In today’s Guest Blog post, Kerstin talks us through her advice for first time Camp Counselors heading Stateside. Kerstin’s an experienced Camp Counselor and in this post, she outlines her top tips and talks us through her two summers at camp. If you’re heading to camp for the first time, this advice could help you have the best summer of your life!
Flying to a new country on your own can feel pretty daunting, but preparation is key. I make sure my passport and all the documents I need are ready in my bum bag and even have copies in my carry on. I make sure I’m really early for my flight. Yes, it means getting up super early and hanging around the airport, but it’s better than being late.
Before you fly, your route from the airport to camp will be fully planned out. You’ll know exactly what to do. When I travel, I have all the bus times from the airport in Newark to Grand Central screenshotted on my phone and I have notes too. My camp organizes transport from Grand Central, so I have their number saved. The early planning means I can sit back and enjoy the ride!
Getting involved in camp life early is an important piece of advice for first time Camp Counselors. Pretty much as soon as you’re hired, you’ll probably be invited to join the camp’s Staff Facebook Group. You’ll get to know people in advance. As soon as I land, I let people know in the group that I’m on my way. I even found out that people were on the same train as me!
Orientation Week – sometimes called Camp Counselor Week – at camp was pretty intense. Meeting lots of new people and learning the camp songs and traditions all at once can be exhausting, but it’s worth throwing yourself into. Don’t let nerves get the better of you! If you believe you’ll have the best summer ever, you’ll have the best summer ever!