From campfire to coastline – 30 Days, 14 stops, and one unforgettable adventure

There’s nothing like the freedom of the open road – and for Jack, the summer didn’t stop when camp ended. Armed with a rental car, a few new mates, and a rough plan, he turned his post-camp travel time into an epic American road trip. Here’s how he made the most of those 30 golden days and why you might want to do the same.

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Hitting the Road After Camp

“One of the best things about working at Summer Camp is what comes next,” says Jack.

“After camp, you’ve got time, freedom, and a whole country at your feet. It feels like everyone’s planning something – whether it’s a city-hopping trip across the States, a weekend in Mexico, or a trek through the Rockies.”

Jack teamed up with friends he met at camp and planned a classic road trip down the East Coast of the USA.

They hired a car, grabbed a map (yes, an actual paper one!), and started in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania – close to his camp – before cruising down to New York City and then south, chasing the sun all the way to Miami.

“We didn’t book every stop in advance – we just knew the highlights we wanted to hit and gave ourselves the flexibility to figure the rest out as we went. That sense of spontaneity made it even more exciting.”

14 Stops, Endless Memories

From skyscrapers to swamps, Jack’s route gave him a real taste of America’s wild diversity. Highlights included:

  • New York City – “Just walking around was mind-blowing. Times Square, Central Park, street food, rooftop views – it was unreal.”
  • Washington, D.C. – “We geeked out over the museums and monuments. It’s a must for history lovers.”
  • Savannah, Georgia – “Super chilled, really pretty – Southern charm at its best.”
  • New Orleans – “The food, the jazz, the atmosphere. Totally unique.”
  • Miami – “Sun, beaches, nightlife – the perfect finish to the trip.”

And along the way, they threw in unexpected stops: small-town diners, weird roadside attractions, and a few nights under the stars at National Parks. “Every day felt like a new adventure.”

One Moment He’ll Never Forget

“There’s one experience I’ll never forget – seeing the Dallas Cowboys play in this insane stadium in Texas.

It cost about $160, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. The scale of it, the fans, the energy – it was something else.

Honestly, even if you don’t know much about American football, going to a game is one of those ‘I’m really in America!’ moments you’ll always remember.”

Jack’s Advice for You

“If you’re thinking about Summer Camp, do it. Camp gave me confidence, amazing friends, and a real insight into American culture – but the road trip after? That was the icing on the cake.

You’ll meet people from all over the world, and chances are, someone will want to travel with you after camp. Plan a bit, but leave space for the unexpected. That’s where the magic is.”

Top Tips from Jack

  • Hire a car with friends to split the cost – and make a great playlist!
  • Don’t overpack – you’ll end up living in shorts and a hoodie most days.
  • Use a paper map or app to keep track of your route (great to look back on).
  • Mix the big cities with small-town America – that’s where the real charm is.
  • Say yes to things you wouldn’t normally try – that’s what travel is all about.

Feeling inspired? You could be hitting the road next summer – just like Jack.

Your adventure starts with camp… but where it goes from there is entirely up to you.