How Camp USA changed me

I couldn’t have asked for a more rewarding experience working at camp in America. Through doing Camp USA, I’ve made lifelong friends, gone out of my comfort zone, learned about US culture, and much much more.

Hey, I’m Rob - a Marketing Intern here at USIT. And I'm here to discuss my camp experience and how camp benefitted me, and still does over a year later.

Going out of my comfort zone

Travelling to the States was the first time I’d ever travelled to a foreign country by myself. I kept getting ads for summer camp on my Instagram and TikTok and heard only positive things about camp from one of my friends who had previously went.

Once I got to the airport, I automatically regretted signing up for Camp USA and wanted to go home. You just have to remember that the majority of people going to your camp are most likely in the same situation. That’s what got me through the flight and first night in the camp. I’m a person who usually doesn’t do anything ‘daring’, so for me to do this I thought it was a real self-achievement and I found my love for travelling through going out of my comfort zone.

Communication skills

From talking to the kids, their parents, the other counsellors and staff - my communication and personality really shined through to people. I became really comfortable talking to strangers and learning how to keep a conversation going.

If you’re looking for a part-time/full-time job in hospitality, retail or something similar once you’re home, this is great to put on your CV. My employer after camp was really interested on how my communication skills improved because of the program.

Digital detox

Having a break from constantly staring at my phone was amazing. I know, I know... people can’t live without their phones these days – me included. And so, to have the break from my phone during the day and use it for an hour per night, was such a good balance. It showed me that there’s actually so much we’re all not seeing as we’re constantly staring at our screens.

As cringe as it sounds, I learned to appreciate the world and my surroundings more. The views at my summer camp were amazing, not to mention the sunsets. People tend to bring disposable or digital cameras to keep all of those memories you make while at camp. You might hate the idea of not having your phone on you 24/7, but trust me, I barely noticed as I was always doing some sort of activity to keep me occupied!

Friendships

I couldn’t have asked for better people to spend my summer with. I have made lifelong friends from all over the world through Camp USA. We’re all constantly visiting each other and always in contact. This program is also a great excuse to visit some other countries! I’ve visited friends from camp in Spain, Netherlands, UK and Ireland - all within less than a year. It’s completely changed me as a person. It’s great to build international connections, for this very reason, and to learn about other cultures.

This summer, we’re all going on a road trip around the USA, we might even pass through our summer camp to say a quick hello!

Thanks for reading - and I hope this gives you some insight into camp life and the benefits of doing Camp USA. I’m looking forward to hopefully doing the program again as soon as/if I graduate from university!

Feeling the love for transferrable skills, getting back to nature and lifelong friendships? Bookings for Camp USA for summer '25 are open!