As an American I can confirm all of these but you will have the time of your life and it’s such a great experience especially for Europeans. Don’t worry about ticks or leaches they are totally normal just check daily and also do your research on camps. Camps in New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts ) etc are the most authentic.
I'm so excited to apply for camp 2025! I'm currently waiting for camp america to update their website so i can research individual camps extensively, but New England is 100% where I want to go. The climate is good for me and its so pretty!!
The swearing thing really got me AHAH I'm thinking of applying to work at a summer camp but I'm Australian with a serious sailors mouth hahah. Even tho its a normal level here I think I'd definitely have to train myself before going whoops
Did 4 seasons of CA back in the days. I did not spent any more money than i wanted to, it's totally up to you. I always made enough for the next year's trip plus some more. Coffee: america is all about coffee and most camps have plenty of it. We had it 24/7. I never lost or ruined any clothes. Most camps give t-shirts. Unless both of your hands are left and youve never done your own laundry before.
Thank you so much! These tips are so helpful! I’m going to overnight camp for the first time, in a month! So I’m basically just binge watching a bunch of camp videos! Anyways..new subscriber! :)) 💖
It's okay - I'm so glad you found them helpful!! Ahhhh thats so exciting, I hope it all goes smoothly for you, you'll have such a good time!! Thank you, that honestly mean so much!
Ah thank you so much!! Such a helpful video, I’m just in the process of getting selected for a camp for 2022 coming from Australia, my plan is to continue my travels from the US as sadly I don’t see travel going back to how it was pre covid from Australia or NZ for a long time(kiwi citizen living in Australia) so excited can’t wait to find out where I will be placed!! Did you already have plans for your time after camp? The company I’m going through there’s 30 days at the end of the camp to travel, I’m so curious to know dif people at camp want to get together and travel together after that or everyone sort of makes their seperate ways? I’ve been to the states before and have places I want to go back too and other places to tick off so I’m quite keen to start booking and get an internary going for it but I’m also in the kind of wanting to keep myself free and open and just see what happens, not sure!
Thanks for the tips robyn im 23 atm, ive postponed it to next yearr as i wanna save money and get in shape, pluus learn how to swim haha . Im gonna love the experience finallly glad to get out of birmingham haha 😂
The biggest thing that I learned was that England doesn't have ticks. Never thought of it before but like, ticks are just so common at camp. You gotta catch them fast before they like, latch on.
@@RobynWilson I just wanted to ask a little more about this if u don't mind, as re they really strict about being 21 in relation to nightlife, or is it like England where there is a little bit of leniency? Great video btw
Which company did you book through ? Also me and my friend are planning to go after the Irish leaving cert 2022(same as the A levels) but the exams finish around the end of June would this be a problem? Also another question , did you get a J1 or do you have to be in college/university for a j1 and do you need one as my friend and I will only be 18 so do we need one? Thanks so much 💕💕
Heyyy, I applied through Camp America! I'm not to sure about the dates, that might be a question for Camp America but yes you get a J1 and you don't have to be in uni or college, CA will talk you through how to get the visa when it gets to that step in your application 😋 Anytime !!💙
Hi, Robyn thank you for this video. I have a close friend and cousin living near Grand Rapids in Michigan and was wondering if we were able to choose what camps we are wanting to go to so I’m able to be closer to them and also reduce the travel distance after camp. Also are there any discounts involved when you book a flight with Camp America (how can I view the flights with Camp America ) thank you
The camp usually choses you so ask youre cousin to put a word in for you or maybe get in touch with the camp beforehand! If you go on camp america website itll break down all the prices for you including flights xxx
this year is gonna be my first use camp but also first flying alone to America (I live in the Netherlands) im so nervous but immma just vlog and pretend its okey
@@carolineehm527 same im going with ccusa so lucky school pays my cost but u can ask arround camp counselor id they go to a camp to find a flight buddy
My mum is trying to get me to go to camp America when I’m 18 but I’m still wondering if they support lgbtq+ because I’m apart of it and I don’t want to get judge
Hi, just wanted to ask whether you do actually need any skills/experience that are listed on most websites when applying for camps like teaching activities or assisting. I’ve always wanted to do it but haven’t actually built up any skills over the years in terms of teaching sports etc, I’ve always been good with kids and would love to go get involved and work over there just not sure whether I would match required criteria’s? Is it possible to go with no skills?
I work at a camp during the summer and I started with day camps to build those skills. But if you have leadership experience or experience with kids and not with sports you could apply for a general counselor. Also being good with kids is a skill so don’t discount yourself hope that helps!
This was a really good video! With regards to money, how much did you take with you? & How much did it cost overall? I'm wanting to go to Canada ideally and so far worked out it'll be a minimum of £500 just to go so far, so I'm wondering how much I would need to expect to save? I'm still in uni so saving beforehand will be pretty tight
Thanks, im so glad you enjoyed!! if youre just wondering about how much money to take to camp then I would just say min £150 cash, just for emergencies really as you get paid there which overs any other expenses for your time there. Traveling after camp is a whole different story as it depends on where youre going, how long for, how many different places you plan on visiting etc xxx
Camp America can help you do them, theres a really easy website that you just fill out and online form on once you're back home, you have ages to do it as well
Hey Robyn,may i ask what kind of questions do they ask for J1 visa interview, this one is nerve-wrecking for me, are there usually denials if you are going for camp?
not sure if you've done your interview but j1s they usually just checking your there for what you say you are so questions like ! What will you do during your time in the U.S.? Why do you want to go to the U.S. for training/camp etc? What do you expect to get out of your visit? Why is this visit important to you? Do you have a training/camp plan with you? Who is your sponsor organization? What is your host company? just stuff to check your actually going to camp and don't plan to use it to illegally move to the us
Are they accommodating if you are an A-level student and aren’t able to fly out straight away? Also if you leave later are you missing out on important orientation days? X
Ive never heard of late arrivals being a problem tbh as long as you discuss it with the camp! You probably will miss the first week which, if I'm completely honest, is one of the funnest parts as it's when all the staff get to know each other and none of the campers have arrived yet but it shouldn't matter too much :)
I went to a residential camp (so the kids would stay for at least a week) and it was a ymca camp, I really enjoyed being the camp and would recommend going to a ymca camp for sure!
It differs depending on what camp you go to and sometimes you can go for less time than the camp is even on for but they're usually on from June-August :) no worries, glad you found it helpful!!
I know it’s been a while since you commented, but I guess this is for everyone else here as well. I’m going to be an activity counsellor teaching woodwork, so I arrive on the 12th of June to set up for the day. Then we have a week or so of getting to know the other counsellors. Then the normal camp starts & it ends on the 13th of August. The camp lengths vary & the start dates do as well - I know with my camp it deliberately ends a couple weeks before the end of the summer in order to give the kids a couple weeks of holiday with their parents before they go back to school :)
Yes, I went alone and so do most people... it’s the best way to do it really! I’m fact not one international came with a friend that i knew as it’s really rare to get a place at the same camp with your friend. You will definitely make friends dw!!!! I would 10/10 recommend going on your own😋❤️
Lots of spiders! There weren't actually any bears where I was but I'm sure its not super uncommon in other states.. Tattoos and piercings are usually fine!! Depends on camp though Xxx
Thanks!! & as a lifeguard it was very different to councillors but as a councillor at my camp you had an hour off each day and two evening off a week. Also everyone would have saturday 11am until sunday 11am off. Lifeguards it differed each week how much time we got off but like I say it's all dependable on the camp so deffo a question to ask them in the interview!:)
Hi I'm thinking to apply for a summer camp, I'm from the UK. Can you please tell me what is included, is ticket included? When I arrive will someone come to pickup me or what. Thanks
There is an option to get flights included which will mean you will meet a camp america rep at the airport who will make sure you get to your camp safely :)
so are there certain qualifiactions you need to begin work there, like if your 18 with nothing under your belt , could u get hired and what sort of jobs
Nope! Obviously if you want to be a lifeguard then you will need your NPLQ however most people camps don’t require qualifications & you’ll get a job as a counsellor (which is the most popular job). As long as you’re a happy, friendly person who’s up for getting involved in loads of different activities then you’re fine!!
Just wondering do you get a choice in which camp? And what age are majority of the people I’m currently 18 and doing the Irish leaving cert it’s like the same as A levels but would it be too young?
Hey! Yes, it’s like getting a job, you will have interviews with camps and if they like you they will offer you a place and can accept or decline depending on if you like the look of the camp 😋 18 is the perfect age to do it, most people are 18 to early twenties xx
@@gracesmyth4563 it’s difficult to get a place with a friend, depends on the camp I guess but personally I would 100% recommend going by yourself as if you go with a friend you risk secluding yourselves and not being as approachable and making as many friends as you could Xxx
As an American I can confirm all of these but you will have the time of your life and it’s such a great experience especially for Europeans. Don’t worry about ticks or leaches they are totally normal just check daily and also do your research on camps. Camps in New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts ) etc are the most authentic.
I'm so excited to apply for camp 2025! I'm currently waiting for camp america to update their website so i can research individual camps extensively, but New England is 100% where I want to go. The climate is good for me and its so pretty!!
Here because I’m looking to go next year (2023) 👀
Same!!
Dude same:)
Same here :)
Same
Yo soy de México, one question,
They give me a visa?
The swearing thing really got me AHAH I'm thinking of applying to work at a summer camp but I'm Australian with a serious sailors mouth hahah. Even tho its a normal level here I think I'd definitely have to train myself before going whoops
Did 4 seasons of CA back in the days. I did not spent any more money than i wanted to, it's totally up to you. I always made enough for the next year's trip plus some more. Coffee: america is all about coffee and most camps have plenty of it. We had it 24/7. I never lost or ruined any clothes. Most camps give t-shirts. Unless both of your hands are left and youve never done your own laundry before.
Great video. thinking of signing up for summer '21
You should deffo do it!!
Same here! I'm in the process atm for americamp!!!
Same !
Haha did you end up doing it?
I really hope that I get to be a camp counsellor one day!!
Chelsea I’m sure you will! Just gotta make it happen 🥰
Thank you so much! These tips are so helpful! I’m going to overnight camp for the first time, in a month! So I’m basically just binge watching a bunch of camp videos! Anyways..new subscriber! :)) 💖
It's okay - I'm so glad you found them helpful!! Ahhhh thats so exciting, I hope it all goes smoothly for you, you'll have such a good time!! Thank you, that honestly mean so much!
Ah thank you so much!! Such a helpful video, I’m just in the process of getting selected for a camp for 2022 coming from Australia, my plan is to continue my travels from the US as sadly I don’t see travel going back to how it was pre covid from Australia or NZ for a long time(kiwi citizen living in Australia) so excited can’t wait to find out where I will be placed!! Did you already have plans for your time after camp? The company I’m going through there’s 30 days at the end of the camp to travel, I’m so curious to know dif people at camp want to get together and travel together after that or everyone sort of makes their seperate ways? I’ve been to the states before and have places I want to go back too and other places to tick off so I’m quite keen to start booking and get an internary going for it but I’m also in the kind of wanting to keep myself free and open and just see what happens, not sure!
It depends! I already had plans and I met my sister out in America but most people make plans once you’re there!
Thank you for the support! So glad you found it helpful!
Omg Jess I'm also a kiwi living in Australia planning to do camp next year!
He Robyn children make camp? What is the previous experience you have with children
Thanks for the tips robyn im 23 atm, ive postponed it to next yearr as i wanna save money and get in shape, pluus learn how to swim haha .
Im gonna love the experience finallly glad to get out of birmingham haha 😂
Ahhhhh yes you’re going to love it!!!!
The biggest thing that I learned was that England doesn't have ticks. Never thought of it before but like, ticks are just so common at camp. You gotta catch them fast before they like, latch on.
I was supposed to go last summer but obviously it that shall not be named occurred- But I just signed my contract for 2022 so I’m super excited :D
Was wondering what the party/drinking atmosphere is like there ?
@@RobynWilson I just wanted to ask a little more about this if u don't mind, as re they really strict about being 21 in relation to nightlife, or is it like England where there is a little bit of leniency?
Great video btw
Feel free to message me on insta about this sort of stuff @iamrobynwilson 😋 🌈
Which company did you book through ? Also me and my friend are planning to go after the Irish leaving cert 2022(same as the A levels) but the exams finish around the end of June would this be a problem? Also another question , did you get a J1 or do you have to be in college/university for a j1 and do you need one as my friend and I will only be 18 so do we need one? Thanks so much 💕💕
Heyyy, I applied through Camp America! I'm not to sure about the dates, that might be a question for Camp America but yes you get a J1 and you don't have to be in uni or college, CA will talk you through how to get the visa when it gets to that step in your application 😋 Anytime !!💙
@@RobynWilson thanks girl 💖
Hi, Robyn thank you for this video. I have a close friend and cousin living near Grand Rapids in Michigan and was wondering if we were able to choose what camps we are wanting to go to so I’m able to be closer to them and also reduce the travel distance after camp. Also are there any discounts involved when you book a flight with Camp America (how can I view the flights with Camp America ) thank you
The camp usually choses you so ask youre cousin to put a word in for you or maybe get in touch with the camp beforehand! If you go on camp america website itll break down all the prices for you including flights xxx
was it me BUT where did u go in the US? ;)
I did CA in 2017 I wish I'd seen a video like this before going!!
this year is gonna be my first use camp but also first flying alone to America (I live in the Netherlands) im so nervous but immma just vlog and pretend its okey
same, im so nervous bout the flight.. good luck girll
@@carolineehm527 same im going with ccusa so lucky school pays my cost but u can ask arround camp counselor id they go to a camp to find a flight buddy
My camp had those cabanas too! the bugs were painful😭
How much do you get paid there? And how much would you recommend to take, it’s very expensive to go
My mum is trying to get me to go to camp America when I’m 18 but I’m still wondering if they support lgbtq+ because I’m apart of it and I don’t want to get judge
The experience that I had was very supportive to the lgbtq+ community! There were no problems at all about that
Hi, just wanted to ask whether you do actually need any skills/experience that are listed on most websites when applying for camps like teaching activities or assisting. I’ve always wanted to do it but haven’t actually built up any skills over the years in terms of teaching sports etc, I’ve always been good with kids and would love to go get involved and work over there just not sure whether I would match required criteria’s? Is it possible to go with no skills?
I work at a camp during the summer and I started with day camps to build those skills. But if you have leadership experience or experience with kids and not with sports you could apply for a general counselor. Also being good with kids is a skill so don’t discount yourself hope that helps!
This was a really good video! With regards to money, how much did you take with you? & How much did it cost overall? I'm wanting to go to Canada ideally and so far worked out it'll be a minimum of £500 just to go so far, so I'm wondering how much I would need to expect to save? I'm still in uni so saving beforehand will be pretty tight
Thanks, im so glad you enjoyed!! if youre just wondering about how much money to take to camp then I would just say min £150 cash, just for emergencies really as you get paid there which overs any other expenses for your time there. Traveling after camp is a whole different story as it depends on where youre going, how long for, how many different places you plan on visiting etc xxx
Why the background music? It is much more difficult to understand what is being said!
Heyy! Thank you for the informative video. I would like to ask you, how many hours do you have for yourself? Like how is the program during a day?
It differs at each camp but the counsellors at my camp had 2 evenings off a week and the weekend off. Days are very busy!
hello! thanks for the video!does usually camps started program in June or in May?
Hey there! How did you do your taxes? That's the only thing pulling me back tbf
Camp America can help you do them, theres a really easy website that you just fill out and online form on once you're back home, you have ages to do it as well
omg i follow sasha ps i love your videos!!
Thank you 🥺
Hey Robyn, which specific camp did you go to? And where was it located?
subbed!! really casual BUT informative
Thank you so much!! I’m glad you enjoyed 😋
Hey Robyn,may i ask what kind of questions do they ask for J1 visa interview, this one is nerve-wrecking for me, are there usually denials if you are going for camp?
not sure if you've done your interview but j1s they usually just checking your there for what you say you are so questions like !
What will you do during your time in the U.S.?
Why do you want to go to the U.S. for training/camp etc?
What do you expect to get out of your visit?
Why is this visit important to you?
Do you have a training/camp plan with you?
Who is your sponsor organization?
What is your host company?
just stuff to check your actually going to camp and don't plan to use it to illegally move to the us
I would love to be a camp counsellor but scared jason is out there 😭
Could you be able to do this if your A-Level finishes at 18th June etc?
It should be fine as long as you let the camp know before hand, it depends on the camp :)
Hi Robyn , just checking what Paperwork & Forms i need at the Airport. Do i need a Social Security Number ?
Are they accommodating if you are an A-level student and aren’t able to fly out straight away? Also if you leave later are you missing out on important orientation days? X
Ive never heard of late arrivals being a problem tbh as long as you discuss it with the camp! You probably will miss the first week which, if I'm completely honest, is one of the funnest parts as it's when all the staff get to know each other and none of the campers have arrived yet but it shouldn't matter too much :)
I'm from Jordan 🇯🇴
I don't know how to do the first interview ??
yesterday i was binge watching camp videos and today i was told camp which should've started on the 9th got cancelled :,)
Oh nooooo!! I’m so sorry that sucks 😭 are there any other camps available?
I'm interested in going in 2022! which camp type did you go to a private camp or a day camp? :)
or which camp do you recommend going to? :)
I went to a residential camp (so the kids would stay for at least a week) and it was a ymca camp, I really enjoyed being the camp and would recommend going to a ymca camp for sure!
@@RobynWilson What are the names of the different types of camps to go to? Which one you think is the best?
@@tameragreen1834 I went to a YMCA one and really enjoyed it!
@@RobynWilson Oh ok nice
How much do they pay you at that camp as a beginner?
Did you go with friends or by yourself?
How much did your trip cost if you don’t mind me asking
How many other international staff went to your camp?
Hey I'm going in June to a camp an hr a way from new york, hiw much should I take and is the job very stressful
How many weeks does working on camp last? Thanks for the helpful vid!
It differs depending on what camp you go to and sometimes you can go for less time than the camp is even on for but they're usually on from June-August :) no worries, glad you found it helpful!!
I know it’s been a while since you commented, but I guess this is for everyone else here as well.
I’m going to be an activity counsellor teaching woodwork, so I arrive on the 12th of June to set up for the day. Then we have a week or so of getting to know the other counsellors. Then the normal camp starts & it ends on the 13th of August. The camp lengths vary & the start dates do as well - I know with my camp it deliberately ends a couple weeks before the end of the summer in order to give the kids a couple weeks of holiday with their parents before they go back to school :)
i’ve been placed at a camp now in maryland! thank you x
Are you going again this coming year?
If I can then 100%
If you do it for multiple years do you go back to the same camp or move to a different one?
It's up to you. I loved my camp and worked there for 4 seasons.
Hi! Sorry if you’ve already answered this question already. But did you go alone? and if so, was it still fun/ did you make any friends? x
Yes, I went alone and so do most people... it’s the best way to do it really! I’m fact not one international came with a friend that i knew as it’s really rare to get a place at the same camp with your friend. You will definitely make friends dw!!!! I would 10/10 recommend going on your own😋❤️
@@RobynWilson What are the names of the different camps?
I’m thinking about applying for next year, I’d be 23/24 then are there many people that age that go?
did you see a lot of spiders or bears or stuff? also do you know whether there are rules about piercings and tattoos? tysm
Lots of spiders! There weren't actually any bears where I was but I'm sure its not super uncommon in other states.. Tattoos and piercings are usually fine!! Depends on camp though Xxx
Great video. Do you still remember your working hours or how many breaks you got a day?
Thanks!! & as a lifeguard it was very different to councillors but as a councillor at my camp you had an hour off each day and two evening off a week. Also everyone would have saturday 11am until sunday 11am off. Lifeguards it differed each week how much time we got off but like I say it's all dependable on the camp so deffo a question to ask them in the interview!:)
Thank you ❤️
@@RobynWilson How much money you made as a lifeguard and as a counsellor?
@@tameragreen1834 about 1k the first summer but you get more as a returner! It also varies depending on the camp x
@@RobynWilson Ok
Which camp you attend to?
Hi I'm thinking to apply for a summer camp, I'm from the UK. Can you please tell me what is included, is ticket included? When I arrive will someone come to pickup me or what. Thanks
There is an option to get flights included which will mean you will meet a camp america rep at the airport who will make sure you get to your camp safely :)
@@RobynWilson did you choose that option. I’m still debating doing it alone or doing it through camp America
so are there certain qualifiactions you need to begin work there, like if your 18 with nothing under your belt , could u get hired and what sort of jobs
Nope! Obviously if you want to be a lifeguard then you will need your NPLQ however most people camps don’t require qualifications & you’ll get a job as a counsellor (which is the most popular job). As long as you’re a happy, friendly person who’s up for getting involved in loads of different activities then you’re fine!!
@@RobynWilson What is the differents parts u can be at camp? So I know lifeguard is one and a counsellor what else?
What state did you go to?
Pensylvania xx
Whats the pay like?
It is very dependant on which camp you get placed at!
Minimal level of payment stands for how much?
Any recommendations on camps?
Ymca camps are always a shout!
Is there a uniform, do you have to wear shorts
At my camp we only had to wear the uniform (which was a Tshirt) on the days that the campers arrived and left but it depends on your camp!:)
do you get paid for this?
Yes!!!
Just wondering do you get a choice in which camp? And what age are majority of the people I’m currently 18 and doing the Irish leaving cert it’s like the same as A levels but would it be too young?
Hey! Yes, it’s like getting a job, you will have interviews with camps and if they like you they will offer you a place and can accept or decline depending on if you like the look of the camp 😋 18 is the perfect age to do it, most people are 18 to early twenties xx
@@RobynWilson thanks so much I was just wondering me and a friend plan on doing it but can we go toghether?
@@gracesmyth4563 it’s difficult to get a place with a friend, depends on the camp I guess but personally I would 100% recommend going by yourself as if you go with a friend you risk secluding yourselves and not being as approachable and making as many friends as you could Xxx