First-timers

[h0dGi]

I know there are lots of you who have already been to camp, and this will be my first year :P So I was wondering, what tips do you have for first timers?
Like, what to pack, what to expect....
:) Thanks!

[CAMPFRIEND]

Find out as much as you can about your camp before. So it's not to crazy when you get there. I woould bring somthing from your country to share with your kids. Tehy like that kind of stuff..Be ready to have a great summer and work a lot. In the end all that work will be worth it!

[Sparkes]

Expect nothing, and that way you won't be taken by total surprise when everything turns out different from what you expected! ;) Your camp should send out a packing list to you - follow it but just pack more then what they say (if they say take 4 shirts, take 6 or 7), and pack clothes for all types of weather. If you can get in touch with a staff member from the camp who is returning, thats awesome cause they can give you all sorts of insight. Check the ACA boards for other staff members - just search all the boards for your camp name and see what comes up.

[camper]

definitely go in w/no expectations, b/c it will probably be pretty different thta what you expect! know that camp is NOT like it is in movies you might have seen about it, it most cases camp is a lot more organized. just go into camp w/an open mind and ready for anything!

definitely get in touch w/a returner at your camp though. that can give you a pretty realistic picture of your camp. i know that when my mom sends a welcome letter to the internationals, my email address is on it so they can email me if they want. i always get a couple of good questions from them. most of the time, your director will refer you to someone really friendly who LOVES talking about camp!

definitely pack more than is on the packing list if you can fit it, but also remember that you can buy a lot of stuff once you get to camp (toiletries, plain hanes tshirts and tank tops, etc.)

even if you're shy, try to smile and be outgoing when you meet all of the other staff at your camp. we alway say that the more you are willing to assimilate w/camp as soon as everyone gets there, the quicker you'll fit in w/us.

also, don't be intimidated by returners. thats another thing we tell our new staff, and also the reason they come a day before everyone else. we kind of prep them for when will happen the next day- the returners get there and they jump all over each other and hug and yell and scream and walk in like they own the place...don't think you're being ignored. yes, this is THEIR place, maybe since they were really little, but now it's going to be YOUR place too and after they finish freaking out b/c they're seeing each other they're going to introduce themselves and include you.

hope this helps a little!

[campCardinal]

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Even after precamp -- not all the questions will be answered. You can go to other counselors and your supervisors to help you out. That's another thing -- you CAN ask for help! We encourage it!

[rockinsmiles]

Also dont be scared if it all seems confusing at first and you feel lost once you arrive at camp. It is amazing how you will learn the "camp way of life." Oh yeah and most people i know LOVE the internationals. Just prepared for some to ask odd questions or want you to say certain words.

[h0dGi]

LoL, thanks for all the help guys!! It will probably come in handy ;)

[KiwiCRB]

Not to scare you but i think being a camp counselor is the most challenging job i have ever done... but it is also the most rewarding and the most fun. I would never trade all the hard work at my camp for an easy job anywhere else! Just be ready to work really hard because camp is for the camper.

[CAMPFRIEND]

Not to scare you but i think being a camp counselor is the most challenging job i have ever done... but it is also the most rewarding and the most fun. I would never trade all the hard work at my camp for an easy job anywhere else! Just be ready to work really hard because camp is for the camper.

I wish that more people would look at camp like you do. I know that all of the people on this site have the love for camp and know what it's all about. But it seems that every year we get some who it's just a job to them! We all know that it's so much more!

[Fallen]

I agree with what everyone else has mentioned already. I would suggest getting to know a few of the staff at your camp that has been there for a few years. This way you get to know some people before you go and get a better picture of what the cmap is like. Not every camp is run the same so this should help you get a good idea of what things could be like.

Never have any expectations when working at camp. Things change, stuff happens and there is no model day or week when talking about camp. One week will never be the same as the other. One week can be the best ever and then the following week can be the worst. While that is kind of depressing having this in mind can better prepare you. You may freak out your first time, but over time and years of doing it you learn how to handle things better from what did or didn't work when a similar situation arose.

Good luck!!

[who_stole_my_loofa]

take your time off!

don't take drama seriously!

take chances!

get to know your campers!