Summer Camp Stories: Chris's Experience

Our Summer Camp Stories are a series of memories, experiences, and lessons from those who have been to camp around the world, and have the tie die t-shirt to show for it.

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Chris, a Program Coordinator for Camp Leaders, talks about his first year at camp in the U.S., what he learned, and tips for those going on their first summer.

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What summer camp did you go to?

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“I went to Camp Starlight in Pensylvania, which is about a 3 hour drive from New York City (if you can get out with no traffic!).

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It’s an overnight camp, meaning the kids stay there at night, instead of heading back home after each day.”

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When did you go to Camp Starlight?

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“So my first year was back in 2015, and I carried on going up until 2018, after which unfortunately real life took over!”

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What job role did you do at Camp Starlight?

"First year there I was a lifeguard and swim instructor, which was such a great job.

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I love the water so it was right up my street and something that kept me coming back, as I also done that in 2016 and 2017.

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Then, in 2018, I had worked up to Head of Boys Waterfront, which again was another amazing job.

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I took on a lot more responsibility when it came to the team, running programmes, and more.

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Absolutely loved it every year.”

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Before you flew out to camp for the first time, how were you feeling?

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“Honestly? A bit nervous.

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I’d never even flown by myself before, and I had never been to the U.S. before either, so there were a lot of firsts for me.

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But I knew it was going to be an incredible experience regardless.

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I just needed to make the most of it!”

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What is your favourite summer camp memory?

"Oh definitely watching the sunsets at camp, you’ve never seen anything like it.

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It was like watching a show.

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Also, the Olympics was always unreal too (the Olympics is one of the major summer camp events which I think a lot of summer camps do, it’s such a good day or even week for some camps)."

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What’s one thing they don’t tell you about summer camp?

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"That you'll find a new summer home and then the '10 for 2' hits very hard when you get back!

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By the way, 10 for 2 is basically the 10 other months literally waiting for the 2 months of summer camp again.

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2 months of incredible memories, and then you’ve got 10 months of reality until the madness comes back around again. Youll definitely notice it once you've been to camp."

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What’s your advice to those going to camp for the first time?

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"Dive into things head first, even if it's scary and well out of your comfort zone (even more reason to do it).

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The more you get stuck in, the more successful your summer will be, and the more memories you’ll have to look back on."

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