Summer Camps

I have so many memories and experiences from my two summers spent in America that I thought I’d share them with those who are considering going.

 My first piece of advice is DO IT! - The only thing I regret about my time spent at summer camps is not returning for a third year. There are so many different camps out there to choose from - sports camps, religious camps, day camps, special needs camps etc. There are thousands of camps located in every state in the USA and so there really is something for everyone.

I spent the summers of 08 and 09 over in the USA working in California and Missouri. I am being 100% honest when I say that these summers were the most enjoyable and satisfying I’ve ever had, yet having said that they are also enormously tiresome. It is not a holiday in any sense (there is room for that after!) and you leave the camp both emotionally and physically drained.  

If you have already applied or are in the process of doing so, my next piece of advice is not to panic. I spent my time in-between camps working for Camp Leaders interviewing applicants and so have dealt with a fair few applications. Once your application is accepted you are pretty much guaranteed a place. It may not happen straight away but be patient as there are thousands of camps out there each requiring different types of people. I was extremely lucky, whilst attending a recruitment fair in London I was interviewed and given a place on the same day, however some friends of mine have had to wait until May to hear where they were going. Now if you have a particular skill (sailing, lifeguarding, rock climbing etc..)  you may be placed sooner than others however it all depends on the camp and position you’re applying for.

·         Specialist counsellor/Activity leaders are pretty self explanatory, you have a specific skill that you teach to the campers, you also muck in at dinner times and are usually (in my experience) attached to a group/tribe/unit.

·         General Counsellors are responsible for the children 24/7. You sleep in the same cabin as the campers, eat at the same table and escort them to and from their activities. It can be an extremely rewarding position as you really get to know your campers and form a special bond.

·         Support Staff make up the back of house roles; kitchen staff, maids, office admin etc.

Now it is important to point out that not one of these roles is easy. They all have their own unique challenges whether it’s the kitchen staff preparing the breakfast at 6am, the activity leader cleaning up after an eventful arts and crafts lesson or a counsellor changing a camper’s bed sheets at 3am as they’ve wet the bed – Yes it happens, and often!

I have been very privileged with my time at camp. I spent my time in California located amongst the great Redwoods in the north of the state. The kids were split into ‘tribes’ according to their age and sex; the males staying in log cabins and the females in teepees! The camp has a really rustic natural feel and all activities were taught outside . The camp was part of the Boys and Girls Club program and so the kids were from under privileged backgrounds and inner city areas. My second camp was located on the Missouri river and surrounded by luscious green forests and hills. Both camps were full of staff from all over the world and so it was really great to make some interesting friends and learn about new cultures.

It’s hard to describe a ‘typical’ day at camp as no such thing exists! Each day is different and brings new challenges. For one of the counselling positions your day usual starts around 6am. 95% of your time is dedicated to the campers and so it’s only when they are in bed that you can sort your own admin out (writing letters/emails, showering etc).

Campers are usually woken up around 7:30 by some form of bell or bugle and then the whole camp proceeds to the flag rising ceremony. This is a huge part of the American culture and really shows how patriotic and passionate they are. Usually any announcements are made at this point before everyone heads for breakfast. Now regardless of the meal, the dining hall has to be the most chaotic place at camp. In both my experiences long benches have been set out for each unit of campers and the counsellors sit with the kids. I developed a bit of a bad habit of rushing my food. This made things easier as someone was bound to need the bathroom, fall ill or spill something and so by finishing first I was always on hand to deal without whatever happened. During my time at Camp Shawnee my unit used meal times to display our latest chant/dance to show off to the other campers. This was often responded to with a dance and so lunch would soon turn into a dance off!

Depending on how long each lesson is (normally an hour or so) there are usually 5-6 activity periods each day. Unfortunately I have never been to a camp with a lake, my first camp had a river running through the forest and my second had an outdoor heated pool. The water based activities are a big part of camp life and can help build confidence and teamwork to the kids.

 After the evening meal there is always some sort of communal gathering. This is usually done around the main camp fire. Here is when songs are sung, awards are given out and shows can be put on. During my time at Camp Mendocino the staff put on a Disney extravaganza for the campers. This included all lessons being Disney themed and then rounding the week off with a musical show – including costumes! If I was to count how many times I had dressed up (including in ladies clothes) to amuse the campers I would soon run out of fingers!

It goes without saying that summer camp is all about the kids; however it is also a fantastic way to see America. You are literally living over there for 4 months and so it’s a real insight into the culture. From being baffled by your first grocery shop to celebrating Independence Day it’s a great way to embrace their lifestyle. The money you are paid will vary depending on the camp and position you have, however you don’t really have that much time to spend it during camp and its after that it comes in handy. Some people may have to leave straight away or may only stay a week, I however had no university to rush back to and so spent 3-4 weeks seeing what I could of the USA. Currently I have been to 22 states, 20 of them I wouldn’t have seen if I hadn’t met people at Camp. It’s here where the term ‘Road Trip’ really comes into its own. During my second year I joined a close friend of mine travelling from Missouri to New Orleans then on to San Francisco. It was around 3000 miles I believe and was fantastic (Thanks Eddie!). We set off in the morning and stopped whenever something caught our fancy. During my first year I joined a group tour going to all the desert states and then finishing in Las Vegas.

I really do believe that spending a summer over there can change your life. Now this may be as drastic as moving over there to live with your newly met girlfriend (good luck Mat!) or it may be as small as returning home with improved confidence and a more outgoing attitude. Either way you are certain to return with a positive and memorable experience. Like I said my only regret was not returning for a third year, I would head back over there tomorrow. If you are considering going then I cannot encourage you enough, if you have already applied then you have already made the best decision!