Favourite summer camp memory? 

It’s hard to narrow down my favourite memory because the whole summer was the most magical, chaotic, wholesome, wonderful experience of my life! I think my favourite memory has to be seeing the smiles on the kids faces as they reached to top of the climbing wall or completed the high ropes course. That sense of achievement after completing something they didn’t think they could!

Where did you travel to after camp?

After camp, I spent 4 weeks spending time with the friends I made - visiting them in their home states. I continued to travel after the 4 weeks; spending 2 months travelling across Canada and then 2 months travelling down the west coast of the US.

What impact did Camp America have on you?

My experience at camp has completely changed my life! Camp taught me that the best things are on the other side of fear, so do it scared. Camp showed me that I can develop new skills and make a difference. I also met my girlfriend and made lifelong friendships with people from across the world. Camp changed my outlook on life and made me realise what mattered most to me and how to prioritise that. It gave the space and created an environment that allowed me to be the best version of myself and develop values that I have brought back home with me. And finally, my confidence has increased massively from my experience at camp. 

What are you doing now?

The skills I developed and the experience I had that summer has opened doors to a career path I had never considered and hobbies that I never had the chance the experience before. I am now working in an Outdoor Activity Apprenticeship and looking to go back to camp next summer! I have had more chance to travel and visit my friends I made at camp. 

A piece of advice...

One piece of advice I would give to someone heading into their first summer is: go with it. It’s going to feel scary and overwhelming and chaotic and exciting and magical - maybe even all in the same day! But just go with it. Talk to people, be silly, be creative and most importantly, be yourself. This could be the best summer of your life - make the most of it!