10 Common Mistakes Made During Summer Camp

There are some school boy errors that you need to be made aware of when entering the realm of American Summer Camps. Let’s break down the top ten most common and what you can do to avoid them.

  1. Calling home too much is first up and kicks off our list of mistakes made while at camp. You want to detach yourself from tech while working in the job of your dreams. While in America, you want to update family and friends on goings on from time to time but you need time to socialise with your fellow campmates. How often you call home is up to you, but I’d point out that it’s best to soak in the experience than be constantly on your mobile.
  2. Tying in with the first point is being a recluse. I’ve not seen this happen too often in my camp experiences but I’m sure it can happen if you let it. Take a small step out of your comfort zone and make friends with new faces. The best way to start is by hanging out with those of the same nationality as you.
  3. Not flirting or connecting with the opposite sex is definitely a chance wasted. I’m trying to be careful how I word this one because it’s a particular message I’m trying to get across without going too far. So… Camp is full of young people from diverse cultures and stories to tell. Some of those are the opposite sex. If you’re single, then great. Try flirting, you’re going to have a camp crush and you will have such a strong emotional bond with someone so quick you won’t believe your eyes. Flirting and hooking up happens all the time. It’s a great place to boost your confidence. If you’re taken, then that’s also great. Be sure to socialise and connect with the other gender. Many of my best friends from camp are girls and it doesn’t mean I want to get in all of their pants. Camp is a place like no other. Being in the summer camp bubble is an opportunity to make friends from ‘the other side’.
  4. In this day and age, you’d expect everyone would be on social media. However, camp can bring some ‘too cool for school’ types. If you’re one of those, I can assure you it’s your loss when it comes to camp. By the end of the summer, I can guarantee you’ll be converted. At camp, you meet people from all over the UK, all over the states and all over the globe. In this modern day and age this is going to be the best method of staying in contact with those incredible once in a lifetime friends. The memories you share together, the reunions you arrange, photos that will forever be cherished… Do you need any more convincing?
  5. Camp food is a bit hit and miss. It’s typically on a rolling menu every few days. Having snacks back in your cabin is a surefire way to have a bit more motivation when the food isn’t great. This relies somewhat on what you’re living in though, I wouldn’t leave food in a tent after encounters with bears first hand!!!
  6. Summer camp is all about doing the things you love and not signing up for everything possible is a biggie in the mistake department. Whether you need anything out of camp or not, make sure to sign every piece of paper that offers you the chance. It’s a brilliant time to hang out with your best friends outside of the camp bubble, even if it is just for a couple of hours. Some of your most memorable camp memories will be here.
  7. Camp and perhaps life, is all about being able to laugh at yourself. You don’t go to camp to earn a degree or get work experience, camp is all about having fun. Some leave your dignity at the door and come to camp with an open mind. You’ll be chanting all the camp songs for years to come.
  8. Hmm. Perhaps this one should have been higher. Being fired from camp is probably a big mistake to do while at camp. So don’t get into any mischief! Or simply don’t get caught
  9. Not sleeping enough can be a big deal at camp. Heck, working at summer camp is easily one of the most tiring jobs I’ll ever do. But still, grind it out and make sure to soak in as much as you can. Make up for the lack of sleep with naps in the down-times.
  10. Coming from the UK, I was a bit taken aback at how hot America gets. Working under the burning heat of the sun and doing sports all day everyday, it does wear you out. So make sure to drink enough. Your water bottle will be a godsend.

That wraps up yet another blog about all things summer camp. If you enjoyed, please check out the YouTube channel and podcast available on iTunes and other podcast places.

In next week’s episode? We’re going over what its like being so cut off from the outside world. I hope to see you then.

A.


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