Aptitude aux Fonctions du Directeur (BAFD) is required. American Village offers some financing in exchange for directing the month of July. Read more on the PAFEI BAFD Scholarship Program here.


                                                  
                                
                                                  


  • Vacation Camp Director Confirmé : Possible at 3rd year as a director. Entirely performance based. Implies mastery and independence in all aspects of the direction : flawless administrative work, French reglementation respect, team management, materials management, partnership development and client satisfaction.


                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  



- Post-employment -


How can I obtain an Attestation Pôle Emploi from Nacel post-employment?

To receive an attestation Pôle Emploi, email your request, stating your full name and employment dates, to American Village at american.village@nacel.fr with "Demande Attestation Pôle Emploi" in the subject line.


How can I obtain a professional reference from American Village post-employment?

To receive a standardized professional reference letter, email your request, stating your full name and all past employment dates, to American Village at american.village@nacel.fr with "Professional Reference Letter Request" in the subject line. 

If you require more than a standard confirmation of employment in PDF format, you should ask your direct supervisor (your village director) to become one of your professional references.

 

How can I participate in the veteran community outside of camp?


If you have any questions not answered here or on our website, feel free to email us at: american.village@nacel.fr



Awesome counselor referral program, help us recruit and get 100 euros!


We know that many returning staffers spread the word about our camps to their qualified colleagues, who have never heard about us before.  We appreciate these efforts, as we want to recruit qualified and hardworking staff members that reflect our camp’s core values. American Village offers a 100€ bonus to a returning staffer in 2023 who refers a new hire in 2023.

Conditions

For the new applicant :

  • S/he is hired during the 2023 season. 
  • Minimum employment commitment of 1 month.
  • Indicate the referral counselor’s name during the interview. We will not track referral information sent after or during hire.

 

For the referring counselor :

  • S/he is hired during the 2023 season. 
  • Minimum employment commitment of 1 month.
  • You will receive the 100€ bonus with your monthly salary deposit, after all terms have been satisfied
  • Maximum of 3 referals possible per person.


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