What Is It Like Doing Camp America for the First Time?
Leaving home, travelling to America, and spending your summer working at camp can feel like a huge step into the unknown.
For Caolfhionn from Northern Ireland, that's exactly what made Camp America so appealing.
In this video, she shares her journey from a small town in County Fermanagh to Mountain Camp Woodside in California, revealing what it's really like to spend your first summer working at camp in the USA.
Why Choose Camp America?
After finishing university, Caolfhionn was looking for something different.
Rather than spending another summer at home, she wanted to travel, meet new people, and experience something completely outside her comfort zone. Camp America offered the opportunity to do all three while spending the summer in one of the most iconic parts of the United States.
For many participants, graduation is the perfect time to take on a new challenge, explore the world, and gain experiences that can't be found at home.
Is Camp America Worth It?
Just a few weeks into her summer, Caolfhionn describes it as one of the best experiences she's ever had.
From making friends from around the world to living in California and becoming part of a close camp community, she quickly discovered why so many participants return year after year.
The combination of meaningful work, new experiences, and incredible people creates a summer unlike any other.
What Is Camp Life Really Like?
Camp life is busy, social, and constantly changing.
One day might involve sports, swimming, archery, and group activities. The next could be camp events, outdoor adventures, or spending time with friends around camp.
Participants often say one of the best parts of camp is having people around you all the time. Whether it's joining a game, heading to the pool, grabbing ice cream, or exploring the local area, there's always something happening.
Making Friends at Camp
One of the strongest themes throughout Caolfhionn's story is the people.
She describes camp staff as welcoming, friendly, and always ready to get involved. Living and working together creates friendships quickly, and many participants leave camp with lifelong friends from around the world.
For many first-time participants, the friendships they make become one of the most valuable parts of the entire experience.
Travel Opportunities During Camp America
Working at camp is only part of the adventure.
During time off, Caolfhionn explored California, visiting places such as Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, baseball games, and nearby camps. Like many participants, she was able to experience parts of America she may never have visited otherwise.
Many Camp America participants also use their 30-day travel period after camp to explore even more of the USA.
What Skills Do You Gain from Camp America?
Participants often leave camp with:
- Greater confidence and independence
- Leadership and communication skills
- Experience working with children
- Lifelong friendships from around the world
- Problem-solving and teamwork skills
- New cultural experiences
- Valuable work experience
- Memories that last a lifetime
Should You Apply for Camp America?
If you're wondering whether Camp America is right for you, Caolfhionn's advice is simple: do it.
While camp can be challenging at times, the rewards far outweigh the difficult moments. The friendships, experiences, personal growth, and opportunities make it one of the most unique ways to spend a summer abroad.
Watch Caolfhionn's story and discover what it's really like to spend your first summer working at a summer camp in California.
