Life as a General Counsellor at a Summer Camp in the US

Why did you choose Camp America? I have previous experience with Camp America. They have without a doubt the best customer service with numbers in both the US and UK and stay fully in touch with you throughout your time at camp. The application process is also extremely easy and they negotiate good rates of pay to help you pay for lots of travelling!

What were your reasons for wanting to spend a summer in the states? My first summer I wanted to spend a whole 8 weeks in what could be described as my favourite country outside of England, but what made it even better was that I had the opportunity to work on an American summer camp. It's like being a part of the biggest American tradition. Not only that, but I knew I would have a lot of fun working with other counsellors from around the world and being able to work with kids. To top it all off, the visa allows you to stay after camp which in turn allows you to travel as far around the states as you would like. My second year I came back simply because I enjoyed my first year so much, I just had to do it all over again, and it was even better the second time!

What is your favourite memory from the summer? From this summer my favourite memory is from visiting day where we had a huge water gun fight in the afternoon in order to keep the campers happy after visiting day. About half way through the camp director came in with a small water gun and every single camper and counsellor surrounded her and completely soaked her! It really is hard to pick favourite memories though as there really are so many every day!

How do you think the Camp America experience would benefit a student? Not only does it look really good on your personal statement for university or your future CV, but it is also a great opportunity to improve yourself as a person. It shows teamwork, commitment, flexibility, reliability and a number of other traits that employers are looking for and that will help you through life at university. It teaches you to put others before yourself, to become a lot more organised and gives you skills that really will help you through university and will last for life!

Did you do any travelling after camp? If so, tell me more! As it was my s econd year at camp I went to NYC first, then flew up to Miami spent a week there, then down to New Jersey to stay with camp friends from this year and last year and then eventually, I had to fly home.

Ben Lewis was a General Counsellor at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah (NJY Camps at Milford) with his placement arranged through Camp America.