camp
My Camp America Experience - Pre Camp
Tuesday, 25 April 2017
Follow on post from Before Camp.
I headed over to America two weeks early to help out in Pre-Camp. I'm sure its fairly explanatory, but pre-camp is the weeks before all the kids and staff arrive at camp. It's pretty much setting up and preparing everything to make sure it is all ready for the campers. Over the winter the camp can get pretty neglected so theres lots of tidying, setting up and even building to be done.
I arrived in Hancock, NY just after lunch. It was everyone's day off so when I pulled up at camp, there was no one around. I headed into my new room for the summer and instantly broke my bed - queue the move into the room next door and pretend that never happened.
One of the highlights of doing pre camp, was that I had a proper mattress for my whole stay as I arrived before they changed them all to thin plastic wannabe mattresses. I however had my stuff spread out all over my bed so they forgot about me - the one time I haven't complained about being forgotten.
I headed into the nearest town, Hancock, to meet the rest of the pre camp crew. It was pretty much all guys, as pre camp involved a lot of building and DIY - I was just there to help out in the office. Weirdly, over half the people at pre-camp were actually from England. Some even lived quite close to me back home. There were two girls there that worked within the kitchen, so I did have some female company.
We spent the first afternoon in a local bar. Hancock is a very small America town/village (I'm not even sure and Google confused me further when I tried to fact check). It kind of reminds me of Sleepy Hollow in Gilmore Girls - it even had the town square. I remember feeling really nervous as all the guys were drinking alcohol and I was under the impression that was a strict no-go at camp and I didn't want to get fired on my first day (turns out this was not the case and I had nothing to worry about - there were plenty of drunken nights ahead). I made friends straight away, and I was thankful for how friendly and welcoming everyone was.
The work over the pre-camp period was fairly easy. I answered the occasional phone call and had simple tasks to do in the office. It was a little lonely at times as the office was set up for 6 people and at the time it was just me. There was a terrible moment where there was an event at camp (I can't for the life of me remember what it was, new campers day possibly?) and someone rang asking for directions. I didn't really have a clue where I was, and I couldn't find anyone to help me! Great impression I made there.
The work hours during pre camp were nice and easy. It was a simple 9-5 each day. The evenings were great fun. A couple more girls had made an appearance since my arrival and we had already made a super tight friendship group. There were activities most evenings such as basketball and frisbee - not that any of those interested us - but they were great for us to watch.
We had a couple days off before others arrived, both times we headed off to the nearest town and did a bit of shopping at the mall. The shops were nothing exciting. It was usually a choice of Victoria's Secret, PacSun and Hollister. Lunch was at TGIs which was pretty much the same as it is over here and Ruby Tuesdays. On one of the trips we stopped in some bars on the way back - which were exactly like I would imagine an American bar would be like. I think the correct term is 'dive bar'? There were hot chicken wings involved so it was pretty great.
The closest friendships I made during my whole time at camp was during pre-camp. A group of 3 girls who I am still in touch with now. All through our camp experience we stuck together and would meet most evenings to gossip/moan/chill. I even travelled after with one of them, and am planning to stay with one of them on my trip to New Zealand next year.
The whole atmosphere of pre-camp was totally different to actual camp. It was very chilled, and there were not many of us there. We even had a pool party on one occasion, and evenings watching the sunset at the lake. These places were pretty much out of bounds for us support staff once camp was in motion.
It was an incredible experience and definitely my favourite part of my trip. If anyone has the option to do a pre-camp I would totally recommend it.
Camp America - What to Pack
Tuesday, 12 April 2016
First time going to Camp this year? One thing that I wish I had before I left was a list of things to take to camp, because the camp supplied list really did not cut it. Below is my list of things I recommend you take.
Passport
Because you won't get far without it. You visa will be in your passport too after you have been to the US Embassy in London.
Money
Make sure you have cash, you will need it. I took about $500 in cash and then more on a Caxton Cash Card. It is very handy to have $1 bills, as you will need them to tip in America. Also my camp had a fizzy drink vending machine, and we needed quarters to use the washing machines.
Travel Documents
Make sure you print and take everything. Travel insurance details, flight details etc. You never know when you might need it.
Suncream
It's hot in America. Be smart.
Sunglasses
Fashion accessory/protector of the eyes= essential
A Hat
Everyone at camp wears baseball caps. You will want one. It's 'cool' at camp.
Travel Hairdryer
I made the mistake of taking my normal hairdryer. It didn't work. The voltage in the USA is different and you need to make sure yours works over there. I bought one in Argos for my next trip to America, and it works perfectly. It was roughly £10.
Comfy Shoes
I wore my converse pretty much all summer. There will be a lot of walking involved. Trainers and comfy shoes are advisable. But remember it will also be hot, so flip flops/sandals are good for days off.
Hoody/Jumper
There may be some times where it is a bit chilly - especially if your camp is more North. You will most likely be able to buy camp hoodies at camp, but its handy to have one too.
Swimwear
My camp told us we had to have a one piece. As a Camp Power I went swimming once, so that was a waste of money, however if you are swimming with the kids you will need one. Pack a couple bikinis for after camp travel.
Towel
My camp did supply towels to international staff, however I didn't know this until I got there. I took a beach towel for swimming/after camp, and a normal bath towel. When I left camp, I dumped the bath towel to make more room in my case. Most hotels have towels, and in the hostels I just used my beach towel.
Shorts
You will want plenty of shorts to wear with your camp t-shirts. I was told to take white and blue shorts, but once there I realised everyone just wore demin shorts/sports shorts - so I went and bought some in Wal Mart - they weren't the nicest, so take a nice selection with you.
Jeans & Leggings
It's a good idea to take these for the colder days. I had a couple of large camp t-shirts that could be worn with leggings. Jeans are a bit inconvenient for packing - but if you have a thinner pair, it is worth taking.
Clothing
Remember you have to pay to wash your clothes. Also its mostly hot and you will probably get quite sweaty. Therefore try and pack as much as possible, vest tops, shorts and clothes for after camp. Also take some nice clothes for banquet night, and any nights out you may go on after camp. I'd recommend a couple of skirts/dresses.
Ipad/Tablet
Not an essential, but very handy for after camp. Most places have wifi so they are good to use for making plans and sorting out flight info. Also, in camp we had the wifi password so I used it to watch Netflix on my breaks.
Phone
When I got to America, I bought a cheap US smart phone. It was such a waste of money and I never used it. I took my iPhone with me and that was plenty. You most likely won't have any signal at camp as it will be in the middle of nowhere. You will probably have to lock your phone away in a locker all day too. When out and about, you can get wifi to use phone functions. It's good for face timing back home. I took most of my photos on my phone too.
Headphones
You will not regret taking these when on long journeys
A book
There will be long bus journeys and evening when you want to relax. A book will keep you entertained and doesn't require wifi. Also you can easily ditch it when you have finished reading - more luggage space.
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