Camp America experiences

[llareggub]

My son is 18 and finishes A Levels this summer. He’d like to do Camp America. Before parting with his hard earned cash on the interview (£55) I wondered what experiences people might be able to share with me? If he passes the interview, how likely is he to get a placement at camp?

My daughter did this years ago…very hard work but she enjoyed it. I don’t understand why he would pay for the interview, I remember there was very little pay or free time but they did get some sort of holiday in a group bus at the end. I also remember paying for stuff before she went but can’t remember all the bits and pieces but it did mount up.

There is lots of information on previous threads.

Lots of info on MN.

My son enjoyed it. Hard work but fun and friends.

He was just in the process of applying. To book the interview he was asked to pay. It’s refundable if he fails.

I suppose I’m wondering about the likelihood of finding a placement really. I’m sure he will have researched the experience itself and he understands he won’t really earn very much.

DS had the time of his life. He was fed up being told what a great experience it would be, but the accounts approved to be correct.
If your DS passes his interview he will be invited to an event to speak to representatives of various camps. Obviously some states are more popular to work in, but a tip would be to find a Monday to Friday camp. This meant weekends were free for the councillors to explore the US or just relax - there were a couple of weekends where he volunteered for events held at his lake location.

thats a great tip about a Monday to Friday, thanks!

F

I did it (20 odd years ago)

It was a great experience

I think you're pretty much guaranteed a place at a camp

It's definitely not about the earning

From what I remember we got a four month visa - so two months after camp to travel the US (or potentially find another job??!)

I have one friend who did it and loved it - though very intense, no alone/down time, long days. They had one scary incident during it but she felt it was handled well.

Another friend lasted about 5 days before packing his bag and travelling around for the summer. He found it too much, think he was expecting more of a holiday which it’s definitely not.

I think if your son can throw himself into things and just appreciate the experience for what it is (a camp job, not a vacation to see America) then he will enjoy it.

My son had an amazing time. It was really hard work and very little money but he loved it and made lots of friends who he travelled around America with afterwards. He chose one that specialised in squash as he loves playing squash.

It is cheap labour though

My DS did it last summer. He applied late and got a placement in a very prestigious camp in New England with Ben Affleck's kid in his dorm. He's had MH issues in the past so I was worried about him but after a few bad days adjusting at the beginning he had a whale of a tine. He came back super fit, tanned and healthy with lots of new friends having hung out in New York together after it ended. He'd like to go back this summer if he's not in a good job.