Camp Counsellor Review

Summer camp is such a magical place. It's the most fun I've ever had in a job. Every day brings something new, you get to work with the coolest kids and watch them grow in confidence and skills as the camp goes on. It's also a really good chance to experience international culture with staff and campers coming from around the world. At camp you make life long friends!

Summer camp is like a giant family, everybody has a place there and everyone's personality is valued. There is always support and guidance available. And you learn to lean on each other, helping each other out as time goes on.

There is an orientation week were everything is explained and demonstrated to you. This week at the beginning of the summer gives you a chance to get to know everyone and your new environment. This allows you to feel completely at home in the camp environment before the campers arrive. Throughout the summer there was always a number of colleagues available to provide support and guidance.

Camp is busy, crazy busy, there is always something going on. It's hard work, but you will love it. The old camp saying of 'the hardest job you'll ever love' is definitely true. There are definitely times for days off and some down time during the day but expect to be busy.

The level of responsibility depends on your job role. As a bunk counsellor there are times you may find yourself by yourself with your bunk of campers. These time provide the best bonding sessions and really allow you to get to know the campers and them you. If you also instruct an activity then you will also have responsibility within that. At camp you always need to be switched on, if you are physically on camp then you could be needed to help with something at any time.

As a primary school teacher, I apply the skills I've learned at camp on a daily basis. From ideas of games to use during gym lessons, to ideas for conflict management, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't call upon some of my camp knowledge. Having experience working in a summer camp is also a really good thing to be able to put on applications for teaching jobs, it has definitely helped me gain employment. You also have the chance to develop communication, teamwork, leadership and patience, skills which can be transferred to any career path.

The camp I worked in has become one of my favourite places in the entire world. I have returned there for many summers. You are made to feel welcome and as if you belong. The friendships I have made there will last for a long time. The camp is a place where happiness is evident in every single person. Every day is different and exciting, there is always so much to look forward to.

Camp is a place where everything is unpredictable and things may have to change at a moments notice. Everything will be very well organised but unfortunately you can't always accurately predict the weather, this can lead to some last minute changes. The best thing to be at camp is flexible and willing to go with the flow. Everything will always work out in the end.

Throughout my time at camp I was able to take part in a variety of trainings including first aid, cpr and ropes certification. The camp wants to make sure you have all the necessary qualifications to complete your job efficiently. Many camps provide these training courses at the beginning of the summer. As well as this I always leave camp every year feeling as if I have learned something about myself and grown as a person.

Camp is a place that I want to spend as many summers as physically possible at.

The staff were split into 2 groups for days off. This meant that half staff had a day off at the same time as you. This provided the opportunity to hang out and really get to know lots of really cool people from all over the world. As well as this there is always lots of other staff off on your nights off, this gives you people to go and get ice cream with or just hang out and chat with.

There is no cost of living as accommodation and food are included in your contract. So basically you spend what you want to spend on days off and in the evenings. If you are a big spender it is possible to spend a lot of money but equally it's very easy to enjoy days off on a budget and safe your salary whilst you are at camp.

Nights depend very much on who you are friends with. If your friends with someone who has a car it is very easy to get off camp on your evenings off. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, ice cream places and a cinema. If you don't have a friend with a car then it can be a little bit trickier. Best advice is to find someone with a car, and make friends with them.

On days off the camp provided transport to a range of different places. This allows you to explore the state and check out the cool places. Of course you are welcome to do your own thing but if you don't have transport that can be difficult. Not all camps provide transportation on days off, but my camp did and it was great.