International Host Families

Willoway has been welcoming international staff to work at camp since 1996.  Over these nearly 30 years, international college age staff (mainly from the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand) have brought incredible culture diversity, skills, and a passion for working with campers.  International staff come to camp through three staff placement agencies (Camp America, Camp Leaders and CCUSA) who initially vet and screen staff, help with visas, medical insurance, etc.  International staff make up about 30% of Willoway’s staff team of approximately 80 staff.  

International staff are an wonderful addition to our summer program, bringing both diversity of thought and experience to Willoway and to your children. Once staff arrive at camp, they are here primarily to work with campers at camp and are busy every day at camp, making friends and exploring their new home.

The Host Family Experience

Hosting is a great experience – in many ways it’s a mini-student exchange program that forges lifelong bonds between our staff and host families. 

International staff live with camper families while in Michigan and literally become a part of your family.  The children especially love it, gaining “adopted” older brother/sister figures for life. It is not just a summer relationship that is built – it is one that can last a lifetime.

The Commitment:

• A 9 week commitment, from June 8-August 12, 2023
• The ability to host 2-3 staff members (we typically house in pairs and sometimes even trios). 
• Provide breakfast and dinner daily, and include international staff in family plans, where it makes sense.
• Mentor/guide staff members as they navigate a new home and culture.
• Desire to share with staff all the great things about our community and your family.
• Note: Camp provides transportation for your staff members to and from camp and for staff outings/meetings.

Some questions to ask yourself while making the decision to house someone:

• Do we have space for someone (lower levels are great)? 

• Are we willing to have someone live in our house and share our space?
• Are we are able to provide meals and snacks for our new family member? (doesn’t have to always be home cooked)
• Will we have fun as a family?

IF YOU SAID YES TO ALL OF THE ABOVE YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY TO BECOMING A HOST FAMILY!!!

What you will receive in return for opening your house:

• A wonderful addition to your family for the summer months and a long-term friend of the family.
• A $1,000 (per staff member) stipend off of your child’s tuition to help defray food and living costs.
• Possible babysitting opportunities.
• A great summer full of fun and connection for everyone!

What do we do next? Please complete this short form or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.