Which Camp is best?

Firstly – for those of you still waiting for a placement, or contact from a Camp – don’t worry – the camper registrations close off in March/April so by then they know how many staff they need you see. In the old days they were always full (pre-recession) but now they have to take each year as it happens. So most placements happen from March right through until end of June (last year our last placement was July 2nd! – boy was she excited!)

So – we find (I’ve been doing this in NZ since 2001 now), that if a camp calls or emails and you are having doubts – it’s usually because you have a pre-conceived idea about what camp will be like, more specifically – the camp you’ll end up at.

Then you get an email, look up the camp website and your stomach sinks.

That’s not what you had pictured in your head!

Well – firstly – never judge a camp by the email or the website – Speak to the camp first before you make any judgments or get any ideas at all. The website is only ever as good or bad as the web designer. The email is only as good or bad as the person who wrote it in a hurry.

So – since 2001 – I have heard stories from counsellors, year after year – telling me, without a doubt, that their camp is the BEST CAMP IN AMERICA. For sure. 100% no doubt about it.

Then I get talking to them – I met a counsellor who went to a Quaker camp – no power, grew all their own veggies! She loved it and went back every year.

Jewish Camps – everyone loves the Jewish camps… all that you’ll crave is bacon. But you can get that on your days off at the local shops no doubt if that really worries you.

Single Sex Camps – the first thing you won’t tell us about humming and harring about these camps is – “I won’t meet any girls/guys” – total rubbish! These camps are most often very near many other camps, so on your time off, everyone (yes – everyone) goes to the Local Walmart – which is FULL of counsellors.

Walmart has cafes and food places so everyone hangs out… not a problem at all so don’t let that scare you off!  Your accent will attract enough attention to keep you busy.

Girl Scout or Rustic Camps – alot people don’t want to be that rustic – but hey – this is CAMP America remember…. and you’re a Kiwi – you’ll love it – it’s gonna be up to 40 degrees so how nice to be sleeping outside in a platform tent.

My point is – if I asked 100 returned counsellors now which camp is the best camp in America – they would all say “My Camp is!”.

It’s not THE camp it’s THE Experience. So make the most of it. Embrace emails and job offers like they are gold dust and be flexible, be open minded in your thinking and you WILL have the best summer of your life.

Camp is what you make it - put in 150% you'll get back that and more.

Camp Modin

 

Waterfront at Modin

So – we have another special camp coming to NZ to hire Kiwis

they will be…. in

Christchurch 15th Jan, Tauranga 17-19 Jan and at Auckland Recruitment Day on Jan 22 hiring the following – must be 19+ – whose keen?

1) Basketball coach (preferably female but will consider a male).
2) 4-5 Tennis staff (male and female)
3) 5-6 Sailing staff (male and female)
4) 7-8 Waterski staff (male and female)
5) 2-3 Arts & Crafts Teachers (female) – must be actual arts and crafts teachers
6) 1-2 Dance instructors (female)
7) 1 Pilates and/or Yoga instructor (female)
8) 2-3 Photography specialists (male and female)
9) 1 video specialist (preferably female)
10) 1-2 archery specialists (male)
11) 4-5 Gymnastics Specialists (female)
12) 1 Lacrosse instructor (male)
13) 1 Soccer Instructor (female)
14) 6-7 Swim Instructors/Lifeguards (male and female) – must have BOTH certifications with minimum 2 years experience
15) 10-11 Trip Leaders (male and female) – ropes/abseiling, trip leading, canoeing and RIFLERY skills needed in the mix)
16) Jewish General Counselors (female only)

Camp Modin – check it out.

Face painting for campers

Camps..

the big bounce

Most people ask us what camp is like.

 

Well – it usually has a lake. The privately owned camps (including Jewish and Christian camps) can be quite flash, while the agency camps and scout camps are more traditional rustic camps.

What we do know is – every likes THEIR camp best. No matter what type.

So keep your options open – don’t rule any type of camp out – this will increase your placement chances because it shows flexibility and open mindedness.

Alot of people also say they don’t want to go to a camp with a Christian emphasis. I would also ask you re-think this too.. camps that have a Christian emphasis are not going to hire someone that does not believe in God to lead Bible Study class – are they…  nope – you’ll be chosen to teach what it is that you DO know something about…. and the kids will be from Christian families…. it won’t effect you – you won’t be converted by the end of camp…..

 

It may mean that you’ll need to go to the weekly service – often more about positive thinking and values than full on worship…and yes, you may be expected to join in the song singing – why? Because you’re there for the kids, they may be shy about singing but if they see you do it they will more likely join in – you’re their role model at camp you see….

Not really so bad hey!

 

Of course if you can lead bible study – GREAT!! Camps will hire you for that or for another one of your top skills…

By the way – I hope you are all busy selling yourselves on your application – there is no room for Kiwi Modesty for Camp America applications.

 

Vicki