Summer Camp Secrets

It’s officially confirmed! I will definitely be returning to Camp Sloane this summer, and this year will be taking on a new challenge in the role of Program Director, something I’m mega excited about. I’m going to be returning to camp through BUNAC this year, which is awesome and I feel like I’ve come full circle, as BUNAC were the ones who got me to camp for my first summer way back in 2011!

Over the coming months, in the lead up to summer, I’m going to be collaborating with BUNAC – each month they’ll be answering some questions on a different summer camp related theme, providing you with all the information you need about applying to camp and the whole process that comes with it. I’ll also be writing personal monthly posts about my own application and where I’m at with it, taking you right the way through my entire summer camp experience, starting now! You’ll find all my posts for BUNAC here on Summer Camp Secrets and on the BUNAC website.

So here it is, the first Q & A in the series – all about BUNAC and their summer camp programme.

1. What is summer camp?

Summer Camp is one of the happiest places on Earth. It’s where children from 6-16 years old go throughout the summer to learn new activities, make new friends and have the absolute time of their lives. As camp is usually located in quiet off-the-beaten track locations in America, camp is all about embracing the great outdoors with traditional activities like roasting s’mores by campfires, singing songs and getting involved in all sorts of activities from boating to rock climbing to horse riding (depending on what your camp offers). Each camp has lovely camp staff, some of whom are international, and they are employed in camp counsellor and activity instructor positions to supervise the campers.

2. What is a camp counsellor and what does it involve?

Camp Counsellors are probably the most important members of the camp staff. Their main responsibility is to take care of the campers 24/7 and make sure they are safe, happy and having an awesome time at camp. Daily jobs involve waking the kids up in the morning, taking them to meal times, taking them to each activity, as well as getting involved with them in their activities. Camp counsellors often call it ‘the hardest job you’ll ever love’, because you’ll often be tired from hanging with kids with lots of energy all day. But don’t be fooled – the job is full of laughter, unbelievable fun and it is truly rewarding. It’s a job you have to experience to truly understand. At this point, just trust us when we say it’s the best job in the world!

3. Who are BUNAC?

BUNAC are work, intern and volunteering specialists and have been providing working adventures worldwide since 1962. With over 20 programmes across 5 continents, the BUNAC team’s passion for travel is absolutely unequalled.

4. How long have you been sending people to camp? How many people do you send to America every year?

BUNAC have been helping people work and travel around the USA since 1962, when two friends from university had such a life-changing summer working in America that they formed the British University North America Club to help other students have the experience they had. Although they’ve lost their original acronym now that they offer programmes in 4 other continents, the BUNAC philosophy of encouraging people to explore the world has never (and will never) change. Since BUNAC’s founding in 1962, and the opening of their Summer Camp USA programme in 1972, BUNAC have helped over 200,000 have sensational summer experiences in the USA.

5. What types of camps do you work with?

BUNAC work with a huge variety of camps across the USA (with many being located in the North East) from special needs camps to Girl Scout Camps to mixed co-ed camps of all sizes! Each camp is different, yet they all offer staff and campers alike an incredible summer experience they’ll never forget.

6. Why should I apply through BUNAC instead of one of the other companies?

BUNAC are the best at what they do. Our team work as hard as they can to get you a summer camp placement, plus our dedicated Camp Counsellor Coaches who interview you are there every step of the way to help you through your application. Best of all, as BUNAC was started by students, for students, the Summer Camp USA programme is great value for money. The programme is managed with 3 simple payments, meaning that you can get a summer camp placement and return flights to New York (plus your visa sponsorship, insurance and everything else) for £499.

7. I’ve heard about Camp Fairs – what are these and do BUNAC run some?

Yes! BUNAC’s Summer Camp USA Camp Fairs are legendary and our 2018 Fairs are next month! Camp Directors from all different camps fly over to the UK and Ireland to hire international staff. You can come along, get interviewed and potentially get HIRED on the spot. Chances are you’ll walk away with the best summer job at camp – it’s a truly extraordinary feeling. Our camp fairs are coming to Edinburgh (19th January), London (21st January) and Dublin (23rd January) 2018. To come along, you need to be fully registered on the BUNAC Summer Camp USA programme with a £39 deposit.

Find out more about the camp fairs by clicking here, or see what happens at the camp fairs by watching the video below.

 

**I’m returning to camp this summer with BUNAC who have been sending people just like you to camp for many years. Get in touch with them via their website, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, by phoning them on +44 333 999 7516 or by email at enquiries@bunac.org.uk.**

Disclaimer: BUNAC are waiving my camp fees in return for this blog series, but please rest assured that all opinions are honest and my own.