In our last counselor interview (which yes, was a while ago!), we heard from Kyle, an American who found his love for camp as an adult, having never been as a kid. This time, it’s over to Layla who has spent 3 summers working at camp in upstate NY. 1. Where did you go to … More Camp Counselor of the Week: Layla
The last few weeks have been completely mad, I’m sure you’ll agree. Nobody knows what’s going on, we’re all on lockdown or ‘stay at home’ orders, trying to stay busy and sane and plan for the future but we don’t know what that looks like or when things will go back to normal. … More What’s Happening with COVID-19 and the J1 Visa?
I remember the first time I drove through the camp gates like it was yesterday. I was nervous but excited for what the summer was about to bring and knew that it was going to be a great few months. But on that sunny afternoon in June 2011, I really could never have predicted the … More When The Dream Becomes A Reality
This month has been a whirlwind of activity, with summer camp coming to an end after an incredible 8 weeks, and then moving into our Fall season. I can’t quite believe that the kids are gone, most of the staff are gone, and summer really is over. But let’s go back to the start of … More Returning to Camp with BUNAC: And Just Like That, It’s Over
That’s right, I’ve been nominated in the UK Blog Awards, something which is so exciting as I’m immensely proud of Summer Camp Secrets and everything that it has become over the last 3 years. What started as just a way for me to get my love of summer camp out there has become a blog … More Vote for me in the UK Blog Awards!
In the next 9 days there is an executive order that can be signed to end the J1 visa program, which would mean no more international staff at summer camps, and the end to Summer Work Travel programs across America. To me, this is absolutely devastating. The vast majority of staff at my camp are … More ALERT: NO MORE INTERNATIONAL STAFF AT SUMMER CAMPS!
I first went to camp back in 2011, almost 6 years ago, and I’m now coming up to spending my 7th summer at camp, the place I call my second home (81 days and counting!). In these last 6 years, I think my life has changed quite dramatically. When I first went to camp, I’d … More How Summer Camp Made Me Want To Be A Teacher
If you follow me on social media you’ll know I’ve got some very exciting news. I’ve been nominated for the UK Blog Awards 2017! This is a competition that began in 2014 and was “created to recognise true viral style and creative excellence across a variety of 16 UK industries”. The Awards are sponsored by some big name … More UK Blog Awards 2017: Do I Get Your Vote?
A few summers ago at camp a friend of mine made up a new game called, yep you guessed it, ‘Outside the Box‘. It’s a great game and one you can play pretty much anywhere you are, with anything you can find – essentially you give the kids a box or crate full of a … More Thinking Outside The Box: What Camp Is All About
Once again, the time of year has come around for everyone to get their visas for the summer (how is it May already?!) – I had my embassy appointment back at the start of April (I know, keen bean) and have my lovely new visa stuck in my passport, just sitting in my cupboard, waiting … More What Do I Take To My Embassy Appointment?
Summer Camp Secrets 