10 Reasons To Go To Camp

So, you're thinking of heading to camp? Still something holding you back? Heres 10 reasons why applying to camp was the best thing decision I could've made, and why you will love camp too!

Friends - Flying across the pond alone seems daunting, but you will make friends so unbelievably quickly. Pop on your camp t shirt and a big smile and you'll find plenty of people flying out of your airport - some of which will maybe even be going to the same camp! Camp can be intense, and so you form unique bonds with other staff that no one else will be able to understand. Your friends will come from all over the world too, so its a great opportunity to learn more about the world (and to maybe plan a few holidays to visit them when the summer is over!)

I actually met the person who would become my co-counselor in the airport!

Last day of camp - staff awards ceremony!
Experiencing America - Even though most of your time will be spent on camp property, days off and travel time after camp give you a brilliant opportunity to discover what life in the states is like. Yes, I was overly excited about Walmart, yes I did enjoy my first trip to Walmart a little too much.

My post camp destination was NYC! I fell in love with the city.

Days off and post camp travel - fuelled by Dunkin'
Food! I can only really speak for my camp here but camp food appears to be some of the best food ever. Whether its eating with the kids or with staff, meal times are a fantastic experience - expect lots of singing, funny conversations and even dancing on tables in some camps! Oh and the food around America after camp - also amazing!

Our last staff breakfast!
The Lake - The majority of camps are built around a lake which is used for swimming and water activities. Personally, I found nothing more beautiful than the sunrise and sunset over the lake.

The beautiful lake!

Spending time on the dock on our last day!
Friendship Bracelets - this one speaks for itself. Its so special when someone, especially a camper, makes you a friendship bracelet. They're super fun to make for others too!

so much string, so little time
Laughter! - At camp, you're literally being paid to have fun with some amazing kids! Sure its not always plain sailing, and its more pocket money than an hourly wage but its completely worth it. It definitely doesn't feel like a job.
Camp Fires - I never thought I'd be able to successfully light and maintain a fire. I was wrong! Whole camp camp fires the first and last full days of camp were an incredible experience, as were our nightly 'pow-wows' around the fire with my group of kids. I miss the smell of camp fires!
Qualifications - If nothing else, saying you've been to camp looks amazing on any CV or university application. You will learn skills that will give you and edge over others. For example, you may do some advanced first aid training or life guard training. On the other hand, simply stating that you took kids boating on a lake in America really will keep future employers interested.
The memories - when you return from camp you genuinely won't be able to stop talking about it. The memories you keep will last a life time. Just when you think you've told every story about camp, you'll remember something else to make you smile!

My favourite place.
The Kids! - Last but not least, the most important reason to go to camp! The kids make the camp, without the campers there would be no camp. Without you, the campers could not have the amazing summer they're going to have. There was never a day on camp where my kids didn't make me laugh. There was always a game to play, always a song to sing and always something I found myself doing out of my comfort zone to encourage kids to do their best. You may look daft (see below) but you will make their summer!

We had pirate day - my boys gave me a moustache...

Kids and face paint = slightly messy!