Summer Camp Stories; Jess's Experience

Jess is a Program Coordinator for Camp Leaders, helping send people to summer camp in America. She’s a great person to speak to about it, as her first summer at camp was 2024, meaning the highs, challenges, and everything between is fresh in her mind.

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What summer camp did you go to?

"I went to Camp Echo Lake, which is located in New York State."

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When did you go to Camp Echo Lake?

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"It’s fresh in my mind, as my first year was this year, 2024!"

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What job role did you do at Camp Echo Lake?

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"I was a Head Waterski Specialist, which meant I was living the dream heading out onto the lake every day."

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

"I was extremely nervous to head away to camp and leave New Zealand for the first time solo.

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It was such an exciting experience to be a part of, so the nerves were outweighed by the opportunity to be involved in an experience where I was able to positively impact my peers and the campers.

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I had so much support from my work colleagues at the time, as they knew it was going to be the best journey for me then.

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My support network helped me to push my boundaries, travel and ensure I would have the best time."

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What is your favourite summer camp memory?

"I have so many favourite memories, but it was a highlight getting to spend so much time with the waterfront staff.

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We trained for 2-weeks early in the morning for the dance that we performed in front of the camp.

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The screams from the kids and staff, seeing us all up on stage and cheering for us showed us the impact we had on this community.

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Our waterfront team was incredible, from the lifeguards, boating, and my waterski team, we had created a family inside our bigger camp family.

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That is a memory I will never lose and a dance I will never forget."

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

"Sleep deprivation is real! In all seriousness, the reward of pushing through and seeing the smiles on the camper's faces makes it all worthwhile.

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Also, the bonds that you make with your co-staff, management and the campers make it extremely emotional on the last day, when you are saying goodbye to everyone.

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That 12-hour sleep we had the first night away from camp was the best, but also the most overwhelming feeling knowing camp was over."

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

"Always continue to push your limits, you never know how proud you can make yourself until you say YES to the many opportunities thrown your way.

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Have a chat with everyone you can! Learning about the campers, co-staff, and management is so rewarding, knowing more about others' experiences is so interesting, and you never know what new doors this can open!

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You are exposed to a huge support network, you will not regret testing yourself and seeing how far you can go!"