Case studies : BUNAC Summer Camp USA participant: Leo Lawson

Leo Lawson found his role as a 'supply counsellor' on BUNAC's summer camp in the USA was a worthwhile experience and would strongly recommmend others to do it.

I chose to do a Summer Camp placement for many reasons.  I really enjoy working with kids, interacting with them and encouraging them to develop as characters and try new things.  At university I found that there were not so many opportunities to do this, BUNAC would allow me to have a really productive and challenging summer abroad whilst at the same time to travel and experience America.  I also love being outdoors and enjoy a huge array of sports so for that reason the nature of camp life really appealed to me.

My job was as a ‘supply counsellor’.  This really suited me as it allowed me to work with different age group of kids - whilst I was more aligned to one cabin group of girls between the ages of 9-11, my job meant that I could also be asked to work with another group if their counsellor was on leave.  I therefore felt that I was not too pigeon-holed and my work was varied and stimulating.  However on the downside it can mean that you do not get to know the kids as well as the cabin counsellors do.

I shared a room with another counsellor in large wooden cabins where the campers also slept.  There was a porch adjoined to the cabin and almost all of the cabins had large fire places and ‘reception’ areas where games and meetings with the campers could be held.

The experience definitely lived up to all expectations and more!  Whilst it was at times tough and emotionally exhausting, I feel that I gained so much from the experience.  I have returned home more confident in my abilities, not only with kids but in my ability to cope with day to day problems - the experience really is what you put into it.  The whole summer was also made worthwhile by the so many great friends from different backgrounds I made, there was a huge mix of counsellors and a great sense of comradeship and cooperation. I will definitely keep in touch with many of them.

There have been many and varied highlights to my summer.  Having fun with the kids, swimming in the lake, evening activities such as treasure hunts and days off with the other counsellors allowed opportunities to see more of America and visit places.

It can be hard being so far away from home for that period of time, especially because it was my first time in America and many of the other counsellors were returnees to that camp.  Therefore, in the first couple of weeks I found I really had to step out of my comfort zone to break pre-existing cliques amongst the counsellors and cope with being away from all my familiar friends and family.

After camp I spent ten days in America with some of the other counsellors.  We crammed a lot of sightseeing into those few days and it was great to spend time with everyone out of camp - a great end to a fantastic summer!

Really worthwhile experience, I would encourage everyone to do it at some point.