Staff Training Is Underway

We're well into our staff training here at Camp Sloane... last week was our supervisory and specialty training (lifeguards and adventure/ropes staff) and it was full of fun discussions, lots of learning, note taking, many many group bonding games, and a lot of time to just generally get our areas prepared for the coming summer. It was nice to have the time in a slightly smaller group of staff to get to know the new people as well as to get all my lesson plans written for my media classes, get my media room moved and reorganised, and have more of an overall sense of how the summer is going to go.

 The weather last week was pretty poor, so respect to the lifeguards for getting in the (really cold) pool and lake everyday without any complaints at all! In fact, everyone all week has been quite impressive, there haven't really been any complaints about anything, everyone seems to be working to their absolute best and it's looking like this summer is going to be pretty spectacular! I think this staff group is one of the best ones we've had to a while and I'm super excited to see everyone in action once the kids arrive at the end of this week!

On Friday we all had the night off and it was great to get off camp and get to know one another under different circumstances - it's always fun to get out of the camp 'bubble' every now and again. And then on Saturday a whole bunch of new (and returning) staff members finally arrived! It was super exciting to see lots of people whom I haven't really even spoken to since we all left camp last summer... there were lots of excited squeals and hugs going on!

Then yesterday was one of my favourite days at camp so far this summer... a bunch of us were taken down to our new climbing tower (check out a photo of it in last week's post) and were then formally trained and certified so we can run it this summer and in our Fall season too. We basically spent the morning tying knots, learning about the ropes and different safety measures and the afternoon saw us belaying and climbing. It's a sport I never really got a chance to do much until my second summer here at camp and now climbing is one of my favourite things ever! And I'm super proud of myself too because I managed to climb to the very top of the 'hard' wall, which is actually really hard!

Putting up tents!

So it's all go go go this week as it's only 6 days until the kids arrive! Wow, that's come around quickly!

Two Weeks Down...

I've been at Camp Sloane for almost two weeks now and this Spring season has been pretty excellent. I've loved getting back into the swing of things and basically have the run of the place... being able to just have a wander around, or have a go on our brand new climbing tower, or even take some boats out on the lake for an evening is part of the reason I love this place so much!

Climbing our awesome new tower (that's me on the left!)

A few more people have started arriving already and then tomorrow we get the first big load of arrivals as the supervisor and lifeguard training starts on Sunday! I'm super excited to see all my returning friends (whom I havent seen since camp last year!) and am also really looking forward to meeting all the newbies too... these next few weeks of training are always fun, getting to know people and work out who's going to be living where and what activity they'll be working in.

Taking the boats out on the lake

If you're making your way to camp for the first time (or have just arrived at your camp for the summer), I hope it's going to be awesome for you! Just remember, you will probably feel a bit weird at first, especially with all these returners around you who haven't seen each other in a year and are ridiculously excited to see each other... they are all lovely people I promise. Just try to be yourself and get involved in EVERYTHING as much as you possibly can, and you'll soon feel just as at home as everyone else seems to.

My favourite view in the whole world!

You can find out what's going on at Camp Sloane YMCA by 'liking' our Facebook Page, or following us on Twitter.

Oh It's Good To Be Back!

So I've finally made it halfway across the world and I'm back at Camp Sloane YMCA for the summer. I've been here just under a week now and I am loving being back in my home away from home. There's only about 10 of us at camp at the moment (and for the next week until supervisor and lifeguard training starts), so it's a lot of fun having camp all to ourselves! I always love being one of the first to arrive, getting the lay of the land and settling in before the mayhem of staff the summer really begins.

This past week has been pretty busy, full of random jobs around camp, preparing for the kids to come. During the Spring season we also have groups come to camp with whom we do all sorts of activities, ranging from canoeing to hiking to fishing to creative arts. For the three days after I arrived we had a primary school group of the loveliest kids you'll possibly ever meet and we had so much fun showing them around camp, doing initiatives and games with them, and challenging them to work out all our camp riddles or, as we like to call them, 'never tell' games.

I've been doing some bits and bobs to start preparing for this summer's Media program, which I'm in charge of. There's been a lot of ideas floating about for new videos and classes and it's all exciting stuff, if not a little stressful at the moment, just because I haven't quite had time to wrap my head around everything I need to do yet... give me another week and I'll be entirely sorted though!

That's about it for this week. Next week a lot of my friends whom I haven't seen for about 8 months are going to be arriving AND it's my birthday (birthdays at camp are the BEST), so it's going to be a pretty awesome time!

For those of you that aren't at camp yet and are so excited you can barely sleep (I know I was), don't worry, it'll come around soon enough!

The greatest kids ever!

Planning Your Activities

So it's getting pretty close to camp starting now and I'm sure a lot of you have already started packing and planning for your summer ahead (some of your may actually be at camp already...jealous!) I've only got 3 more sleeps until I'm back at camp and I don't think I could possibly be more excited!

So what have you got planned so far? You know what you're taking with you, and you've thought about where you want to travel after camp ends, but what about while you're actually AT camp? Have you thought about what you're going to be doing each day, or what you're going to be teaching (if you're running an activity that is).

You don't need to have EVERTHING entirely mapped out, because you'll be doing a lot of planning with your supervisors during staff training, but it's a good idea to have some sort of plan of how you're going to structure your lessons, what sort of things you want the kids to be learning, or even just a few ideas for how to deal with a homesick camper or how to entertain your kids during some daily down time.

I'm sure most of you already have some experience in teaching your specialty but for those of you that don't, it's really not as daunting as it may first seem. The biggest thing I would suggest is that you think about how YOU were taught the skills you'll be passing on to the kids. Did your teacher have a good way of explaining things, was there a particular thing about the activity that stood out for you, something you could use to engage the kids at camp? Once you've got your hook, it's really just about planning your lessons around that - use it as a starting point and work from there. I'm not saying have every lesson for the entire summer planned out (although your supervisor will probably love you forever if you do!), but just jot some notes down so that when you get into staff training and someone asks you to fill in a lesson plan, your brain is already in gear!

I know some of you might be going to camp without knowing what you'll be teaching yet...sometimes it will get changed around or decided mid way through training, but have a think about what you like to do, and what you are passionate about. Think about how you could pass on your passions to the kids. As a general counselor it's also really important that you get thinking about the things you're going to do to bond with your kids - do you have a book you could read them in the evenings, some nail polish for makeovers, or just some random games up your sleeve? As a counselor it is your job to make absolutely everything fun, whether that be teaching your activity, eating in the dining hall or merely getting the kids to brush their teeth before bed.

So get your thinking caps on and get ready for the summer of a lifetime!

A Day In The Life Of A Summer Camp Counselor

In the run up to summer (it's only a month until I'm back at camp!), I'm sure a lot of you who will be heading to camp for the first time have quite a few questions about what a typical day at camp is going to be like. I know I did before my first summer. So I thought I'd give you the play by play of how a typical day at camp goes. Obviously this is specific to Camp Sloane (my camp), but the majority of camp's run the same way and have a similar schedule, perhaps with a few changes throughout the day (and a lot of things will go by different names too), but just to give you the general idea...

7:00 AM - Wake up. Shower (personally I shower in the evenings, but other show now), get dressed, brush your teeth etc.

7:15 - Wake up your kids. Get them out of bed (this is the tricky part, especially with the older kids), make sure they get dressed (no pj's at breakfast please!), use the bathroom etc.

7:45 - Send your waitress/waiter down to the dining hall (a different kid each day) - they will set your table and clean up after the meal.

7:55 - Assembly in front of the office. Raising of the flag and any messages for the day will be given out.

8:00 - Breakfast. Sit with your kids and make sure they actually eat something. Breakfast consists of cereal, toast, yogurt, fruit, pancakes, bacon and other hot variations depending on the day.

8:45 - Go back to your living section with your kids, tidy up your area and make sure your kids have everything they need for their activities (swimsuit, towel, water bottle, are they wearing sunscreen?)

9:15-10:05 - First activity period. The kids go off to their activity and you go to wherever you are teaching period 1.

10:15-11:05 - Second activity period. The kids move to their next activity and you go to yours (or stay where you are, depending on your schedule)

11:15-12:05 - Third activity period. Same as above.

12:10 - Return to your living section. The kids can change out of wet swimsuits and get ready for lunch.

12:15 - Send waitresses/waiters to the dining hall.

12:30 - Lunch. Like breakfast, you will sit with your kids and eat lunch with them.

1:00-1:25 - Store and Oval time. Oval is like playtime or recess - all the kids can hang out and play together and go to the camp store to buy camp merch or extra snacks. Make sure you also get involved with the kids and dont just hang out with other counselors (not counselor clusters please!).

1:30-2:30 - Rest hour. This is where you go back to your living section and relax and talk quietly with your kids in your tent (yes, we live in tents). Encourage them to write letter home (you can do the same too!) or read a book. Anything quiet and restful goes. This is also when the campers will receive their mail.

2:40-3:30 - Fourth activity period. Make sure your kids know where they are going for their next 2 periods, then head off to your next class.

3:40-4:30 - Fifth activity period. This was a free choice for the kids that they chose during Oval time, and it changes everyday, so you will often find kids wandering around a bit lost because they've forgotten what activity they chose. In this case, take them to the office where you will be able to find out.

4:40-5:35 - R&R. This is free supervised time back in your living section for the kids. 3 counselors will be on duty for every R&R, which means just watching out for the kids and (if you're in girl's camp) supervising showers - make sure the kids are in and out in a timely fashion and remind them to check for ticks! If you are not on duty you are free to go to the staff lodge or have a nap or go do something else fun! At the end of R&R you should send your waitress/waiter to the dining hall to set up for dinner.

5:35 - Eventide. This is a short little program where the counselors tell a story about themselves (or read a book, or tell a tale) to the rest of their camp (girls in one area, boys in another) that has a moral that can be applied to camp life. It should be something that makes the campers think and gives you a chance to talk about something special to you in a safe environment.

5:50 - Assembly in front of the office. Lowering of the flag and any announcements.

6:00 - Dinner. Just like breakfast and lunch, you will sit with your kids family style and chat about any and everything that they did that day.

7:00 - Evening Activity. This will be something different everyday, and is usually done with just your living section (there are co-ed nights once a week and all camp activities once or twice a week) but could range from a pool party, to a game of kickball and an ice cream social, to an overnight camping in the woods and making s'mores, to the kids dressing up the counsellors in newspaper.

9:00-9:45 - Get your kids ready for bed, make sure they've brushed their teeth and used the bathroom. Tent chats (we call these vespers) where you can discuss many a random thing with your campers, or just simply read them a story. This is a time to find out what they are liking or disliking about camp - do they like their activities, is anyone being mean to them, are they homesick? Lights out (time depends on age group).

9:45-11:30 - Like R&R, 3 people will be on section duty, which means you are required to stay in section (and stay awake), so that any kid who has a problem in the night can come to you. If you are not on duty, then you are free to do what you like (within reason) - go the staff lodge, go hang out with friends in another section, shower, or even go to bed early! Once every counselor is back in section, the on duty people can go to bed (even if it's before 11:30)

11:30 PM - Curfew. There is no leaving section after this time. My advice would be to get into bed and go to sleep as quickly as you can, because you'll be doing it all again tomorrow!

Camp Is My Favourite Place In The World!

As well as writing on this camp specific blog, I also have my own travel blog on which I write about anything and everything travel related (including all my summer camp escapades!). I've just put a new post up about how camp is my favourite place ever in the world and how it has changed me over the years. I thought it could make an interesting read for those of you who are heading to camp for the first time this summer, as it may give you an insight into what your camp is going to teach you over the course of the summer!

You can check it out here: http://www.rooaroundtheworld.com/place-changed-life-keep-going-back-summer-camp/

So You've Been Placed… What Happens Next?

Firstly, congratulations on being placed at a camp for this summer! If you haven't been placed yet, don't worry and just keep waiting, because CCUSA haven't forgotten about you and are on the hunt for the perfect camp for you… you WILL be placed, so just be patient.

So now that you've been placed and are getting all excited about heading off to the USA for the summer, I bet you're wondering what's next in the process. Finding a camp job is just the beginning! Don't panic though, if you take it step by step it's all super easy and you'll be at camp before you know it.

Step 1: Your Camp's Paperwork
Read all the info you receive from your camp, sign your contract (and any other paperwork they request) and send it back. This might also include setting up a US bank account (depending on how your camp choose to pay their international staff) which can seem a bit complicated so I would just advise emailing your camp if you get stuck as they'll be able to easily help you out… they have been hiring international staff for a VERY long time!

Get that passport ready!

Step 2: Getting Your J1 Visa
The biggest thing you'll have to deal with between now and leaving for camp is getting your J1 visa so you are actually allowed to work in America. It seems very overwhelming at first but really if you just follow CCUSA's well laid out instructions you'll have nothing to worry about. I would suggest putting aside an afternoon to just get it all done and dusted so it's a weight off your mind. I'll break it down into simple steps you need to take:

1. Wait for your CCUSA footprints account to update with you SEVIS and Program numbers as you will need this for step 3.

2. Get some US visa photos taken, or take them yourself and resize on your computer - they need to
 be square and 600x600 pixels.

3. Wait for CCUSA to send you your DS2019 form. DO NOT LOSE THIS…YOU NEED TO KEEP IT WITH YOUR PASSPORT THE ENTIRE TIME YOU ARE IN THE USA.

4. Fill in the online DS160 form, following the downloadable instructions from CCUSA . Just take it page by page, upload your photo and answer every question as fully as you can (you will need to know your parents dates of birth!). There is a little question mark button next to each question which will help you out on any confusing questions, but if you're really stuck, don't try and blah it, just give CCUSA a call/email and they'll be able to quickly help you out. You will also need the names, phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses of two people (who aren't relatives) who can verify who you are and why you are going to America.

5. It's time to book your Visa appointment! Again, using the instructions that CCUSA provide, go through the government website to book your appointment at your nearest embassy or consulate. Select 'Non-Immigrant' visa, follow the instructions and then when you get to the bit that asks what type of visa you are applying for, click on Student, find where it says Exchange Visitor, then select J1 from the drop-down menu. Pay the MRV fee and save your receipt (you will need this to complete your appointment booking.

6. Next up is to print your SEVIS fee receipt. Go to the website, fill in the required details and print off your receipt! Simples.

7. If you are applying with an Australian passport, you will need to pay a visa issuance fee (sorry), which you pay at the time of your visa appointment by cash, credit card (NOT debit) or bank cheque.

8.You're almost there…time to get all your documents together. You will need
       - Passport
       - DS160 confirmation page with your photo on it
       - Printed copy of your Interview Appointment Letter (emailed to you)
       - Signed DS2019 Form
       - MRV fee receipt (this will also be in an email)
       - SEVIS fee receipt
       - Visa Issuance fee.
       - A letter explaining your travel purpose
       - A copy of your CCUSA placement letter
       - Current bank statement (preferably showing that you have $500+)

9. Go to your visa appointment. It's super easy…just show up with your documents, be polite and be ready to do a lot of waiting around. If you have all the correct documents the process should be pretty simple and you'll know before you leave whether or not your visa has been granted.

10. Your passport (visa visa stuck inside) will take about a week to be returned to you. Check everything on the visa is correct and then celebrate!

Here's the visa!

Step 3: Flights & Insurance
CCUSA provide you with 90 days insurance cover, but depending on how long your contract runs for, you may need to extend it (someone from CCUSA will most likely contact you if this is the case). Get your flights booked as soon as you can (just FYI you are allowed to arrive in America up to 30 days prior to your camp start date) - STA Travel have some great deals - and it's time to start getting VERY excited.

Step 4: Double Checking & Packing
In the month or so before you depart for the USA, it's a good idea to just go back and double check you've returned all the required documents to both CCUSA and your camp and have everything you need for a brilliant summer. Do you need a Global SIM card for your phone, what are you doing about money (get some US$ or maybe a travel money cash card), and have you booked your first night's stay in the US before you head to camp the next day? And finally, do you know what you're going to pack?!

Working at summer camp is an absolutely amazing experience and the 'getting there' process doesn't need to be difficult or stressful at all. If you just follow the steps and do one thing at a time as required, it's really pretty simple and totally stress-free. Good luck and get ready to have an amazing summer!

If you have any other questions about the process between getting placed and getting to camp, just pop a message in the comments and I'll get back to you asap!