Summer Camp USA

If you’re a first time traveller and perhaps a bit weary of what to expect, then Summer Camp in the US is a great place to start (it’s also good if you’re not a first time traveller as it is the easiest way to be able to work in the states.). I’ve been 3 times before and am actually going back again this year.

So since I’ve been a couple of times I thought it might be a good idea to write a bit of an informational post with some tips on what you can expect, which is what this is.

The first thing you want to do is sign up to an agency eg Camp America, IEP/BUNAC, Camp Leaders and I think theres proabably a couple of others. I’ve gone through each of the ones mentioned above. They are all much the same. Everyone I know is always happy with Camp America but they charge a bit more than the others. The process to get a visa is quite long but youll get there eventually.

I’ve only ever been to one camp There are hundreds and possibly thousands of them scattered around the states and Im sure that each is special and different in there own way. Sometimes I’m asked why I keep going back to the same one ie dont I want to experience others. I thought this way before I went to camp, but I keep going back for 2 main reasons. 1. Your pay grade goes up when you return, and 2. You get to see alot of the people you made friends with the first time round.

The best thing about Summer Camps is that you meet alot of cool people from all over the world, and many of them have the same ‘travellers’ mindset. You will probably travel with some of them afterwards, and will have couches to sleep on in further travels.

The camp I went to was quite large, and I think that the problem with this is that it turn into a bit of a high school situation. Alot of people get sucked into hanging with certain groups, gossipping etc My biggest tip would be to make friends with people from all nationalities and all work areas. It will make a big difference to your experience and will also help alot in further travels.

There’s not much else to say about Summer Camp. You need to be a certain type of personality to enjoy it. You have alot of fun but also have alot of responsibility. Dont do it if you’re under 21 (the legal drinking age in the US) and dont expect it to be a holiday. You need to be patient with people and be prepared to lose some of the adult freedoms your used to eg you probably wont be able to just have a beer whenever you want, and you may have a curfew etc. I recommend giving it a go. If you want to read more about travel in the States ie pre/post camp then just browse through the North America category.

Thats it Y’all!
(If you have any specific questions feel free to contact me)

Ropes Course Training

Its not necessary to have any specific skills to work at a summer camp but speciality skills means you can work in speciality areas. The main thing is to have a personality that fits camp life.