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| The day before my adventure began |
I have to admit I was a bit of a chicken when it came to applying for a job at camp. Even though I knew 100% this would be a 'job' that I would love, I was still worried about the unknown and afraid I would get homesick. I began my application in 2013 and didn't go through with it, attempted it again in 2014 and you can guess what happened! I didn't go through with it. So in 2015 I told myself that I was applying to work at a summer camp and I would be doing it. I wasn't going to let my worries hold me back.
So I applied through the amazing company Camp Leaders, whom I can't thank enough for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I started my application, done an interview, paid my fees, got my visa, waited to be placed and the next thing I knew it was May 23rd and I was in Dublin Airport waiting to board my flight to North Carolina.When I first arrived at camp it was weird, I couldn't actually believe I had made it in one piece, albeit minus a suitcase that got left in Philidelphia! I got shown to my cabin and went straight to sleep. Jetlag was not my friend and I woke up at 5am ready to start the day. The first week was for staff orientation, it helped us all get to know each other better and become a team. I will never forget the first day of the first camp session, I was so nervous and looking back I don't know why. When campers arrive the whole camp changes, it becomes this magical place and I literally felt like I was living in the Parent Trap movie.
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| My summer home |
Everyday was different and the camp tradtions made it just that extra bit special. Every Sunday we would go on a hike for ice cream sundaes, every Tuesday was campfire and every Wednesday was cabin night. And how could I forget the 4th of July celebrations and Camp Christmas?! This was the nicest surprise, all the campers got woken up to sounds of christmas songs being sang and we all went to the lodge to watch the Grinch and eat ice cream sandwiches. There is so much to tell about camp but this blog post will start needing chapters if I continue. I will maybe do another post more about everyday life at camp in the upcoming weeks.
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| It wouldn't be the 4th of July without the crazy socks from Walmart! |
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| Christmas in July |
If you are thinking of applying for this programme, all I can say is just do it. Take the leap of faith and apply! I did just that last year and I have just returned from what I can describe only as being the best summer of my life. It all sounds cheesy, but it's true. Camp opened up my eyes and I have came home a different person and I have made some amazing life long friends. Before camp I didn't go to the shop on my own or I would never go for a walk on my own and it was simply because I had no confidence. But camp pushed me out of my comfort zone and I done things I never thought I would do. Standing up in front of 191 campers announcing whats happening in your activity that day may seem like an easy task to some, but for me it was one of the hardest parts of camp. But looking back I am glad I done it because it's helped me build a bit of confidence and now I am home, i'm continuing to keep myself out of my comfort zone for the better!
I'm hoping I get the chance to do it all over again in 2017. Camp Leaders is an amazing company to go with, they help you with every step of the journey. Anytime I needed help with the application process, it was nice knowing that Camp Leaders were only a phonecall, email or tweet away. Every member of staff goes out of there way to help and they make the full process easy peasy. Just click the link below and have a nosey at their wesbite for more information.
http://www.campleaders.com/gb/
I would do anything to re-live it all!!
Emily Louise
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