Henry worked at a camp in Pennsylvania, during summer 2018. Read on for his experience working at camp in the USA!
Why did you decide to work at camp?
I wanted to do something productive during the summer and make some money, but I also wanted to travel and have an adventure.
What did you do at camp? What did your position entail?
I was the camp ecology specialist and a counselor. As the ecology special, I ran the camp’s ecology programme solo, which involved taking the kids out to do stuff like nature walks, bug collecting and crayfishing, as well as running overnight camps in the woods, with campfires and smores.
Favourite camp food?
Bagels with lox (smoked salmon in cream cheese), or tacos.
Favourite bunk activity?
Underworld, an improvised tabletop fantasy RPG we played with the boys in our bunk where they all played as criminals.
Favourite evening activity?
Singing or dancing competitions because our bunk dominated and the energy and eagerness of all the teams was just great.
Did you learn any new skills at camp?
Mostly dispute resolution, and also how to safely catch and hold a crayfish without getting pinched (which was mostly trial and error).
What to pack…
Plenty of socks, comfortable sandals, talcum powder and a pack of cards that you’re not emotionally invested in. They will get lost and hybridised with other packs.
What to not pack…
Liquid/ballpoint deodorant (it burst on the journey to camp), valuable or sentimental items, perishable food.
Wild Packs process tips- any hints and tips to make the process of applying to going to camp run smoothly?
Just read the instructions and do everything as early as you can. The instructions are really good and you’re pretty much handheld through the whole process.
Top travel destination?
Delaware Water Gap National Park, we stayed at some resort and we got our own entire house to ourselves. It was super chill.
Top travel tip (transportation, where to stay etc)?
Airbnb apartments are by far the best way to get accommodation with your camp friends on days off. Also, if you do go to Philadelphia, I recommend Steve’s
Prince of Steaks Cheesesteaks, and the indoor food market. Americans really do know how to make food.
If I knew then what I know now…
I’d have organised my days off sooner.
Hardest challenge at camp?
The heat. You’re constantly sweating and there’s not much in the way of air conditioning on camp. It’s tiring being so hot all the time and I took a lot of afternoon naps, during my period off.
Main highlight from the summer?
Hanging out with other counselors, just chatting and playing Bighead. It’s an incredibly social environment and I formed some really close friendships.
