Camp America

[Lbet]

Are there any parents whose kids have done camp America?

My daughter is currently taking a gap year before going off to uni next.
She is really interested in doing camp America next summer.
We have had a good chat with a student who has just been for his second summer in a row. We have had loads of useful tips and advice from him. He did say you don’t do camp America for the money because you actually end up being out of pocket and you do it for the experience.
That suits my daughter fine as she is definitely wants to do it for the great experience.

Just wanted to know if anyone’s child has been and if you can tell me about their experience.

Thanks in advance.

Are you sure?

Ds's packing list had bedding on it for American staff but it's provided for international staff.
He HAS bought a comforter and sheets because it's nicer and warmer than that provided I wiuld get him to double check

@Bigearringsbigsmile oh that’s interesting, thank you. I think I may get him to email them to check. We worked out it would cost around £80 for everything.

@RatherBeOnVacation thank you for this. Seemed as bit excessive with 4 sheets, 6 towels and a couple of blankets to buy out there.

@lorn195 I mean, they won’t supply great stuff (usually a pillow, sheets and blankets for the bed) so he might want to “upgrade” himself, but they should supply basics.

I just Googled “International staff packing list” and these are the first two hits

https://coniston.org/downloads/International-Staff-Packing-List.pdf

https://staff.highrocks.com/pdf/PackingListInternationalStaff.pdf

I used to work for Camp America many many years ago.

Well, DD has headed to Heathrow. She wouldn't let me take her, she didn't want a scene a tearful goodbye at the airport. She's having a few days in NY before heading to her camp. I'm nervous and excited for her but thankfully she's left her room in a spectacular mess so that will keep me occupied for a while. She's very nervous but having the UK WhatsApp group has really helped as they've all been chatting for weeks and started to get to know each other. 3 months will fly by but I will miss her terribly.

Super thanks. Il show this to DS2 later. 😊

Just to add, ds DID takecs couple of beach towels

I think he should just email the camp to double check

I'm so envious of you all with your children heading off now. My DS is doing A Levels now and hopes to go to Camp America this time next year. He has been warned that the Christian camps can be quite turbo Christian (for a Brit raised nominally in the C of E) and that it might be more fun to go to a Jewish or a 'private' (??) camp. Does anyone have any thoughts on that?

Why Camp America? Why not summer camps in Canada. I’d rather be in Canada (which will
provide the same experience) and in a generally cleaner, safer and politically stable country.

I think Camp America is still the big name and runs big recruiting fayres in several cities.

Okay I get that but it’s doesn’t mean it’s the only one or the answer. I know someone that did it - yeah not a money maker and worked hard but was more a rouse for travel and experiencing the US. Personally you couldn’t pay me to visit the US right now and I would never work there. (And yes I have been many times, my parents had a house there and I have been a camp councillor so have a bit of knowledge).

@Perfectlystill I can assure you that Christian camps are still lots of fun 😂😂😂. Yes, some of them are a bit hard core with bible study etc, but others are just “normal” with prayers at bedtime, grace at mealtimes and some sort of Sunday service. The hard core ones tend to like their counselors to be more on the devout end of the spectrum so unlikely to hire a less dedicated believer.

Some Jewish camps are hard core but won’t hire you unless you are Jewish.

The great majority of summer camps are about the kids having fun away from technology and the trappings of modern life. If you are unsure of the ethos of any camp then ask the questions that are important to you before committing to a role.

No it isn’t unhelpful it’s the truth. This also isn’t a post for those imminently going it’s for those interested in going. Your daughter may be going but it isn’t about you or your child so take a step back. I stand by what I said and clearly have more more understanding and experience in this that you do, So clearly hit a nerve which resorted to you name calling and acting like a child. I reported you for the name calling, personal attack and general unkind response and you have been deleted so there we go.

Totally agree with you. I have heard nothing but good things about Camp America which is why it is so popular.

Awww this is going to be me when my daughter goes soon. The closer it is getting I am feeling more sad.
Your DD will have a wonderful time.
Please keep us posted on her progress.

Well let’s start here. I have been and done it and know many who have. Have you? So maybe I do know and maybe you just don’t like what I have to say. That’s perfectly fine but it’s my opinion which isn’t banned on here. And another personal attack which has been reported (but not by me so clearly not as nice as you think) with second post now deleted. So much for a ‘lovely thread’. 😂

Same here though we are driving DS2 up to Heathrow. For some reason it feels worse than taking DS1 to uni.

@Calmdownpeople they are young adults and make their own decisions.
My dc has been wanting to do it for several years. She’s used to travelling and has visited USA around 20 times.
From a parent point of view I’m glad she’s doing it under umbrella of the most well known Camp America. All her paperwork inc J1 visa is in order. Her camp is long established and seems a good fit for her. There’s very clear rules for them inc not discussing politics.
She’s off uni for 4 months so it’s perfect opportunity to do something like this. Yes she won’t earn much but her bed and board are covered.
Personally I’d be more nervous if she was off backpacking alone in Thailand.

@Perfectlystill the private camps can be well known established camps. One my dc is going to us family owned but part of a group of 3. Mine personally didn’t want a religious camp. When they apply they tick skills, some skills were more in demand eg teaching bible studies was on the in demand list.

We will be driving our daughter to Heathrow too and i agree it seems worse than when we drove our son to uni. I think it’s the fact that once our daughter goes off to camp America and knowing she will be back just for two weeks before goijg off to uni for the next three years.

No Ive not done camp America but I like many of the parents on this chat we are so proud of our kids for having the confidence to go out to America for the wonderful experience that Camp America is well known for.

I know what you mean, but DS2 is home for a week before going to London for the cricket 🤦🏻‍♀️.

as I said before Uni isn’t so bad this time as he will only be 60 odd miles away, so will be home some weekends.

Well good job you're not being forced to go then, hey? And there's nothing wrong with going for the experience and to enable travelling for a little bit afterwards, if people wanted to make money over the summer they would stay here and work in a cafe or something. Weird and sad to come onto a thread like this and feel the need to make a shirty comment.

Hope everyone's children have a fab time, I did it 5 years in a row when I was a young adult and loved it! It was my first prolonged period away from home but its such a well established programme and they really do check that the camps they endorse and place people in look after you. I met some friends for life and had some brilliant experiences.