Types of camp

"Going to camp" for up to 9 weeks each summer is a well established North American tradition in a country where summer holidays last for 2/3 months and the weather is generally hot and sunny. Most BUNAC participants are placed at camps in picturesque lakeside settings in the Northeast and New England. You may however be placed in the Southeast, the Midwest, Texas, on the West Coast and in Canada.

All camps strive for a dedicated staff of energetic counsellors. You do have an opportunity to tell us which type of camp you would prefer to go to, but the more flexible you can be, the greater your chances of placement.

The camps where we place counsellors have high standards and are approved by the American Camping Association or similar accrediting bodies. Depending on their skills and experience, Summer Camp USA counsellors are placed at all of the types camp listed below:

Private, Traditional, Residential Camps

These camps are independently owned and cater mainly for the children of middle/high income families. Private camps usually devote lots of time to sports, waterfront activities, fine arts and outdoor programmes. Campers return year after year for a period of four to eight weeks. Some camps are very competitive, others run more relaxed recreational programmes. Some are quite rustic in appearance while others have well-appointed cabins and excellent sports facilities. Every camp is different.

Agency Camps

Agency camps are run by bodies such as the YMCA, YMHA, YWCA or Salvation Army and offer many of the activities that private camps offer. Campers come from all parts of the community. Agency camps strive to give each child a unique experience. Running for one to four weeks in length, these camps are usually co-ed. Some are rustic, others are custom-built modern facilities.

Girl Scout Camps

Girl scout camps are popular and offer a worthwhile experience for the right people. The programme is generally centred around campcraft, pioneering and outdoor skills. Some girl scout camps have platform tent living; others have more modern, custom-built facilities. They also sometimes specialise in certain activities such as riding or wilderness tripping.

Day Camps

Day camps offer a large range of activities and are located at local private sites, church halls, parks, YMCAs or perhaps as part of a residential camp. They usually run from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. Counsellors work during the day in much the same capacity as at a residential camp. They live either on camp, or perhaps with local families.

Evenings and weekends are usually free, but may occasionally be taken up with overnight trips or other camp activities. Where a day camp runs as part of a residential camp, counsellors generally live on the overnight camp and help with evening and weekend activities.

Religious Camps

There are many church-based camps operated by all denominations. Some camps recruit campers individually through associated churches, others lease their facilities to groups on a weekly basis. These camps are perfect for people who believe strongly in their faith and who are able to lead devotions and guide campers spiritually, in addition to teaching the usual camp activities.

Special Needs Camps

Special needs camps include those for the physically or mentally disabled (adults as well as children), diabetics, those suffering from cancer, the learning disabled, hyperactive and those with behavioural problems. These camps are run privately or by non-profit agencies and need experienced staff who are calm, patient and caring and who can give specialised care and attention to the campers. Previous, relevant experience is likely to determine the type of camp selected for you.

The level of instruction will vary depending on the child. For some, basic skills and sports can be taught and enjoyed, while for others it may be limited to helping the children feed themselves. Facilities are likely to be limited to what the child can do and what the camp can afford, but supervision and care are priorities and in such settings, dealing with unpredictable behaviour should be expected. There is a high demand for people to work with special populations.

Camps for Disadvantaged Children

Operated by various social or philanthropic agencies, these camps aim to give disadvantaged children the chance to experience a week or two in the country at very little, or no cost to the parents. The emphasis is on recreational games and appreciation of the environment; facilities can be very limited and on the worn and rustic side. Playing and living together are the most important aspects of the camp experience.

The work is usually demanding, but for those with the relevant experience and dedication, the summer can be tremendously satisfying.

What does being a camp counsellor involve?

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This programme is not a free holiday in North America. It’s for you to spend a fun and worthwhile summer working with children. It can be hard work with long hours, but for most participants, it’s hugely rewarding and enjoyable if you’re prepared to throw yourself into the spirit of camp life.

Is camp right for you?

You should be prepared for: isolated camps where your social life may be limited on evenings off, rules and regulations including curfew and restrictions on alcohol consumption, difficult children, bugs, mosquitoes and possibly rustic conditions, doing a job other than the one you were assigned to or being asked to assist in another area.

It’s a tough job but if you’re the right sort of person, it could be one of the most challenging, skill-enhancing, fun and incredibly rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.

Placement Options

To be a specialist counsellor, you need to have skills in one or more of the following areas to at least an elementary teaching level and with relevant back-up qualifications. To be a general counsellor, you need experience of working with children in a leadership role. All participants are, in a sense, general counsellors, even those who teach a particular activity.

Camps need staff in all the areas listed above. Activities in particular demand include horse riding, tennis, gymnastics and other land sports, swimming and watersports in general, outdoor pursuits and theatre/arts and crafts. For those with the relevant experience, there are opportunities to work with special needs or socially disadvantaged children. Please consider your own abilities before applying. If you have friends with skills in any of these areas, please let them know about Summer Camp USA.

Your role

Usually, two or three counsellors are assigned to a cabin of four to eight children and take responsibility for them at camp. The camp director expects staff to set a good example, ensure that the children keep themselves and the cabin clean and that they follow the camp’s routine.

Your counsel to the children may include dealing with homesickness and personal problems as well as looking after and teaching them. Your role is like that of brother/sister/parent/teacher/friend and cheerleader all rolled into one.

A full-time job

You should be prepared to spend 24 hours a day with the children, living and sleeping in the same cabin, working and playing with them. Hard work at times – but incredibly rewarding if you’re up for the challenge!

It can be a beneficial and enjoyable experience for anyone with a specialist skill or sports ability and the desire and enthusiasm to work with children.

Teachers or trainee teachers find that camp is as relevant and useful as teaching practice. Non-teachers and non-students have much to contribute to and gain from the programme. There are also many openings for those with experience of working with mentally, physically or socially disadvantaged children.

Orientations

To ensure that you are as fully prepared as possible for a summer on camp, you need to attend a BUNAC orientation before you leave for the US. Orientations take place in various cities around the UK and in Dublin in April. You will receive further details once you have applied to the programme.

You will also have an orientation once you arrive at camp. This can last from one day to one week, depending on your camp. This orientation could include; preparing the camp for the kids or getting to know your role and how the camp operates. You may not know all of your duties until after the orientation when your camp director has assessed all the staff and assigned the various jobs.

A typical camp day