There's No Place Like Summer Camp: Stories, Tips, and Laughs from Camp America, Camp Counsellors and Beyond

There's No Place Like Summer Camp: Stories, Tips, and Laughs from Camp America, Camp Counsellors and Beyond

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There's No Place Like Summer Camp: Stories, Tips, and Laughs from Camp America, Camp Counsellors and Beyond episodes

  • 6 Common Mistakes Made Before Going to Summer Camp

    I’ve had a bit of a thought over the past week or so about the most common mistakes people make prior to going to American Summer Camp. I think I’ve cracked the top six, so let’s have a look and try give you a heads up before you also make these school boy errors.

    1. Not giving yourself enough time: This stands out for me above the others in the list because of how it has such a bearing on everything else. If you’re constantly in a rush to get the paperwork together and your flights sorted, then you’re just adding unnecessary stress. There are times where this can be a bit out of your control but do try and stay on top of things. Being organised could simply take a plastic folder with all your documentation in one place. Give yourself enough time to ensure you have everything you need; paperwork and personal supplies.
    2. Not finding the staff Facebook page: Again, this is a biggie for me and you will see why. I recall my first summer, where I struggled to find anyone even mention my camp name on any social network. After a chance encounter at an orientation day, I found a fellow staff member and therefore the hidden staff Facebook group. Knowing what faces to expect while over there is a big relief. It means you have something to talk about – even if it does mean a little snooping! I can guarantee that 99% of the summer camps have their own Facebook Groups and many even have groups just for the British staff too. So if you swear you have looked in every nook and cranny for it, why not get in contact with the camp themselves. They will be able to nudge you in the right direction if they haven’t already automatically added you to the group already.
    3. Overpacking: It’s a bit of a tricky one this, trying to guesstimate how much you have to pack for the three or so months you are away from home. Every camp usually has a rough guide on what to bring with you, including any ‘special request items’ like you can get at Jewish summer camps. The rule of thumb is to pack for about 2 weeks worth of clothing. There’s going to be laundry runs so as long as you have two weeks worth, you will be fine. As for everything else, well you need to make sure you have the cosmetics and any technology for the ride too. There’s of course plenty you’ll need to take to camp. Just be sure to weigh the suitcase at the end to make sure you are under that limit for your airline. Remember: Walmart is the saving grace of your stay. They have everything. If you can’t fit X, Y or Z in to your luggage, don’t fret.
    4. Forgetting Stuff: In the same breath, I’d like to say just double check that packing list. Although Walmart is there, you don’t want to get off to a bad start at camp by forgetting your phone charger or forgetting all of your undies. It means you will have to get very close with someone, very quick! First impressions are everything so just run through the ‘absolute essentials’ to ensure you have it. Even if you have packed everything, there will be things you never even considered that you’ll need from Walmart soon enough. Nail clippers anyone?
    5. Not doing your research: Just make sure you know which camp you are going to. Where it is in the USA and what the camp is all about. There was one person at the camp I went to who thought they were going to Cleveland Ohio when really it was Cleveland Georgia! You should be absolutely buzzing to get over there though so this shouldn’t be a problem for most.
    6. Social Media: And finally, we have social media. I’d go as far to say that the agencies somewhat scare-monger you into deleting absolutely everything risqué. It doesn’t need to be the case. I’d just say be professional. Make sure your profile picture isn’t something you would be embarrassed to show your mum. You’re going to be adding friends from all ages (and yes I include the 40+!). I believe you’re not supposed to add campers on social media, but everyone does by the end. You’re not going to see them ever again otherwise. So just be sensible and stay cool.

      7. So there it is, the six most popular mistakes everyone does before going to camp. Seeing as you’re even here on my summer camp website, I’m sure you will be fine. Heck, everyone makes these mistakes but it’s very easy to bounce back. Remember there is only one chance to make a good first impression. No pressure!

       

      If you enjoyed this blog post, why not check out my book? It’s called There’s No Place Like Summer Camp and can be found in my shop here. It’s well worth a read if you are interested in some saucy gossip about day to day life in camp. It’s available for pre-order at the moment and will be on Amazon closer to the launch.

      Do you think I missed some school boy errors on this list? Why not pop a comment below!

       

      See you next week,

      A.

      19 min
    7. 8 Worries You Will Have Before Going Summer Camp

      Going to camp is a terrifying process. On your first time applying, a million thoughts and worries flood your head. Allow me, the host of There’s No Place Like Summer Camp to ease your woes. Here are the eight worries you will have before going to summer camp for the first time.

      1. Making Friends – Damn this is a biggie of mine. Each time I have done summer camp, the scare of not making friends daunts the experience. But, having been and done a couple of summers, I know how awesome this really is. Solo travelling for the first time means that you are putting yourself out there, in a new environment. And sure, these camps will have staff that have been going for years, but there is always an influx of new staff joining for the first time too. What surprised me, was the extent of how many new staff join per year, over half the entire staff are also there the first time too. On top of this, there are plenty of fun opportunities and icebreakers to ease you into camp with new faces. Embrace it.
      2. Travels Afterward – Particularly on the first year, I was worried about not having plans for the end of camp. But it was what Camp America had told us to do. So I followed their lead and sure enough, its words of wisdom. Make sure you aren’t tempted to book stuff before you set foot in camp (unless you’re doing a tour of course). It is best to enjoy camp, make new friends and then travel with them after all the hard work. You’ll make some sick memories.
      3. Collection from the airport – Think of this as the first step into the unknown. When camp pick you up from the airport, its the first time you are face to face with who you’re working with for the summer. It shouldn’t be too troublesome finding them either. If you get lost at all, contact camp and they can guide you.
      4. No familiar faces – Similar to the making friends thing really. But trust me, after about a week of spending 24/7 with these people, you will be a tightknit family. You will confide in secrets that your closest of friends back home don’t even know. The friends you make at camp are like no other.
      5. Money troubles – Going to volunteer at summer camp isn’t (in my opinion) expensive. You pay approx £750 for the privilege of going and by the end of it all, you are paid for your services. For me, it worked out to be near breakeven. All I needed was to save the spending money and travels afterward. Just discipline yourself, put money aside each month and you should be fine.
      6. Leaving your job/education – Sometimes in life, you need to think of the bigger picture. When I made the decision to do summer camp, I looked at my long term rather than short term. Do you want to have all these stories, memories and fun? Or do you want to stay in work? These are only things you can answer, not me.
      7. What I need to pack – Packing, while it is a worry, shouldn’t really be. Sure, you want to be certain you have the essentials, but anything you forget can be bought in a Walmart. As for what to pack, most camps provide a packing list.
      8. Missing out on stuff back at home – By this, I mean different to being homesick. When you come back from summer camp, you will return as a changed person. With all these memories and stories to tell. While back at home, not much will change. You will be the rockstar while your friends and family at home lust over your social media pics.

        9.  

        Do you have worries about camp that aren’t on the list? Tweet me, @androow09. And a quick plug, I’m writing a book about my first year of volunteering for summer camp. You can pre-order it here on my shop and will be on all good retailers soon.

         

        See you next week,

        A.

        26 min
      9. 6 Essentials to Take to Summer Camp & An Introduction to the Podcast
        6 Essentials to bring to Summer Camp

        So, it’s your first year on staff eh? Congrats! Now for all the dreaded panic shopping in the run up to your flight. I’m here to break down some down-right essentials for what you need to pack to get the most out of your American Summer Camp experience.

        1. First up, gadgets. You can’t go anywhere without them these days and the same goes for summer camp. In the bubble that is camp, you need some contact with the outside world just to stay on top of what is happening in the real world. Taking your phone is an essential for contacting family to let them know you are safe. It’s also bloody handy to take on your travels afterward when you want to get directions, book flights or want to take some pictures. Phone, above anything else is number 1.
        2. Travel adapters. I bet there are some of you who have just said ‘OH SHIT’ when reading this one. It goes without saying really. If you want to use your tech, get some adapters. In my second year, I did the ingenious thing of taking an extension cord that let me get many more plugs out of one travel adapter. It was risky as I didn’t know if it would work, but it did! Try that!
        3. Now’s a probably good time to quadruple check passports, visas etc. You make all that effort, turn up at New York and ‘doh!’ you forgot the J2. Yeah, you probably don’t want to be that person.
        4. Water bottle. At the camps I have worked at anyway, you couldn’t get by without one. The weather combined with the amount of exercise you do (even if it is simply walking to the other side of camp!) is hard work. The kids are forced to take them to each activity and you’d be a fool to consider not bringing one at all. Did you know you can take an empty one in hand luggage?
        5. Snacks. If you can afford the weight, put as many British foods in there as you can. I’m talking Dairy Milk, Haribo, Jaffa Cakes, Dairy Milk, Maltesers, Toffee Crisp and Dairy Milk. You’ll become the champion of the camp by being able to offer something from home when people are feeling homesick. And it goes to say, it’s great for your wellbeing too.
        6. A smile. Cringey as it sounds, and as cliche as this top 6 list could be, you need one. There’s no point in going all that way, all that hard work of the application process to be tired of it all when you touchdown. You need to be confident, positive and approachable to make new friends. In staff week, you’re going to need a smile to get you by which will be the run up to when the kids arrive. If you’re not happy by the time they get there, they will notice!
          7. Can you think of other biggies to bring to Camp?

          Can you think of any that should take a place from the list of six? How about you let me know in the comments below. Fancy reading more about what to expect when you apply for American Summer Camps? How about you check this link out for similar blog posts. And while you’re at it, please allow this quick plug. I’ve written a book called There’s No Place Like Summer Camp, the diary I kept while on my first year of doing Camp America. It can be pre-ordered now through my shop here. Coming to Amazon and other good bookshops soon too.

          If you found this blog post interesting, why not give my podcast and listen to? It’s free of course and can be found on iTunes, here.

          See you in a week’s time,

          A.

          20 min
        7. Podcast Trailer

          A teaser into There’s No Place Like Summer Camp, the podcast all about volunteering at American Summer Camp. Built for the internationals, this podcast spills all the beans on what its like to work with Camp America, Camp Leaders, BUNAC, Americamp and more!

          5 min

        About There's No Place Like Summer Camp: Stories, Tips, and Laughs from Camp America, Camp Counsellors and Beyond

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