Last week we heard all about Janine’s first ever summer at camp. Now we go over to Anthony, who’s been a camper and counselor for 4 summers!
1. Where did you go to camp? How many years?
I’ve been going to Camp Sloane YMCA as both a camper and a counsellor for a total of 4 years now! I was a camper for 1 year and staff for 3.
2. Why did you decide to work at summer camp?
I decided to work at a summer camp because I wanted a summer job that was both enjoyable and something totally new. I decided to go to Camp Sloane as a LEAD camper to get a feel of the place and absolutely fell in love with it.
3. What is/was your role at camp?
My role at camp has been adventure staff. This means I run activities such as mountain biking, high ropes elements, low ropes elements, outdoor skills, hiking, and other things like that. I was also a tent counsellor.
4. Did camp meet your expectations? In what ways?
Camp definitely surpassed my expectations. I honestly didn’t know what to expect because the only camp I went to before Sloane was a local day camp for a week. What I was surprised about was the amount of amazing people I’ve met and all of the memories and skills acquired. At camp I’ve met some of my best friends and had some of the greatest times of my life. I know that sounds cliché but it is completely honest.
5. What 3 essential items would you never go to camp without?
The 3 most essential things in my opinion are a good daypack, a large water bottle with a good seal, and some killer sunglasses.
6. What is your best/favourite camp memory?
My favorite camp memory has to be the time I led an overnight hike on the Appalachian trial with one of my fellow adventure counsellors and the adventure camp campers. We spent the 36 hours hiking through the western Massachusetts woods seeing some amazing scenes, sharing some great stories, and just enjoying our time in the woods! We stayed the night at one of the lean-to’s along the trail where we made a fire and showed off our amateur camp-chef skills. Plenty of the campers were from NYC so introducing them to a true hike was an awesome time.
7. What is/was your favourite camp food?
This one is easy! My favorite camp food is by far the chicken wings with ranch dressing on the side!
8. What is/was your favourite camp cheer/chant?
Not many people knew it at Camp Sloane but my favorite camp song had to be the Beaver song!
9. What is your favourite camp saying/word/expression?
“YM!” “CA!” “CA!” “MP!” It’s forever stuck in my head…
10. Where did you travel to after camp (if you travelled)?
Every year after camp I normally go on a day trip adventure. Last year I went to a place called Bash Bish falls with some friends. Other than that, my post-camp destination is college.
11. How has camp influenced you/who you are/what you do?
Camp has been one of the most positive influences in my life. It has served as an escape for me from my home life and provided a place where I felt that I could truly learn some new things that school just didn’t teach. For example as a camp counsellor, you serve as a role model for a younger crowd and therefore have to work constantly on being the best person you can be. This may sound stressful, but it really isn’t and at the end of the summer I’ve always left feeling like a better, more responsible person. Being in adventure has also influenced my love of the woods and of outdoor sport!
12. What is the BEST thing about being a summer camp counsellor?
The best thing about being a camp counsellor is that you get to spend the majority of the summer outside. Nothing sucks more than being stuck inside with nothing to do during a beautiful summer day. At camp, there is always something to do and always somewhere to be!
13. What’s the WORST thing?
The worst part about camp would have to be the feeling you get when you leave. Once I’m home, life seems so boring.
14. What the most important thing that camp has taught you?
Always be the type of person you would want to work with. In other words, be as responsible and reliable as possible.
15. Anything else you want to say to people thinking about working at summer camp?
There is so much to take from this type of experience. It changes you and creates those memories you will always look back on. If you are considering being a camp counsellor, do it. You will not regret it.
Summer Camp Secrets 