My honest Camp America experience

Hope you found this valuable in some way

[@Jsquared2]

Finally seeing a guy doing a video

[@saraht-ds1ml]

Thank you

[@whostolemybiscuit2020]

Honestly quite reassuring thank you xxx

[@THOMAS-xw2sc]

Going to this exact camp as a tennis instructor this summer. I'm from UK and 19 so seems like a good time to do it. I'm not super experienced at tennis and I've only picked it up properly this year, but I'm decent enough at it, also injured at this time leading up to camp so not getting much playing time currently, do you reckon this would be a problem or are they pretty laid back on how good you are, maybe just more to do with how you interact with kids etc.?

[@basridido9035]

What kind of questions they asked you in the interview?

[@Hexon_g]

Hi mate, 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?

[@petertonning3865]

Hi mate,
You'll be just fine to go ahead and apply! The fact you love to work with kids is enough to be a good general camp counsellor. As a general camp counsellor you'll be assigned to a group of campers and you will look after these campers throughout their entire stay. Be ready to take part in EVERYTHING that camp has to offer as you'll be moving from activity to activity with your kids throughout the day. On the other hand, if you were to be a sports counsellor you will be assigned to teach one specific activity on camp but still be assigned to a bunk of kids for where you'll sleep. So as you can see if you don't feel like you have any specific activity skill on camp thats not a problem, it sounds like you'll do a great job as a general camp counsellor which is a different role to a sports counsellor. Also, that being said i wasn't great at tennis and i was assigned to be a tennis counsellor. So it goes to show some leadership skills and showing a willingness to work with kids is all you need to get placed mate. Enjoy, will be one of the best things you ever do, don't think twice!

[@hazzalinf]

Hey man! This is a stupid question, however, I’m going to camp next year & I wondered what lads did with getting their hair cut? I usually get mine done every 2 weeks 😭🤣

[@petertonning3865]

Hey, not to worry you’ll get days off every week. But be careful where u get it cut, make sure they are well rated bc i got the worst cut of my life at the local mall just bc i saw they were doing a special Wednesday discount lool

[@cameronramsay6521]

Bro how long did you go travelling for after? I need to pick a return flight date but I’m not sure for how long I should travel for?

[@petertonning3865]

Travelled for 3 weeks. I’d recommend making the return flight a flexi-ticket so u can just change the return date if needs be and go with the flow whilst out travelling

[@mikefrewofficial1731]

I’m applying to camp next year for summer 2024 so I have time to save and prefer for it, how was getting your visa, police check and that?

[@gracetildsley235]

I’m going in 2023, the police check is really easy, just search ICPC application form online and fill it out. You have to have an endorser for it do verify your identity and everything else is standard info, it’s £75 too. Not started my visa process but from what I’ve researched it isn’t that complicated either and your agency helps you every step of the way!!

[@atinukesijuwade5994]

Sooo helpful!!!

[@damismilez7783]

Hey I was wondering what you did for phone plans? Did you buy a pay as you go SIM card from target or something?

[@petertonning3865]

You could do that many people did, but i personally only went online when there was WIFI, even when travelling after. Know that during Camp it’s a detox from socials as you rarely have time to go on your phone anyway

[@edenmorwood2307]

bro i need my bedtime joints and cigs what happens with that also with the legal age being 21 for shit and not 18 how strict is that , nice vid man

[@petertonning3865]

The reality, at my camp at least, was that a lot of people snuck out at night to smoke/vape.
As for ID loads of people got around it by borrowing other peoples IDs that had a different off day to themselves.
All that being said it goes without saying be careful. One person from my camp did get kicked out for getting caught smoking weed.

[@karlpatton6183]

@@petertonning3865 your coworkers have balls. don’t you get fired if you’re underage and get caught drunk. also if the police catches you can’t you get deported? 😂

[@kirstymcseveney5144]

Remember it's a job where you're working with young kids 6 days a week for about 16 hour a day, it's so much fun but also a lot of hard work. You'll have plenty of time to do whatever you like in America after but if you're not willing to give it up for the months I'd suggest not going. Some camps are extremely strict and will fire you immediately if you're caught with drugs or alcohol especially if you're underage. If you are fired you actually owe them money so be careful.

[@petertonning3865]

@@karlpatton6183 I’m not sure about the consequences if police catch u but fired is a possibility depending on the camp and how strict the senior staff are on off days. Some of the senior staff are quite chill and understand you just want to have a good time and turn a blind eye to it. It’s easier to make the judgement when you are there if the risk is worth it

[@summercampshootingsportsin4021]

You will be drug tested at almost any summer camp you'd have to quit weed a month or more before evening coming to camp to get it out of your system to pass the test camp isn't for you if you can't go without weed bud

[@ojwh1933]

What did you do regarding phone sim/contract?
Is it possible to last without an international contract (just using WiFi)?

[@petertonning3865]

Deffo possible to last only using WIFI! It’s also a nice detox

[@maddiesarah8749]

Did you have time to contact you family? I've heard a lot of people say you dont get ANY time for yourself, but could you make time for yourself? like waking up early to contact your family

[@petertonning3865]

So in my camp there was a private area with WIFI strictly for staff to use in their free time. Most of the free time came at the end of the day but Europe are asleep so i would just wait for an opportunity to contact family/friends during the day which are few and far between but there will be times. I imagine it being hard to sneak out of a bunk full of kids in the morning but perhaps it’s possible… i was fortunate enough to stay in a staff only bunk so i couldn’t give advice for it i’m afraid

[@JGarner.2004]

What camp did you go too and who did you book it through ?

[@petertonning3865]

Camp Walden in NY state. Americamp who were a great agent 👍🏼

[@sionhub9774]

How much money do you recommend taking for spending?

[@petertonning3865]

All depends on how stylish and long you wanna travel for. But as a very rough guide, give yourself at least an extra grand or probs two for gd measure to travel a bit afterwards as a very rough guide (on top of what you’ll already earn from camp).

[@michaelcollins5308]

is it hard to get placed when applying? also in regards to toilets and washing, do you get a private toilet et ? stupid question i know

[@petertonning3865]

Nah vast majority of applicants get placed just be patient if it’s taking a while but your agent will find you a camp. Toilets are shared, you will be able to lock it, but don’t expect any en-suites mate

[@michaelcollins5308]

@@petertonning3865 thank you, did you get hired online or at a career fair?

[@petertonning3865]

@@michaelcollins5308 Online

[@cameronramsay6521]

Also what are the girls saying when you went😂? Is the English accent really that good in America?

[@petertonning3865]

Yh Americans love the accent bro. Everyone who goes are proper friendly especially during days off there’s a lot mingling…