Camp America

[KingCarlito]

Currently in the application process to go to work at a Summer Camp; I see it as a good chance to see a completely new part of the World far away from home, whilst earning a wage and learning new skills at the same time. I feel like if I don't do this whilst I'm young that the chance will pass me by - hoping to get a placement in Canada as I've always wanted to visit.

Has anyone else done this (or know someone who has) in America or Canada and have any feedback, positive or negative?

Thanks for your opinions.

 

[Elbow beards]

Currently in the application process to go to work at a Summer Camp; I see it as a good chance to see a completely new part of the World far away from home, whilst earning a wage and learning new skills at the same time. I feel like if I don't do this whilst I'm young that the chance will pass me by - hoping to get a placement in Canada as I've always wanted to visit.

Has anyone else done this (or know someone who has) in America or Canada and have any feedback, positive or negative?

Thanks for your opinions.

I did it in 1988, I know it's a long time ago, but was the best 3 months of my life. Was based in cincinnati, fantastic camp, great kids and councilors.
Go for it, you won't forget it, after all these years I still look back to that time. Don't know how old you are, I was 19 at the time, and I did a lot of growing up, changed me as a person and gave me confidence.
The only bad stories I heard were from a few girls we met on our travels after camp. They said they were on a camp near new York for under privileged kids and it as as rough as, with guards and stuff. We were on a private camp though so kids were from pretty well of parents.
Go for it mate, you won't regret it

 

[KingCarlito]

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated. I had a mate in college who went when he was 18 to California, came back a different lad full of confidence - think he went 3 yrs on the run after that!

I am 22 now with a fair bit of life experience behind me for my age. I have recently embarked on a career change and have started a full-time degree at Uni so it has made me re-evaluate my stance on life, and prioritise the things that I want to achieve whilst I am still young and able.

On the initial form you can choose which Camp you want to go to i.e Christian, disabled, under priveleged, Jewish, All girls etc etc. I've ticked most boxes as I'm not too fussed and feel I can adapt to any of the said groups. Just hope I get through the interview phase with no dramas and get a decent placement pretty soon.

What did you do in regards to travelling once your time at Camp had finished?

 

[Elbow beards]

Think it must be different now but when I went didn't have a choice which camp went to, I was put on a Catholic run one, but made no odds to me, don't do God but wasn't rammed down your throat, just had church for the kids on Sunday that was about it. As I said, think your better off on a private run one, generally kids from well off families. Also they let us drink on camp and was a boozer near by, so happy days!! Think a lot may be dry though.
I went on my own but met another brit on camp so me him and a Swedish girl travelled for 2 weeks after on greyhound buses. Don't know if they are still running, you could by a ticket for discounted price from camp America that would give you unlimited travel for few weeks. Basically went from one side of America to other on a coach!! Very uncomfortable but you see the country. Think you can get tickets for amtracks as well which is the train equivalent. As I said was a long time ago so may have changed, ask in the interview.
As for the interview, was very relaxed not like job interview, just need to be enthusiastic, I you are good at any sports big that up, if your good at footy you could be put on a soccer camp. And lastly don't say you hate kids, won't go down well :)

 

[KingCarlito]

My main worry about the sports is that I'm a good athlete but only what would be classed as 'a good all-rounder' at various sports. I don't have a sport that I am stand out at, or have played at a high level.

 

[autographman]

I did it for 4 years from 1990. Best thing I ever did and met my American wife there!!

 

[Barcon]

Camp lackabeaver beckons.

 

[Blue Haze]

I never worked at these camps, only stayed at them. Went as a kid.

My only recommendation is to find an interesting location. California, New England and NY would be fun. We get great weather here in the northwest during the summer, but not as much stuff to do if you plan to explore.

Hell, if you liked it here, you could even check out some universities. Good luck.

 

[-nibz-]

My main worry about the sports is that I'm a good athlete but only what would be classed as 'a good all-rounder' at various sports. I don't have a sport that I am stand out at, or have played at a high level.

You don't need to be an expert at anything. Going back a bit but an old mate of mine done this late 80's. He fuckin loved it. Took a trip to Disney land before he left. So if anyone was at that Shrewsbury away game when Neil McNab missed that penalty(after not winning away for what seemed years), that was us drunks in the Mickey Mouse hats

.

 

[Mad Eyed Screamer]

Worked at one in Connecticut 1990 and 91 and another in Pennsylvania in 92, had a great time.
If you are a specialist, ie you have swimming life guard certificate or ''soccer'' coaching you can state that and go as a coach etc. If not, general counsellor or even kitchen or maintenance staff.
Most of the overseas staff were great, the American staff hit and miss.... most just there for the money (not an issue, but hey, get some work done you lazy twats) where as the overseas staff were youth workers / teachers / social work students etc.
Plenty of shagging going on and at Pennsylvania I bonked the directors wife (she was seeking revenge as her husband was bonking a Chilean staff member!)

Deffo go for it...... you will have a great time.... put in the effort and you will be rewarded :)