Why did you apply to work at camp?
Camp seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. I was in my first year at university and wanted to do something unforgettable with my summer. I had always wanted to work with kids, and the idea of gaining experience by spending my summer working with American children on a summer camp seemed ideal. Not only would I be able to gain childcare experience but I could have a new cultural experience in the process. The idea of meeting new people from all around the world drew me to the program even more, I have always loved travelling saw this fantastic opportunity to firstly work with children for 9 weeks and then chance to travel the US after my placement.
Applying for camp...
I realised I wanted to apply for camp the summer before I went to University after returning from travelling around Australia. So I pretty much applied as soon as the application opened Sept 2011, even made a cheesy, and yes slightly cringey video in the hopes of getting placed. The application process was really simple I submitted my application in September, added a video later that month and was placed as a performing arts counselor in October. I got a direct email from Camp Farwell (which I nearly missed because it went into my junk), they offered me a skype interview and it just went from there. Four years later I’m still going back!
Favourite thing about America...
One of my favourite things about America (other than camp of course) has to be the fact that there are so many diverse places to travel. I have been returning for the last 4 summers and still have so many places and things to tick off my American bucket list. I mean don’t get my wrong, I like everyone else found myself captivated by the bright lights of Las Vegas, lost in the wonders of the Gran Canyon, and thoroughly entertained whilst watching a show on Broadway in NYC but the US has so much more to offer, the hidden gems you find along the way are sometimes the most memorable of all. From the Eastern beaches of Miami to Western Californian coast I found a love for America and all its diversity.
Best part about working on camp...
For me, other than the whole incredible experience as a whole, one of the best parts of working on camp has to be the fact that you get to act like a big kid again. This is seemingly a totally acceptable form of behaviour and in all honesty, loved by everyone around you (especially the campers!). From being dressed up as a minion by a group of 6 year old campers to running around playing quidditch to win house points, the opportunities to make an utter fool out of yourself are endless. And the best bit is, the more you embrace your inner child the more the campers seem to love it.
Top Tip...
Embrace the messy look, take full advantage of the fact that on a summer camp nobody cares what you look like. Even the most picture perfect of consellors realise within the first day that their straighteners and extensive make up collection can happily stay packed away until its time for travelling. I spent more time with paint on my face than I did makeup. Camp is an opportunity to leave the real world behind, a place where you can be completely yourself, you’ll get lost in you own camp bubble and it really is the best place in the world to be. Oh and you should definitely take silly outfits with you, campers love it (and secretly so will you!).
