What impact did Camp America have on you?
Camp pushed me massively out of my comfort zone. I had not even moved away for uni, I commuted from home, so going to America for the summer was a huge step for me. It completely changed how I see myself. I realised I can adapt to anything, handle challenges independently, and step into unfamiliar situations with confidence. Working around kids every day also gave me a new perspective. They teach you patience, perspective and how to find joy in small things. I built resilience in those first intense weeks, but more than anything, it showed me that I am capable of far more than I thought.

Favourite summer camp memory?
Definitely when a black bear broke into the counsellor lounge while we were all in it. We had to hide behind a door and barricade ourselves in while it sniffed around the food lockers. Completely by accident I caught the whole thing on camera. At the time it was slightly terrifying, but now it’s one of those stories that just sums camp up. Chaotic but unreal.

Where did you travel to after camp?
I travelled for 30 days afterwards. I went to Boston, Miami, Disney World in Orlando, Nashville, Chicago and Salt Lake City. Then I road tripped to Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon, drove to Las Vegas and Los Angeles, got a bus to San Francisco, then flew to Austin and finished in Dallas. It was the biggest thing I’ve ever done and I honestly do not think I would have had the confidence to do it without camp.

What are you doing now?
It has genuinely helped me stand out professionally. In a graduate job interview, the recruiter actually said my Camp America experience was what made me different. It has given me confidence, strong examples to talk about, and proof that I can adapt and take responsibility.

I have also made amazing friends across the UK and the US. It has given me so much more confidence to travel and meet new people. I am heading to Australia soon with friends and a group I have not even met yet, which I probably would not have done before camp.

A piece of advice...
Bring a mattress topper, you will thank me later.

More seriously, stay open minded. The first week or two can feel overwhelming, but push through it. You will settle in quicker than you think and you will be so glad you stuck it out.