Working at a Summer Camp in America is one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have – and for Sophie, it truly was the trip of a lifetime. From nervous beginnings to life-changing friendships, here’s her story of how she found the courage to take the plunge and why she went back summer after summer.

Quick links

Taking the leap

When Sophie received an email inviting her to a video call interview with a Camp Director, she wasn’t sure if this whole Summer Camp thing was really for her. But the chat went well, and she was offered a position almost immediately.

The catch? She needed to fly out in just 24 hours. Most people have months to prepare, but Sophie’s summer adventure began with a whirlwind of last-minute shopping and frantic packing.

“I didn’t know it then,” she says, “but what was waiting for me in America really was the trip of a lifetime.”

First impressions of camp life

Sophie had signed up to work at a Girls Scout Camp, with wooden cabins, no glass windows, and even no electricity. It sounded daunting, but she was excited to embrace a new way of living.

Flying into Washington, D.C., she was greeted by a host family holding up a welcome sign with her name on it. “That first night in the U.S. was amazing – I was nervous, but everyone made me feel so welcome,” she remembers.

The next day she arrived at camp to find staff waiting with colourful signs, camp name necklaces, and the kind of warm energy that instantly made her feel at home.

Life as a camp counsellor

Sophie quickly bonded with the other Counsellors. “It honestly felt like we’d known each other for years,” she says. Camp life was busy, challenging, and full of new experiences – from living in tents and learning survival skills, to leading activities and cooking food on open fires.

Her role focused on the Horse Riding programme, which took place at a large barn just off-site. Teaching campers, working outdoors every day, and building close friendships with her co-counsellors gave her new confidence and a sense of independence she’d never known before.

Overcoming homesickness

Not every moment was easy. Like many first-time staff, Sophie struggled with homesickness at the start. “For the first two weeks, I thought I couldn’t handle it and I really wanted to go home,” she admits.

But by reaching out to friends, staying connected with her mum, and reminding herself what an incredible opportunity this was, Sophie persevered. Before long, she was thriving at camp – and loved it so much that she returned not just once, but four summers in total.

Why it was the trip of a lifetime

Looking back, Sophie describes her Summer Camp journey as truly life-changing. She gained resilience, independence, and skills she never thought she’d have – from fire-building to horseback teaching. She made lifelong friends from all over the world, travelled across the U.S., and proved to herself that she could handle anything.

“Going to camp was the best decision I’ve ever made,” she says. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me confidence, and gave me memories I’ll never forget.”

Ready for your own summer camp story?

If Sophie’s story has inspired you, why not start your own Summer Camp adventure? With USA Summer Camp, you’ll get full support through the application process, guaranteed placement, and the chance to experience America in a way few others ever do.

Apply now and see why Summer Camp really is the trip of a lifetime.