Camp fairs are a fantastic way to see what different types of camps offer face-to-face. The fairs are shown across the country for a couple of weeks, with members of staff from the camps travelling the length of the UK to show off their camps to prospective counsellors. I have had my own experiences of going to a camp fair and I found them very useful.
Before I went to Hawk Mountain in 2018, I didn't go to a camp fair. I was late applying to go out so I missed the last of them, which limited my chances of getting placed somewhere else. In the end, it didn't matter; I got placed at an awesome Boy Scout camp and had the best summer. This time, I applied early November and managed to go to the Manchester Camp Fair in January, where I got placed on the day at South Mountain YMCA in Pennsylvania- an hour away from my old camp!
The camp fair helped me realise a few things that I didn't know last time. For example, I didn't realise that there were popular camps that many people go to. I also didn't realise how many different positions there was and how many they offered. I was the last one to be hired at Hawk Mountain, meaning I had the last position available, so I didn't get a choice on what area I worked on. There were also positions I didn't know existed for international staff like catering, cleaning etc. I also didn't realise how different the camps can be and how far they had come.
If you're thinking of going to a camp fair there are a few things you should know before hand.
Do your research
It seems trivial but it's true. You get a good idea of what to expect if you research before hand. Before the camp fairs, the company you're going with will announce when a camp has been confirmed to join. With AmeriCamp (the company I've been going with), they announce the full line up for each location, so you know all the camps that are attending. It explained what type of camp they were, start and end dates, the state they've come from and the positions they're offering. For myself, I searched their websites online to see what they're like, including the facilities. Most of them have virtual tours so you can see what the camp looks like before you go. Doing the research helped me eliminate the camps that didn't suit what I was looking for so I spent more of my time of the camps I was more invested in.
Don't travel the same day
These camp fairs start early. So even if you're closest location isn't too far away, it's best to plan your travel arrangements beforehand. I found myself recently that whenever I'd get a train anywhere I'm always delayed. Even though it'll cost more, getting a hotel room overnight is a good idea. It means you're already in the city and can relax the night before, and you're not in a rush in the morning. I used that night to do last minute research and making sure I knew which camps I wanted to speak to. While they're not on a first come first serve, it is better to be there early in the queue so that you can get a first pick of who you want to speak to. This means get there early!
Do have a good attitude
Americans are known to be loud. While it is very stereotypical it's also true! They have an infectious energy and they certainly have it at the camp fair. They expect you to have the same energy when you attend. If not, they won't get a great first impression. You're expected to have this kind of energy when working with the children, so if you can't show it in your interview, it won't go in your favour. The staff manning the fair will help get your spirits up if you're not quite feeling it. Don't worry about feeling stupid, as you have to be stupid over the whole summer. They're used to it.
Do bring stuff with you
If you can prove some of the things you say on your application, bring them along to the fair. Certificates are a huge help to show you know what you're doing. You can bring along recommendations from people who could help. You can be more creative by doing a poster of yourself or a PowerPoint presentation! This helps show off more skills and the camp staff love to see them! Bring along some photos of you in specific settings. For myself, I brought along photos from my time at camp in 2018 which helped show that I've had experience in a similar environment to what they're looking. Anything to do with working with children will be a massive advantage as well.
Don't go with a half done application
While it isn't necessary that your application should be completely done, it is so much more beneficial if it is. Having your references will help confirm that people you know think you're good enough for the camp. The DBS will confirm your police history, and your health form confirms you're fit enough to work out there. Having all these done beforehand will help prove to the camp staff that you can do it. If you show up without your application near enough complete, they'll doubt everything that's said on your application, meaning a position you're interested in could be lost to someone else.
Do be sociable
This is a good chance to talk to other people in the same position as you. Talk to people in the queue before. Ask them what places they're looking for, where they've come from and if they've done it before. You can strike up connections and even possible meet your future counsellors on the same day. By making these connections, any anxiety about talking to new people and about the process can be solved and you'll feel more confident about talking to the camps and future counsellors when you arrive. It also helps because then you're not alone on the day and it'll pass the time.
Camps fairs can be daunting but if you follow some of the advise above, you'll realise everyone else is in the same boat as you, so it's best to just relax and enjoy the experience.
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