We’ve reached that time of year when, despite constant deadlines and looming exams, summer is finally in sight. And luckily for us, being a student means roughly three months of blissful emancipation from the library! This also creates a slight dilemma: what to do with all this free time? One way to spend your holiday is to work at an American Summer Camp for children. Agencies such as Camp America and Americamp give you the opportunity to work abroad as a Camp Counselor (and no, you don’t need a psychology degree – ‘counselor’ is just a name). Not sure? Here are some reasons to jet off to the States this summer:
1. It’s cheap!
Let’s be honest, by June most of us are worryingly deep into our overdrafts, and the bank of mum and dad is rarely willing to shell out on that luxury cruise we’ve been dreaming about all term. However, low funds don’t mean you can’t travel over summer. Although programs like Camp America and BUNAC definitely aren’t free, the prices are reasonable when you include your wages. The agency fees generally cover flights as well as the cost of securing a placement. On top of that you’ve got to pay for a visa, insurance and other money to live on. But not only will your accommodation and food be provided at camp, you’ll also be earning a wage. And while this might not be a small fortune, it will probably be enough to either offset the agency fees or – what most people choose to do – fund a few weeks of travelling once camp is over.
2. Experience American culture
This is a great way to see the real America – it’s not all McDonalds and the Statue of Liberty. The location of your camp is probably going to be rural so you won’t be surrounded by tourists. This is an opportunity to live in a part of America you’d probably never visit otherwise. And you’ll be working alongside Americans. This gives you the chance to overthrow stereotypes and try things you might not get to experience otherwise; from knowing the best places to visit (other than Disneyland Florida), to teaching you a world of lingo you never realised you were missing out on, to maybe even attending a flag-burning ceremony, you’ll return feeling like you’ve had a true cultural experience.
3. Meet new friends
It’s a cliché, but its true – lifelong friends are made at camp. The experience of living and working with others 24/7 can be difficult at times, but it’s a sure formula for fast bonding. You’ll meet all sorts of people and it’s crazy how close you can become in a short space of time.
4. The children
Ok kids can be annoying. And they can be messy. They can also be downright painful when waking you up at 3am. But they can also be very cute. Kids at camp adore their counsellors and you’ll quickly become their best friend and role model. Having this kind of impact on their lives is so special and not to be taken for granted. Seeing a shy, lonely child leave camp with more confidence and friends, and knowing you’ve been a part of making that happen is something you can treasure for life. Plus, there are many camps out there for underprivileged, disadvantaged or disabled children (and adults) which are also amazing opportunities to impact someone less fortunate than yourself.
5. Camp is FUN
We’ve all seen the parent trap and we’ve all secretly wished we were Lindsay Lohan playing poker and betting Oreos. But even if you’re not actually attending camp, it’s not a big secret that counsellors have just as much – if not more – fun that the children they’re supervising. Slip n’ Slides and campfires are exciting at any age, and activities like horse riding, climbing walls and high ropes are generally open to counsellors as well. Camp spirit is also infectious – think “Bleed Green” times 100. You’ll quickly learn to love camp songs, inter-camp competitions and the weekly ‘all-camp’ activity (while constantly dressed head to toe in tie-dye, of course).
6. The Food
Pizza Casserole, Deep Fried Oreos, breakfast pizza, peach dump cake, oh and more pizza! Yep, be prepared to gain a few pounds at camp. The meals served at camp are guaranteed to be the all-American cuisine we know and love. As a counsellor, you soon learn the best way to get through the day is on a permanent sugar high – prepare for a summer filled with endless, delicious carbohydrates. Plus, S’mores! Constant, unlimited S’mores.
7. Bye Bye Wifi
Lesson one of camp life: Internet access is a rare and precious gem. This might seem terrifying but camp is a great way to overcome your Whatsapp addiction. Instead, you can spend your days outdoors, surrounded by idyllic nature. This can be refreshing and give you a more positive outlook. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is an experience you’ll definitely value more if you’re not Snapchatting the entire journey.
8. Travel after camp
You’re in America, you’ve got some new friends, and there’s still 4 weeks until you need to return to University. Time to explore! You could be placed in a camp in any state, so will have the chance to travel anywhere in America. Most people end up at New York at some point, but there will likely be lots of exciting places in reach of your camp. So whether you’ve always wanted to hang out at the White House, surf in California or lose all your money in Vegas, the sky is the limit! Agencies also offer tours if you don’t want to organise travelling yourself.
9. Skills for Life
After camp, it’s totally acceptable to put ‘ability to fire build’ on your CV. That’s as well as lifeguarding, first aid, childcare and numerous other skills and qualifications you will gain at camp. It’s also great for all those other soft skills employers love – independence, initiative and problem solving. Although it’s not the most traditional of jobs, working at Camp will definitely look impressive to future employers and equip you with transferable skills for the future!
Interested? For more information check out agencies such as Camp America, BUNAC and Americamp for an unforgettable summer!