I really love being around people, but I struggle with doing it for long periods of time so I'm not sure if camp will work for me. Did you get any alone time at all? Or was it always with others?
No clue if you'll see this as this was posted a year ago ahaha. I'm looking to apply for 2025 and was wondering if you had any nerves about having such a big responsibility with the kids, I've taught kids in my dance school and have babysat before (getting more experience throughout the year) I'm just worried that I'll go and feel overwhelmed. But I'm so excited and really want to experience this!!!
I totally understand those nerves, it's completely expected to be honest. Most people go into this with actually very minimal experience working with kids, even less than you, so I wouldn't worry yourself too much. I can't speak for every camp but I know at mine and at many others there is a lot of support and higher staff to help you if you need it when you are there! And I know at least for our camp we have a week of orientation which will be when you can ask any questions to ease your mind and they will give you talks on how to handle certain situations and such. Honestly, it is totally normal to have those nerves, I think it would be odd if you didn't to be frank, but it will be fine I'm sure :)))
@@lilyjmerrick Thank you so much!! I really appreciate your advice. I’ve signed up today! Tried to swallow the nerves and just go for it as I’m sure i’ll love it! I’m gaining more experience over the summer so hopefully it’ll ease my nerves a little more! Honestly I really appreciate your advice it helped me a lot xx
@@ariellarees-davies2902 I’m so glad! Very excited for you, I’m sure you’ll have such a good time next summer! I’m hoping to be off again to camp next summer too! :)))
Thank you for taking the time to make this video, it's really helpful! I applied for a counselor job this summer, I start in a few weeks but one thing I can't figure out is what to wear, every counselor I've seen wears shorts and tank tops but I'm muslim and that wouldn't work for me with the hijab lol so I was wondering what would be the best type of clothes to wear, jeans? Lenin? Shirts? I have no idea
I would 100% recommend linen or cotton, any really breathable fabrics! It is definitely hot but totally doable with loose, light clothes. I don't think I would suggest wearing denim because it would be quite uncomfortable if you get wet which is likely with random activities and stuff they do at camp. Also, with that in mind you might want to be careful which linen/cotton items you choose in case they become more see-through when they get wet. I hope this has helped! Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions :)))
Hey, what kind of camp did you guys work at? Like a christian camp / underprivileged camp / private camp... I'm not sure what to pick, great video btw :) 💗💗
Hey! I’m glad you liked it :)) I worked at a private camp, it’s also technically a Jewish camp but that doesn’t really change much for you as a counsellor x
I don't know anyone personally that has applied that way without having already worked at that camp. I definitely feel as though one of the best ways to do it would be to make an application through an agency but to contact the camps directly that you want to work for and explain that your application is available on Camp America or whatever agency you used. Also, doing it through an agency is great help especially for the first time when it comes to VISAs and insurance. I hope that helped! :)
I would say that it entirely depends on the camps themselves and at our camp we have had counsellors around the 23-27 age. Of course, usually the majority of counsellors are beteween 18 and 21 because its really popular for like gap-year ages but there are definitely older (not to call you old lmao) counsellors too! x
I never did but I wouldn’t say it’s not possible! Pretty sure quite a few others had gels but unless you’re going to get nails done on your off days you will have to accept the same gels for like two months xx
I did Camp America in 2006, and it was one of the worst experiences of my life. The kids were from underprivileged backgrounds, so they were more often than not from very unstable backgrounds and the manager or rather, the camp director was very unprofessional. When I got back to England, I gave it absolutely horrendous review.
I'm so sorry that happened, that's so rough. That's why I feel I always have to preface my content to explain that every camp is different because I know there are some that I would have had a much different experience with.
As a counsellor this is unlikely because usually they like everyone to mix up and get to know eachother equally as well so they won't want two counsellors in one cabin that know eachother really well and then other counsellors in that cabin that might end up feeling isolated. They may put you in the same division or group of cabins but I would say it is unlikely to be put in the same cabin.
Thank you for this video! I'm from Germany and I want to go to Camp America in 2025. I hope the language won't be a big obstacle because english isn't my mother tongue...
I’m sure it won’t be an issue! At my camp we have had a few people from across Europe and they’ve had a great time even without English as a first language, we’ve even had a few kids from Europe so it was actually helpful at times! :)
I’m 26, I’m going for the first time to be head counselor for female presenting staff, and a recording arts and music teacher. I’m very excited, also am finding it ironic that a lot of people travel to do this job, and I live in Maine and it’s only 40 minutes from where I live. I feel lucky I don’t have to worry about packing because that sounds like a headache. I’ll be able to go home on the “weekends” sometimes! I’m getting a private cabin and clearly, I’m over the moon.
That’s sounds so good! Yeah I know a lot of counsellors who live close to camp and it’s such a blessing to be able to go home quick on time off. I’m excited for you, you’re going to have such a great time! :))
@@itsevelinakp ohhh sorry yeah, yeah I did get time in the mornings but it depends when you want to get up because the hours are incredibly physically demanding as it is 🩷
We didn't go for the pre-planned options that Camp America provide but I know others who did and had a great time. I did however spend 3 or so weeks travelling with a group of girls I met at camp in my first year. It was really great fun and a brilliant opportunity but of course it is quite a financial commitment.
Hey! Sorry for this late of a reply! Exam season has been hectic lol. I took three weeks for my first time doing Camp and I travelled to Philly, Washington DC, Miami, New Orleans and NYC. It was a really great experience so I definitely reccommend using those weeks if you can!
Facebook honestly, I went on the Camp America Group Chats for that year and asked if anyone was going to my camp and if there was a chat already set up. Or your camp may have its own group that you can join for the staff of that year x
I appreciate it I needed this now. First year I made friends but most ended up only being going out friends and not true genuine pals. Then I changed my degree from law to psychology (which was the best decision I made I love my course now) and then the pals I made that year in my course shifted again as they didn’t take psychology on. It kind of felt everything I built was wasted but it’s really not. I’ve learnt so many lessons how to set boundaries and to trust my gutt about people. Most people throughout uni end up distilling into smaller groups as they get older, and I guess that’s just life prioritising who you spend your energy on and trying to keep peace.I think it’s good to know as well sometimes you have a friend just for a reason, a season or for the rest of your life and that’s okay. Everyone isn’t meant to be your forever friends and that’s okay. Uni doesn’t need to look the same for everyone, I agree. I’m in second year now going into third year (but I’m Scottish so it’s 4 years), but my goals going forward is so yes make effort sticking with things and give them time ie societies, friendships, searching for hobbies and purpose I like the point you made too about travel being your purpose . I hope it brings you much joy xx
I love this, you’re so insightful and I’m so glad you found such clear perspective. I’m also so grateful for you sharing all of this because I know someone will find it helpful advice ♥️ I hope you have the best remainder of your degree :))) x
Hey, I’m planning on going to a camp this year and was just wondering, did you go to the day camps or the stay over camps? If you went to both, which one would you say is the better choice for someone who is a little more introverted and has anxiety?
I went to a sleepaway camp so the kids were there with us 24/7, I have always been an anxious individual and I think I grew so much as a person from it but if you are really apprehensive I would say go to a day camp because I am sure that way you will get more time alone :)
I would say Camp America is the best for support because they make it so simple but I have hear that other organisations are cheaper but it is up to you to sort out more things independently. I would say use CA for the first summer and then if you are returning to the same camp then perhaps Camp Leaders or something else :)
This video could not have come at a better time. I'm at uni however I commute, it can get lonely as it is nervewracking to approach people. And honestly social media is a lie
Absolutely, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking everyone else is having the best time and you’re the odd one out, I’m glad the video came at the right time ♥️
yeah, when you apply on the Camp America website all camps on there can see your application so if they need roles being filled they can reach out to you :)
