It's all well and good sitting here, typing on my laptop telling everyone my own advice and experiences. While I've got the first hand experience, it's only a small amount. Every camp is unique. The way they structure their days, who their audience is, how strict they are with technology and what they do if people break the rules. It's all different.
For myself this year, I'm going into a very different camp setting. I will be sharing a cabin with 12 kids and another counsellor, something which I didn't do last time. What we'll teach will be different as it isn't needed to go towards a badge or award. It's all about having fun. This means my own experiences will be different and I'll need to adapt just like everyone else.
This made me think about camp last time. There was only a small group of internationals at the camp and we all made friends very easily. This time I know there's more than twenty of us from the UK. I was also seeing someone during the time at camp but not everyone was. I don't know whether anyone felt left out about not sharing the same experience or whether they were happy with just finding new friends. I also don't know whether people had the same fun experience as I did. So I asked a couple of close friends from camp to review their experiences.
Emma's Experience
Camp, what can be said about camp. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I met lifelong friends and made so many memories along the way. No two days were the same but meal times were always sacred. Our evening meals were conducted family style which meant that we could sit down with the kids and talk about their day and what they enjoyed most. It was a very humbling experience knowing that they enjoyed the program that you put so much effort.
One of my best memories of camp was our final staff banquet. We all gathered in the light of the campfire and took turns reflecting on the summer that had just past and saying goodbye to everyone. It was so moving and a lovely way to end an amazing summer.
If I was going back to camp for the first time I wish someone had told me what a culture shock it would be. Having never been to America before I always thought it would be pretty similar to England, oh how wrong I was. The biggest shock, I think, is how patriotic Americans are compared to English people. All the flag ceremonies that took place and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance everyday took some getting use to.
Overall I would recommend a summer (or two) at camp. Every camp is different and has its own unique charm. You’ll always find your place and have the summer of a lifetime.
Charlotte's Experience
I experienced so much during my time in America. We were able to go on days out every Saturday on our day off from camp, which was great to explore and to venture out of our little camp bubble together.
We also got to spend some time at many of the different areas within the camp (both during work and on our time off). We were able to go boating on the lake, swimming in the pool, riding BMX bikes, and going on the zip wire. We also got to experience the activities which we all would associate with American summer camps, such as the camp fires, camp sing-a-longs during dinner, making s’mores, and raising the flags in the morning. I really enjoyed my time life guarding by the pool and having a laugh with the best pool crew. Even waking up super early for the polar bear swim brought some great memories (like being chanted by kids to jump in the pool at 6:30am)
One of my favourite memories of camp would probably the last campfire we had before leaving were a few of us internationals brought our country’s flags to be signed by everyone at camp. We had the best time taking photos, laughing with each other and singing our favourite camp songs/ chants of the summer. Another of my favourite memories would be when we travelled straight to Washington DC after saying goodbye to camp. We spent our time sightseeing and having a laugh at our Airbnb all together.
Back then I was very used to being away from home, but had never really travelled out of the country for such a long time on my own, which was a little nerve-wracking. The nerves/excitement are part of the experience, and whilst you may experience homesickness occasionally it is usually far less than you may expect. Camp becomes your new reality, and your home from home, you gain a new family and experience more than you can imagine.
I would always recommend the experience!
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