Frequently Asked Questions

The BRAYCE programs actually span about nine months and consists of six distinct phases.

BRAYCE works with the established partner organizations in Brazil to identify and select motivated young people who believe in themselves, have ambition and personality.  At least one of the BRAYCE members participates in the interview and orientation process with the candidates, their families and local community leaders.

There are four levels in the Program:

Campers come to Camp Hazen for three weeks followed by a one week home stay with an American family, preferably with youngsters of a similar age.

Leadership Trainees (LEAs) come for four weeks, possibly followed by a one week homestay.

Assistant Counselors come for 12 weeks including an initial week of training.

Counselors come for 12 week or more as they c0me early for two weeks of training and may be invited to stay on after summer camp has concluded in order to help with closedown and planning for the coming year.

Central to any program that selects and brings youngsters from one country to another is a comprehensive orientation period for potential participants, their parents, relatives and local community leaders. Everybody involved must understand the objectives of the program, the credibility and track record of the hosting organizations, the specific responsibilities of each person, the costs incurred and provided for, the travel logistics, the details of the entire curriculum and the expected outcomes. Finally, they need to understand what is in place to provide ongoing support once the program is complete and how the returning young camper or leader can start to contribute within their home community. Family and local community support of the entire concept is essential.

Some facility in English is necessary, the level being dependent on the program the young people are attending. The program is definitely not considered a language school. We plan to work with local Rio language schools to provide some tutoring in English. It is clearly important for the participants to apply themselves and make adequate progress.

• Campers must have a fundamental knowledge.  Young people are wonderfully adaptive to new environments and, especially in a supportive environment, will pick up sufficient basic language to communicate.
• LEAS must have a working knowledge as they will be in classes form day 1
• Assistant Counselors and Counselors must be fluent in English to a level acceptable to Camp Hazen as they are responsible for teaching, organizing, managing, monitoring and if necessary, disciplining young children.

Acculturation prepares the participants for the different world they will be moving into at the Camper and LEA levels. The program uses individual discussion, lectures, books and video to provide participants with a basic understanding of the environment into which they will be transported. This includes the travel process, the camp environment and experience and the potential for family or home-stay sessions.

Parents of youngsters are invited to participate in the orientation and after camp support processes. Local community leaders, close relatives and friends of the family are consulted and invited to participate in the orientation and after-camp support processes.

This consists of such aspects as travel arrangements, airline “unaccompanied minor” support service, passports, visas, security, health checks, health insurance, US travel arrangements, communications, expenses, baggage and clothing and additional stay plans.

Home stays are usually one week in duration and are organized with American families who live in the area and have youngsters of the same age.

Additional travel within the U.S. is not planned at present.