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

  • Reasons to Stop Procrastinating About Going to Camp

    Volunteering at summer camp can be a scary prospect. And for many, it means that they will never get the memories and stories that I once had the privilege to take. So here are some reasons why you should pick yourself up, stop procrastinating and apply for summer camp today.

     

    • Is it better to stay in your daydreams? – There are plenty of people who ‘dream’ about doing X, doing Y and Z. But, never have the umph to get up and do it. Think to yourself while you read this “am I better to stay where I am now or take a bit of a risk?” If you pondered, you’re probably procrastinating. GO AND APPLY!
    • Parents and dying people all want to have experienced more from life while they could… YOU CAN! – This got dark pretty quick! But think about it, what do people on their deathbeds say? Their dying breath is to advise people to live their life of dreams, go see the world and make a lifetime of memories. So what are you doing sitting here reading this blog?
    • They speak English – Going solo travelling for the first time can be scary, I feel ya! I was there! But, America is awesome. They all speak English and better still, they adore your accent and culture. Being a Brit in USA? Doesn’t get much better than that.
    • People your age – When you work at summer camp, you will be surrounded by young people who are similar to yourself. You will make so many friends its hard to count. Where else can you go and work, make a ton of friends and get paid for it!?
    • Its only a few weeks/months – The volunteering part can be brief (though I don’t suggest looking for camps that are short – you will miss it). But, if its the timescale thats putting you off from going, there are plenty of variants of camp you can apply for. So if it is just a couple of weeks you could spare, there may be a camp out there for you.
    • So much to see in the USA – Travelling after camp is a BLAST. You get 30 days on your J2 visa to explore how you wish. So make the most of it! Go visit Vegas, climb up Empire State Building and sky dive down in Texas. The world USA is your Oyster!
    • You’re hand-held through it all with the programs, no dodginess – The likes of Camp America and Camp Leaders are so trusted. They have loads of experience and they guide you through all the scary stuff. I remember when I was at the U.S. embassy applying for my visa and they checked over all my documents! You’re in safe hands.
    • Loads of others in the same boat as you. Its shocking to see how many new staff camps churn through – And finally, I was somewhat scared of going because I may not make friends. But trust me, you will. There are loads in the same boat as you and it shocked me how many return. It’s such a blast and you won’t regret it.
    • Oh! Lastly, cost – It’s not expensive at all to go work with Camp America. It’s the biggest bargain I’ve ever bought. It cost around £700 for all the application stuff before camp started and then you get paid while out there. Sure, it’s somewhat slave rates but you do make back roughly £500 (depending on skills etc.). All you need is spending money and you’re laughing.

      • Still scratching your head? Still procrastinating? You’re a tough one. Perhaps my YouTube channel or Podcast will help you out. I’ll see you in a weeks time here when I’m discussing the most popular jobs that camp hire.

      See you then!

      A.

      14 min
    • Reasons to Stop Procrastinating About Going to Camp
      Volunteering at summer camp can be a scary prospect. And for many, it means that they will never get the memories and stories that I once had the privilege to take. So here are some reasons why you should pick yourself up, stop procrastinating and apply for summer camp today.
       

      * Is it better to stay in your daydreams? – There are plenty of people who ‘dream’ about doing X, doing Y and Z. But, never have the umph to get up and do it. Think to yourself while you read this “am I better to stay where I am now or take a bit of a risk?” If you pondered, you’re probably procrastinating. GO AND APPLY!
      * Parents and dying people all want to have experienced more from life while they could… YOU CAN! – This got dark pretty quick! But think about it, what do people on their deathbeds say? Their dying breath is to advise people to live their life of dreams, go see the world and make a lifetime of memories. So what are you doing sitting here reading this blog?
      * They speak English – Going solo travelling for the first time can be scary, I feel ya! I was there! But, America is awesome. They all speak English and better still, they adore your accent and culture. Being a Brit in USA? Doesn’t get much better than that.
      * People your age – When you work at summer camp, you will be surrounded by young people who are similar to yourself. You will make so many friends its hard to count. Where else can you go and work, make a ton of friends and get paid for it!?
      * Its only a few weeks/months – The volunteering part can be brief (though I don’t suggest looking for camps that are short – you will miss it). But, if its the timescale thats putting you off from going, there are plenty of variants of camp you can apply for. So if it is just a couple of weeks you could spare, there may be a camp out there for you.
      * So much to see in the USA – Travelling after camp is a BLAST. You get 30 days on your J2 visa to explore how you wish. So make the most of it! Go visit Vegas, climb up Empire State Building and sky dive down in Texas. The world USA is your Oyster!
      * You’re hand-held through it all with the programs, no dodginess – The likes of Camp America and Camp Leaders are so trusted. They have loads of experience and they guide you through all the scary stuff. I remember when I was at the U.S. embassy applying for my visa and they checked over all my documents! You’re in safe hands.
      * Loads of others in the same boat as you. Its shocking to see how many new staff camps churn through – And finally, I was somewhat scared of going because I may not make friends. But trust me, you will. There are loads in the same boat as you and it shocked me how many return. It’s such a blast and you won’t regret it.
      * Oh! Lastly, cost – It’s not expensive at all to go work with Camp America. It’s the biggest bargain I’ve ever bought. It cost around £700 for all the application stuff before camp started and then you get paid while out there. Sure, it’s somewhat slave rates but you do make back roughly £500 (depending on skills etc.). All you need is spending money and you’re laughing.

      Still scratching your head? Still procrastinating? You’re a tough one. Perhaps my YouTube channel or Podcast will help you out. I’ll see you in a weeks time here when I’m discussing the most popular jobs that camp hire.
      See you then!
      A.
      14 min
    • Essentials to Take on the Plane

      Welcome one and all to another blog post all about summer camp. In this week, we go over the essentials to take on the flights over to America, and perhaps the return leg too. Also, I have to do a quick shoutout to my new YouTube channel. It’s partnering up with this blog and the podcast. So if you prefer video or audio formats, go check those out! Anyway on with the blog, let’s begin.

      So first up its magazines, and I don’t know about you but I like to be entertained on an 8 hour + flight. So I make sure to bring some reading material along with me so I’m not confined to just screens and tech for the trek over. Books would be a good shout for this too. You can crack through a good page-turner in the time it takes to get to America. Did I mention I have a book coming out?

      Snaaaccckkkkkssss, hopefully you’ve seen that viral video by now. I love food and can’t go an hour without something to chow down upon. So bring snacks for the flight, just incase that airline food isn’t all its hyped up to be. I’ve also blogged in the past about bringing foods from home to eat while at camp too so check that out if you’re scratching your head on what to eat inside of camp walls.

      Water, before camp I wouldn’t say I drank all that much water. My drinking diet would consist of milk and coke. But at camp, it’s a different ball-game. Even on teh flight over you want to have fresh h20 to hand to calm the nerves and uneasy stomachs.

      Phone & Charger, it’s going to be a long time since you leave London till you arrive in your summer camp. So make sure you have your phone (of course) but also your charger to hand in your hand luggage. It’s all too easy to forget to have this for the flight and before long, you’re with a dead phone in a foreign country. Pack it with you and you can charge while on the flight and avoid those last minute worries. Perhaps a portable charger is the way forward and don’t forget about those plug adapters!

      Blanket, I for one aren’t the type of person that gets cold. I’m warm-blooded which has always been a blessing. Sky-high though, it can be a little nippy. And the perfect way to eat through those hours on the flight is to nap for some of it. I’m sure plenty of airlines offer free blankets to all passengers, but it can be a cool idea to pack your one from home.

      Passport and visas, I hate to mention this in every blog post, but people do forget them! How are you even on the flight without these!?

      Games can make the flight go by in a breeze. Download a few apps on your phone to help pass the time or bring your DS, Switch or PlayStation Vita for the trek over. As long as you treat your tech right, they should be fine in the camp bubble. You’ll beat that big bad boss in no time.

      Music and headphones, this is similar to the games thing in a way. But remember that up in the air you’ll be lucky to get wifi. So download the songs you’d like for the flight over. And of course bring headphones too! Perhaps a podcast or two will help. Did I mention There’s No Place Like Summer Camp has a podcast?

      Itinerary, before camp I didn’t know what this word meant. But basically, have some sort of plan of whats going on when you touchdown. Are camp picking you up? Are you checking in to a hotel? Having these plans to hand on the flight can help calm you down while solo-travelling.

      In the next blog post, we are talking about why you shouldn’t put off going to summer camp.

      I’ll see you then,

      A.

       

      13 min
    • Essentials to Take on the Plane
      Welcome one and all to another blog post all about summer camp. In this week, we go over the essentials to take on the flights over to America, and perhaps the return leg too. Also, I have to do a quick shoutout to my new YouTube channel. It’s partnering up with this blog and the podcast. So if you prefer video or audio formats, go check those out! Anyway on with the blog, let’s begin.
      So first up its magazines, and I don’t know about you but I like to be entertained on an 8 hour + flight. So I make sure to bring some reading material along with me so I’m not confined to just screens and tech for the trek over. Books would be a good shout for this too. You can crack through a good page-turner in the time it takes to get to America. Did I mention I have a book coming out?
      Snaaaccckkkkkssss, hopefully you’ve seen that viral video by now. I love food and can’t go an hour without something to chow down upon. So bring snacks for the flight, just incase that airline food isn’t all its hyped up to be. I’ve also blogged in the past about bringing foods from home to eat while at camp too so check that out if you’re scratching your head on what to eat inside of camp walls.
      Water, before camp I wouldn’t say I drank all that much water. My drinking diet would consist of milk and coke. But at camp, it’s a different ball-game. Even on teh flight over you want to have fresh h20 to hand to calm the nerves and uneasy stomachs.
      Phone & Charger, it’s going to be a long time since you leave London till you arrive in your summer camp. So make sure you have your phone (of course) but also your charger to hand in your hand luggage. It’s all too easy to forget to have this for the flight and before long, you’re with a dead phone in a foreign country. Pack it with you and you can charge while on the flight and avoid those last minute worries. Perhaps a portable charger is the way forward and don’t forget about those plug adapters!
      Blanket, I for one aren’t the type of person that gets cold. I’m warm-blooded which has always been a blessing. Sky-high though, it can be a little nippy. And the perfect way to eat through those hours on the flight is to nap for some of it. I’m sure plenty of airlines offer free blankets to all passengers, but it can be a cool idea to pack your one from home.
      Passport and visas, I hate to mention this in every blog post, but people do forget them! How are you even on the flight without these!?
      Games can make the flight go by in a breeze. Download a few apps on your phone to help pass the time or bring your DS, Switch or PlayStation Vita for the trek over. As long as you treat your tech right, they should be fine in the camp bubble. You’ll beat that big bad boss in no time.
      Music and headphones, this is similar to the games thing in a way. But remember that up in the air you’ll be lucky to get wifi. So download the songs you’d like for the flight over. And of course bring headphones too! Perhaps a podcast or two will help. Did I mention There’s No Place Like Summer Camp has a podcast?
      Itinerary, before camp I didn’t know what this word meant. But basically, have some sort of plan of whats going on when you touchdown. Are camp picking you up? Are you checking in to a hotel? Having these plans to hand on the flight can help calm you down while solo-travelling.
      In the next blog post, we are talking about why you shouldn’t put off going to summer camp.
      I’ll see you then,
      A.
       
      13 min
    • Decisions to Make Before Going Summer Camp

      There are a few things to consider before setting a foot in your newfound summer camp. So here I am to break down a handful of things to decide upon before working at summer camp.

      Things to Decide Before Volunteering at Summer Camp
      1. How much money to bring – While you are paid to volunteer out in the world of American Summer Camp, it isn’t going to last for the travels afterward. You will need to decide how much money you are taking with you to make this truly once in a lifetime experience. Not only will this come in handy for the travels, but also while at camp too. The Walmart trips will be a heck of a lot better when you whip out a Caxton card to help you on your way.
      2. What cellular network to use – In this day and age, you need your phone so you can get by day to day. And it is often an oversight not to think how your phone will work out there. So do some research and find which packages could work the best for you for those two months. There are some providers in the UK that allow you to use your allowance while abroad and its also worth checking out the deals on offer in America itself. Bear in mind, it will be only a few months you are out there so perhaps it’s not necessary to sign up for a full years contract!
      3. The length of time you want to travel after camp comes to an end – The application process through such agencies like Camp America mean that you will need to decide upon a date you wish to return home. It will mean they can book your return flight for you as well as having your stay going swimmingly too. So pick a date that means you get to experience everything that you wish to. And pick a date that your budget can cater for. Oh, and bear in mind anything you have going back on in the ‘real world’.
      4. Consider a trek – A few of the people I went to camp with did a trek. These are the packages that agencies offer the likes of you folk. It means that you get to travel on these organised trips to some of the coolest places in the U.S. They are expensive, but are so cool too. You will meet new people who have also finished volunteering at their camp so it can be worth checking out if you wish.

        5. And that draws an end to this week’s blog post. If you haven’t already, check out my podcast! It’s called There’s No Place Like Summer Camp and it’s available here on iTunes. In next week’s episode, we’re going over the essentials to take on the plane.

         

        See you then,

        A.

         

        12 min
      6. The Types of People You Will Meet at Summer Camp

        All summer camps have the same sort of recipe. And summer camp is made special by the people who go to it. So here’s a breakdown of the types of people that will be at EVERY summer camp. Here’s a light-hearted look at what types of people you will find at a summer camp. Check the list to see how you fit in!

        • Lifeguards – If your camp has water, it will have lifeguards. You can spot the lifeguards out at any camp. They are those who are the most tanned and exhausted after spending long shifts keeping an eye on if anyone drowns.
        • Musicians – 99% of summer camps will have some form of music at camp. You bet that these will be the cool guys of camp. Their face will be well-known by all while they belt out some crackers that will stick in your head long after you leave summer camp.
        • Sports bods – Parents send their kids to summer camp so they get out and about while in childhood. So summer camps oblige and offer many different sports to appeal to all. Most camps will have a large sports team. You should join in too, what better place to play sports than the blistering heat of America!
        • Counsellors – How it’s taken this long to mention these guys staggers belief! All camps have counsellors, where they escort the kids for the summer and make sure they stay alive for the rest of camp! They have plenty of responsibilities including making sure they stay hygienic, wake up on time and go to all of the incredible activities on offer.
        • Leadership – These are the people who have been to camp for many years. So much so that summer camp becomes part of their DNA. They make sure camp runs without a hitch and do a blommin’ good job of doing so.
        • Security – It’s a weird day and age where we need security personnel at all summer camps but hey that’s the world we live in. These guys will check you in and out of camp. They will also keep the kids/staff inline to make sure everyone has a great time.
        • Kids! – Again, how long did it take to get this one out there!? Kids make every summer camp. There are those who are bleary eyed and new to it all. There are those who have been here years and feel like they run the ship. And then there are the cocky ones. Damn there are always the cocky ones…
        • And finally, the outdoorsy lot – These folk run the campfires, dish out the s’mores and lead the hikes. To some, they are the worst nightmare of camp. To others, they make what summer camp is all about.

          • All of the above can be broken down further too, like the different nationalities and those who are experienced/inexperienced. But I think that’s conclusive. You will find these people at your summer camp.

          Think I’ve missed some essentials from the list? Give me a tweet! In next week’s episode its Decisions to make before camp. So stay tuned to the blog and the podcast which is available on iTunes.

           

          See you in a week,

          A.

          20 min
        • 6 of the Best Summer Camp Merchandise on the Web

          Summer camp has come to an end and here we are missing it. I’m here to spill the beans as to what makes the cut when it comes to summer camp merchandise. Of course, ideally you’d like summer camp merchandise that has something to do with the camp you went to, so let’s begin there…

          1. T Shirts – These are the cream of the crop when it comes to summer camp. Everyone has one and they always keep them from years gone by. So why not check out your official camp’s store and see if they have any for sale. You will be representing your camp while also looking bad-ass. Camp America and Camp Leaders also have their own stores, so perhaps check there if you wish to purchase one of theirs.
          2. Hats/caps – Again you can rock these bad boys off while also representing your home away from home. Summer camp is a special place and what better than to look cool while doing it.
          3. Bags  – There are all sorts of bags that camps sell, whether that be sporty type, outdoorsy type or in some cases, suitcases! You could get one for any occasions and the money would be helping your camp out too.
          4. Paracord – Campers love to make paracord braclets and what better to buy some for yourself at home. Learn how to do them using YouTube tutorials and make your own. It will bring back those glory days from camp or, turn up and show the campers how to do them for themselves.
          5. Photo – With a photo, the limits are only your imagination. You can get them printed on to anything these days whether it be a poster, bedding, coasters. You name it, you can put your photo on to it. So cherish those amazing camp memories by immortalising them into something physical.
          6. PJs – We started with clothes, there was clothes midway through and we are ending with more clothes. PJ’s are a great way of making your camp memories amazing. Get your camp logo onto a set of these and snuggle up into bed while remembering how good camp was.
            7. Wrapping up the best American Summer Camp Merchandise

            As mentioned in the podcast, I will more than likely revisit this list at some point. It’s by no means comprehensive but it does give you some ideas to play around with. If you enjoyed this list, perhaps you will enjoy my book. It’s called There’s No Place Like Summer Camp and is the diary I kept over the first year of Camp America. It’s entertaining, NSFW and fills a wanderlust hole too. So go check it out if you like, available here and will be on Amazon etc in coming months.

             

            I’ll see you in the new year!

            A.

            13 min
          7. 8 Reasons Why You Don’t Want to Be Fired from Summer Camp

            As a newbie to camp, I was surprised when I heard that it’s guaranteed people get fired from them. So allow me to explain the reasons why you definitely don’t want to be fired from American summer camp, particularly if you are British or an international.

            Reasons Not to Be Fired From Camp
            1. The cost of the Visa – Cost of everything is thrown down the drain. Camp America keep all of the costs you paid them and your wages are kept by the summer camp. All of this, means cost to you.
            2. Rumors – The leadership team wants to keep the news to a minimum, which means the staff rumour about what is going on. For a good time, there will be conflicting stories until someone clears up the debacle. And all of this? It makes you look bad.
            3. Miss the rest of camp  – This once in a lifetime opportunity is wasted. You miss the rest of summer camp and will find it hard to be hired again.
            4. Miss the travelling – Any plans you made prior to camp are wasted too. You have to catch the next flight home as it’s illegal to keep you in America. All the plans down the drain, as with any money spent on them. Even if you didn’t have anything booked, there goes your holiday!
            5. Friends at camp lost – They will be lost without you and for the rest of camp will be thinking of you. All of the fun times and memories will be made without you there. Starting to get the hint that this isn’t a great thing to do yet!?
            6. Friends at home shocked – All the talk of going to America for a few months but here you are back in the UK. Sure, it will be funny for a while but this is at your cost. They’re more than likely laughing at you than with you.
            7. You look like a mug – Putting it lightly, you will look like a mug. Your holiday plans are scuppered and your back to boring day to day life. Enjoy going back to work.
            8. Cost of the flight! – This can be astronomical because you’re having to buy the next available flight back home. It’s illegal to stay in the country when unemployed with the J2 visa. So the next flight, you’re paying for!

              9. I hope that clears up some of the reasons why you don’t want to be fired from summer camp. Go out there, enjoy it and don’t get caught!

              Pre-Order the Book + Check out the Podcast

              If you enjoyed this, how about you check out my podcast? It’s called There’s No Place Like Summer Camp and is available on iTunes here.

              If you’re gagging for more, how about this? My book! It’s the diary I kept while volunteering in Camp America for my first summer. There are some hilarious stories as I am new to it all. It’s well worth the read and you can pre-order it here on my website. Coming to Amazon soon too.

               

              I’ll see you next week,

              A.

              14 min
            9. 7 of the Best British Things to take to American Summer Camp

              So, you’re ready. You’ve signed all the paperwork, gone through all the rigmarole of orientation events and have obtained all of the passport papers and visas. What now? Well consider this. Being British in America, you’re going to be adored. Be prepared for that. They fall for your accent out there so it’s time to up your A game. It’s time to show off some items from home to be a verified Brit and bring your culture to camp.

               

              Best British Things to Take to Camp America
              1. Taking Dairy Milk would be my number one tip for any budding volunteer in American Summer Camps. The standard of chocolate out there is lacklustre with a bitter tasting Hershey’s the only real comparable plain chocolate bar out there. Dairy Milk shows the Americans what chocolate should taste like. Take tons of the stuff. I don’t believe (or I never had a problem with) taking like £25 worth of sweets and chocolate to America both times I worked out there so don’t hold back! The number one UK chocolate bar will be the ‘black market currency’ before too long and it will help all of you get through the rough patches you are bound to have through your 3 month stay too.
              2. Stamps, just a couple of them will do. They’re somewhat of a collectors item to those who have never been to the UK before. Be prepared for being asked if you ‘have seen the queen’ while they explore what a stamp has to offer!
              3. I always took my driving licence. Hold your horses before you scream ‘it’s a risk if you lose it!’. I understand that a UK driving licence may not always work as ID for obtaining age restricted products like alcohol on your days off or travelling. While this form of ID can be a bit unreliable, it can be the backup to your passport if anything does go awry. If you were to lose your passport for instance, this could be a good piece of identification to prove who you are to the authorities. Camp-wise, bringing your driving licence also has its place. You can get them out and share what your newly found friends licences look like from all over the globe!
              4. Some say money makes the world go around. So bring some British dosh! It’s going to be an essential anyway when you have time to kill in Heathrow or when you land and need a taxi back home anyway. Making sure you have British Sterling to hand is always handy and you can put it in your suitcase while you’re out there. Comparing different countries notes and coinage will entertain everyone – who knew New Zealand has plastic notes!
              5. Football is the bread and butter of British sport. You can’t really avoid it on a weekend or when the big international tournaments are underway while you are out at camp. So show your colours, wear your teams shirt! Americans who are slowly embracing the world of ‘soccer’ (eugh!) will love to keep your shirt as a momento when you head back to the UK. So be sure to wear your England shirts during the World Cup and wear your team of choice shirt for day to day activities. Heck, it also doubles up well as a sports top to use in all the exercise you are bound to do!
              6. Take your favourite candy. Out in the bubble of American Summer Camp, you’re going to get cravings that Walmart just cannot satisfy. Ok that sounded weird! Seriously though, take your favourite sweet. It’ll boost your morale and you can share with others and convert people in to the ‘milk bottle lovers’ like yourself. Ok, maybe that’s not a good thing – they’re all mine!!!
              7. To wrap it up, take your flag. No matter from where you are from. It will quickly become apparent that you’re encouraged to make the place your own. You can decorate the walls how you please for the summer, so take your flag! Pin it up on the walls so anyone who enters your cabin knows exactly where your bed lies.

                8. I think that’s pretty much covered it for the Best British things you can take to American Summer Camp. If you are from a different country, this should also work for you and provide an idea of cool things you can show off to fellow staff and kids. If you have any other ideas that you think I missed out on, feel free to leave a comment below.

                There’s No Place Like Summer Camp Podcast

                If you want to read more of what American Summer Camp has to offer, why not check out my book? If you would love to hear these posts with a sexy British take on things, here’s a link to my podcast on iTunes!

                Next week is an exciting one, 8 reasons why you don’t want to be fired from camp.

                I’ll see you then!

                A.

                19 min

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

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