International Camps Network

Taking part in Camps Canada I believe has given me the necessary skills to be a great camp counselor and role model. After a 30 days placement, I enjoyed being a camp counselor, a music teacher and I got to improve my english language skills to a point where I really got to relate to the rest of the team with whom we created an awesome atmosphere for the campers and to our own delight! I consider that my biggest challenge was at the same time the most rewarding experiences, as sometimes is the hardest job having to deal with homesick junior campers, but to provide them with an ear that listens and a little piece of advice can flip things around.

I loved to participate with Camps Canada as it is a highly motivated program, full of passion about working with young people, travel and the outdoors. I am an occupational therapy student with a great interest in experiential learning and facilitating others to meet their potential in all areas of life. I value the benefit of ‘occupation’ or meaningful activity for individuals to enhance their health and well-being. I feel that this experience has highly contributed valuable aspects for my personal and professional development, and kept me motivated while assisting young campers to meet their goals. From making new friends, trying new sports and building confidence and for some, speaking a new language. I can assure that in such a great camp atmosphere, everyone feels included and has a positive experience because it turns people into an enthusiastic, empathetic general mood This role certainly involves communication to overcome challenges organizing day-to-day events But also keeping in mind at all times the importance of being someone who will listen to campers who may be feeling homesick or having other concerns at camp. I completed the six months placement and was possible to get credits as part of my undergraduate degree The Senior staff members demonstrated to be flexible and maintain a professional behaviour at all times and did a great job with problem solving and interpersonal skills. I enjoyed learning all those new group dynamics and community building games, and for sure I learned a lot through the processes involved in running and guiding a group of people. I won´t deny that at some points, is necessary to work under pressure as residential camps run a full schedule program, from dawn to dusk and beyond! So it can be quite tiring.

I guess it can be all resumed as an Enthusiastic and Adventurous Experience, full of passion for the outdoors. I really enjoyed the summer-time like a child, working by playing with other children. I have done this experiential learning program in Canada twice now. First in Vancouver working as an English Language Teacher & Counselor at a language camp, and last year in Toronto as a Program Area Director. I am thinking of going back again next year as I believe that I am now well suited to working for a longer season, and as I am seriously considering of taking a gap year. I guess one of the aspects I enjoy the most is that each day at camp is an action packed day where you are able to literally feel the energy and positive vibe all around, as the environment is created by similarly motivated people who are committed to providing an unforgettable and meaningful camp experience for the young people attending Camp. For many, the experience of a life time!