Camp Europe - Outdoor Programs Specialist Internship

My summer at Camp Adventure was the best one yet! I was able to meet friends from all over the world and do a job that I love. It was an incredible experience and one that I will cherish until the end of time!!

My 10 weeks at camp was superabundant fun, to say the least. Thoroughly enjoyed my time with kids, teens and teamers from around the world. Was enthralled by the multiplicity of cultural milieus which always gave way for exciting activities and discussions. My only disappointment is the lack of learning opportunities for children from a purely outdoor and adventure point of view. But then again, not many campers were keen on sweating it out and challenging themselves even when presented with the opportunity of a long hike or just some sport under the sun. So I guess, it's not a drawback but an achievement from an organizational perspective to keep everybody engaged by providing entertaining and amusing alternatives. Kudos to directors (especially Ciaran) and destination managers, who showed exemplary skills of adaptability and made the best out of dysfunctional situations. Would certainly like to work the Camp Adventure again if time allows.

Although I loved the work at camp, I left early because I highly disagree with the working conditions of camp counsellors, namely the 16 hour working days with only one evening off every two weeks. I'm all for volunteers as a work force (when there is mutual benefit involved), but given that it would be illegal to have paid employees work so many hours per week, I can't help but feel that the volunteer camp counsellors are being exploited. The effects of this were seen in the welfare of the counsellors - everyone was exhausted and a large majority ill, not to mention stressed. I also feel that the quality of the activities provided to the kids was affected by the working conditions of the counsellors, as counsellors didn't have sufficient (or often any) time to prepare activities. There was large discontent amongst the counsellors at my camp, which lead to quite a few of us leaving early. Some expressed feeling obliged to stay at least 4 weeks in order to get back their deposit. Others who stayed said they did it out of commradery with their co-workers. Camp was fun and stimulating and I met some wonderful people, but given that there are plenty of camps out there with decent working conditions, I would not recommend anyone to this particular camp experience.