10 things they don't tell you before going to Camp
24.03.25
10 things they don't tell you before going to camp...
Working on a Summer Camp is great. Working on a Summer Camp is unlike anything you have ever done before. Working on a Summer Camp is hard work, but so rewarding. Working on a Summer Camp is a lot of things – but there are a few things that often get missed out, so we’re here to tell you some home truths before you go.
Leaving home is hard, but leaving camp is even harder
We get it. Leaving your friends and family behind for a whole three months can be daunting, and goodbyes can be rough. But camp soon becomes your second family, you make friendships like no other, and you become so adapted to camp life that you sometimes forget the real world outside of camp even exists.
With that being said, by the end of camp, you'll dread those final goodbyes – to the campers you’ve connected with over the course of 8 weeks, the friends you can't imagine living without now, and to the beautiful lake and campsite that has been your home away from home for the summer.
So while it might be hard to imagine it being hard to leave camp, just trust us on this one and cherish every moment leading up to that final day.
The friends you make are like no other friendships you have
As cliché as it sounds, you really will meet the best friends you could ever have at camp. You bond in a different way at camp, and you really do rely on the people around you to lift you up when you have a bit of a down day (which is completely normal!). While we're sure your friends at home refuse to believe this, you’ll leave camp with a whole load of new friendships from all around the world — which is absolutely priceless! You'll soon wonder how you lived without them!
Friendship bracelets are camp currency
If someone gives you a friendship bracelet, best believe you’ve got a friend for life! Friendship bracelets represent way more than just a friendship though – they can be used as currency (along with Croc Jibbitz and Chips Ahoy). And while we do not condone bribery… they do come in handy.
Getting involved in American traditions is a highlight
Before you get to camp, you may think that all the American traditions (specifically camp traditions) are a little much – but getting involved in all the spirit-wearing, loud cheering, and super patriotic events will end up being the highlight of your summer! So buy the Fourth of July hat at Walmart, paint your face for Colour War, and embrace the fun that comes with those traditions!
The sunsets at camp are unlike anything you will ever see
Think cotton candy. Think golden hour. Think the perfect way to end a day at camp. The sunsets after a great day at camp truly make you think, "I cannot believe this is my life." Even after the rainiest days at camp (because yes, it does rain – and it rains hard), the sunset will never disappoint.
Your phone will collect dust but you won't even care
With everything that goes on at camp, from the slip 'n' slides to dance parties and days on the lake to the football field, you will not even miss having 24/7 access to your phone. Don’t worry, you’ll still get time to check in with home, but honestly? That detox will be one of the best parts of your summer.
Nights by the campfire are better than any night out
That's right. We said it. There is something about a night by the campfire that doesn't compare to anything else. Add a few s'mores in and a couple of songs and you are on your way to creating a core memory that you'll cherish forever.
The kids you work with will make just as big of an impact on you as you do on them
Summer camp is all about the kids… well, mostly. Yes, it's your job to give them the best summer ever, but they will end up changing you just as much. From the way they giggle at your accent to their courage, their energy, and those unexpected heart-to-hearts, saying goodbye to your campers will be the hardest part of it all. You’ll leave camp a different person, and knowing you made an impact on them too? That’s what makes it all worth it. The campers are the magic and the reason so many people go back, year after year.
By the end of camp you won't just know country music, you will love it
Whether you go to camp loving or hating country music, you’ll leave obsessed. It’s inevitable and completely unavoidable. Country songs just scream summer camp and before you know it, you’re planning a trip to Nashville, buying cowboy boots, making a country playlist for the flight home or all of the above.
You'll leave camp, but camp will never leave you
It may just be two or three short months, but you’ll be talking about your summer at camp forever. Every sentence will start with “Omg, at camp…” or “This one time at camp…” and your friends and family will have heard so many stories they’ll feel like they were there too. Camp, the campers, your new besties, America and everything else that makes camp camp will really leave a long-lasting mark on you and will change you for the better. From increased confidence and independence to an enhanced CV and developed skills, Camp America will be the making of you.
We could definitely keep going on and on forever, but those are the main 10 things you should know before going to camp. We hope you are ready for your best summer yet!