Camp Life (Camp America)

Member Name: flyingpenguin

Product:	Camp America
Date:	03/06/09 (311 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Meet new people, earn whilst on holiday, see new places - and it all fits in your summer!

Disadvantages: No guarantees about the camp you get placed at, could be a random location, work could be tough,

As a teen I dreamed to travelling to America, so the day after finishing my final A-level exam I packed my bags and boarded a plane to New York, ready to embark upon my summer in the States.

Camp America is a great way to get a summer abroad without paying out too much, and being able to earn some money whilst you're there. I was placed at a Jewish summer camp in the Poconos Mountains, just outside of a little town (more of a crossroads with an ice cream parlour!) called Lake Como. I had been warned that the camp's main language was Hebrew, and there would be a fair bit of prayer singing during meal times.

There were only 5 Brits working at the camp; about 15 Russians and Poles were working in the kitchens and security, and there were about 40 Israeli staff covering the counsellor and tutor roles. It was a truly beautirul location, although the cabins were kinda dilapidated and I were slightly concerned by the electricity cable wound around our roof. The bunks were rickety metal things, infested with little mites - they seemed to love my feet and within a few days I had over 30 bites on one ankle!

However, I met some amazing people and we were all in the same boat, which made it a lot easier to laugh at. We had one day off a week (Saturday, as that was Shabbat) and were allowed a car to go sight-seeing - we took advantage of our location to hit as many "big" sights as possible - Niagara, New York, Philadelphia - and had quite a giggle doing it.

I was there for 10 weeks in total, met some amazing friends - the Israeli staff were so friendly and keen to welcome us into their camp and culture - and didn't spend that much money...until I went travelling afterwards!

Camp America was the perfect way to get some independence, have a holiday without spending too much and meet some new friends :)

Summary: If you're game for an adventure, go for it!!