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CHI and Smaller Earth Launch ‘AccessCamp’ Initiative
Smaller Earth, alongside our partners at CHI, are proud to announce the launch of AccessCamp; a new, joint initiative to make summer camp more accessible than ever before.
We understand that summer camp requires time and financial commitment, which circumstances can prevent. Finances are often a barrier to entry, so AccessCamp aims to remove this by offering a subsidised route to camp for those who need it most.
Through our partnership with CHI, who are a non-profit leader in J1 visa sponsorship, we’re delighted to fund up to 50 places at summer camps in America. This subsidised funding includes covering:
- Cost of visa forms
- Expert visa sponsor support
- Cost of all Camp Leaders program fees
- $600 towards the cost of flights
- All typical program inclusions (such as accommodation, meals, and at least $1900 pocket money)
- Medical insurance throughout the program
- Full support from application through to in-country
With the combined expertise of our two organisations, we’re fully equipped to handle the entire application process. This means that all AccessCamp applicants can count on financial, operational, and personal support from seasoned professionals in the cultural exchange industry.
Iza Gyuricza, CEO of Smaller Earth, said, “AccessCamp is a culmination of much work between CHI and ourselves to ensure that summer camp is an accessible opportunity for everyone. Our mission to ‘inspire people to go further’ is not limited based on background or finances, and AccessCamp is an initiative that underlines our commitment to doing so. We’re proud to see places filling for the 2024 season, and we’re excited to grow this opportunity in the coming years.”
Linda Mori, Director at CHI, said “The AccessCamp initiative represents the perfect example of inclusivity and diversity in cultural exchange. By CHI and Smaller Earth removing the socio-economic barriers that would prevent participation, individuals are afforded a transformative cultural experience at an American summer camp. With our two organizations’ long-established partnership and dedication to programming excellence, our shared vision for this initiative and the future holds promising potential and growth..
As we anticipate another successful summer season, our two organisations are eager to collaborate on AccessCamp in the upcoming years. We believe this initiative will keep opening doors, allowing more people to experience the joy of summer camp firsthand.
About CHI
Cultural Homestay International (CHI) has excelled at promoting international understanding and goodwill through people-to-people exchanges since 1980.
CHI is designated by the United States Department of State as a J-1 visa sponsor, and is a proud member of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), World Youth Student Educational Travel Confederation (WYSE Travel Confederation), WYSE Work Abroad, International Au Pair Association (IAPA) and The Alliance for International Educational & Cultural Exchange.
You can find more information on CHI at https://chinet.org/
About Smaller Earth
Smaller Earth delivers life-changing experiences through summer camp placements.
Established in 1999 in Liverpool, England, Smaller Earth Group is now the leading global provider of cultural exchange programs and technology.
It operates seven brands across 17 countries with a strong presence in the U.K., Europe, North America, South America and Asia Pacific.
Smaller Earth, Camp Leaders, Camp Canada, Resort Leaders, Adventure China, American Camp Co, Adventure Asia, Camp Collab and Postcard have gone on to impact the lives of 100,000s of applicants who have gone on cultural exchange programmes globally, alongside the countless number of communities they've positively impacted.
Want to learn more?
Email our press team at press@smallerearth.com for more information!