Summer camp counsellor — Sophie Emmerson

Sophie worked as a summer camp counsellor in the USA, positively impacting the lives of young people. Read her advice on choosing a summer camp and tips on how to apply

Why did you decide to work at summer camp?

After graduation I was very unsure what career path to follow, debating between pursuing a Masters or satisfying my urge to travel. I decided to apply to Camp America to work as a summer camp counsellor. From my own experience of summer camps and doing outdoor activities, I recognised the positive impact summer camps can have on young people, so I wanted to be a part of making a difference.

How was your summer camp placement organised?

I applied online through Camp America by creating a profile listing my experience, skills and motivations for applying. Camp America is one of several organisations like Camp Leaders and Camp USA, that act as agencies to help you find a placement and sort the logistics for a J1 visa.

There are a few ways to acquire a summer camp placement. One way is by connecting with a hiring manager from Camp America who will connect you with camps suitable to your preferences - for example, single gender camps, religious camps, or camps for children with additional needs. You'll then be interviewed by camps that are hiring and are suitable for you.

You can also attend online hiring fairs. I signed up for the Camp America online hiring fair where over 40 camps were open for hiring. I spoke to several camps before deciding on one that I secured a placement at.

What was a typical working day like?

My day started with camp morning circle at 7:30am, where we came together to say our pledges to the earth and share nature sightings. This was followed by breakfast and morning focus where the kids would choose either art, outdoor skills or watershed as activities.

After lunch there were two electives or lessons that took place. These ranged from hair braiding to learning how to build a den or writing poetry by the river. Everyday there was the opportunity for the kids to go swimming, do archery or play games on the lawn.

Dinner led into campfire singing and evening events such as capture the flag and disco parties. Bedtime routine depended on the age group, however, by around 10pm everyone was getting some rest for another busy day.

How did you decide on a camp?

I knew I wanted a camp that had an outdoor focus because I have experience in canoeing, hiking and survival skills. At first, I was unsure which state would be best, but after the online hiring fair and some geographical research I chose to go to Maine, New England.

My camp was connected to the University of Maine and had an inspiring ecological and outdoor focus. I was drawn to the camps' ethos and aim to give young people the space to interact and learn from nature and each other.

What did you enjoy about the summer camp?

I most enjoyed being active and being outdoors. The people I met working at camp made the experience, from the chefs in the camp kitchen, to senior leaders, other camp counsellors and the kids themselves.

It is a unique environment where people of all different ages and backgrounds are living together in community.

What were the challenges?

It was daunting going into the unknown, as unlike other jobs where you usually visit or have an interview at the location where you're going to be working, I did not know what to expect.

Despite this, I kept an open mind and told myself to fully embrace the experience and acknowledge cultural differences. The most challenging part for me was being responsible for children - I had to manage my needs and the needs of others simultaneously.

What skills have you gained from your camp experience?

• Independence - I proved to myself that I had the independence to travel to the United States and go into a job to work with people I had not met before.
• Communication - I gained confidence in my communication skills and ability to establish connections with others from across the world, including Turkey, Poland and Columbia.
• Problem solving - Camp is not without its conflicts and problems. Being a counsellor meant you had to be able to remain professional while assessing situations and identifying possible solutions. Reflecting on how I could have improved my handling of situations helped me develop a growth mindset and become a better leader.

What are your career ambitions and how has camp helped with this?

Currently I am searching for a more long-term career option, potentially in the travel and tourism sector. I was fortunate to travel in America after camp and it made me appreciate how travel is not just a discovery of places, but also of other people and even of yourself sometimes.

What advice can you give to those considering working at a summer camp?

• Do your research beforehand, look at the lists of camps hiring and decide whether they appeal.
• Give yourself enough time to fill in the application and online visa forms as the visa process can take several weeks.
• Do it. It is scary - especially if you're someone who is used to home comforts - but by going outside my comfort zone and taking that step to fly out to America, I proved to myself that I can be bold in my life decisions.

Find out more

• Discover more about working at a summer camp in the USA.
• Check out our tips on how to plan your gap year.
• Explore whether a gap year is right for you.