New to Summer Camp? Start Here

New Here? You’re in the Right Place. ⛺

This site exists because Andrew Waterhouse spent two summers volunteering at an American summer camp, came home changed by it, and couldn’t find anything honest written about the experience. So he wrote it himself. Two books, a podcast with over 90 episodes, and a growing set of guides for anyone thinking about doing the same thing.

Whatever brought you here, here’s where to go next.

👋 First — Which of These Is You?

I’m thinking about Camp America but not sure if it’s right for me

Start with the honest answer. Andrew built a quiz that gives you a personalised verdict based on your actual answers — not a generic “yes, go for it” — along with a proper breakdown of the real pros and cons.

Is Camp America Worth It? Take the quiz →

I’m going — I want to know what to expect

The books are the most detailed first-hand account of the experience that exists. Book One covers Andrew’s first summer at a Jewish camp in Georgia — the application, the chaos of the first week, the friendships, the hard bits, and post-camp travel. Read the first chapter free before you decide.

See both books →  | 
Read a free chapter first →

I’ve done one summer and I’m thinking about going back

Book Two is written exactly for this moment. It’s the only memoir that covers the returning counsellor experience honestly — what changes, what doesn’t, and what going back actually feels like when you already know what you’re getting into. There’s also a dedicated guide to help you make the decision.

Should you do a second summer? →  | 
Get Book Two →

I’m already signed up and in the prep phase

The practical guides are where to go. The packing checklist covers 58 items across seven categories with a tick-as-you-go interface. The comparison guide covers Camp America vs Camp Leaders vs BUNAC if you’re still deciding on the programme.

What to Pack — full interactive checklist →
Camp America vs Camp Leaders vs BUNAC →

📚 The Books

Two memoirs. The only first-hand series that covers both a first and second summer at Camp America. Andrew went, loved it, went back, and then wrote honestly about both.

  • Book One: There’s No Place Like Summer Camp — the first summer. Available in paperback, ebook, hardback and audiobook. Buy on Amazon →
  • Book Two: Camp America — Second Summer Shenanigans — the return. Read Book One first. Buy on Amazon →

Not sure yet? Read the first chapter of Book One free →

🎧 The Podcast

Over 90 episodes covering everything from the application process to what happens in your final week. New episodes drop throughout the year. These are the best ones to start with:

Listen on Spotify →  | 
Listen on Amazon Music →  | 
Browse all episodes →

📖 The Guides

Practical, honest, and written from experience rather than from a brochure.

This site is run by Andrew Waterhouse — not affiliated with Camp America, Camp Leaders or BUNAC. Just someone who went, loved it, and has been writing about it ever since.