From Uni to the USA: How Camp Helped Me Grow in Ways I Never Expected!

And Why Signing Up to Work at a USA Summer Camp with WPUSA Was the Best Thing I’ve Ever Done

In 2022, after finishing Uni, I decided to give camp a try. It was also a huge step outside my comfort zone. I’d never traveled alone before, and as an introvert, the idea of flying to a place where I didn’t know anyone and being social all day, every day felt really overwhelming. But honestly, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

That first year, I joined the media team as a photographer. I shared a bunk with some amazing co-counselors and looked after a great group of campers. I made some great friends, and I even met my boyfriend there, something totally unexpected!

After that first summer, I went home ready to get on with regular life, but something felt missing and I knew I wasn’t ready to be done with camp. Since then, I’ve come back as media team leader for two summers, and this year, I stepped into a new role as a division leader! 

I wanted to write this blog for anyone thinking about doing camp next summer, but are not too sure if they will like it. Here are a few reasons as to why going to summer camp camp was the best decision I could have made:  

I Got to Travel Without Needing Loads in My Savings!

Honestly, one of the biggest reasons I signed up with Work Play USA was the chance to travel, and not just for a quick weekend, but for a whole summer. If you have ever looked into trips abroad, you will know they are very pricey, and right out of Uni, this was to something I couldn't afford, but I knew I want to travel and try something new.

Camp gave me the chance to live and work in the US, earn some money, and then explore, all without draining my savings!! After my first summer, I spent a week in New York City, seeing all those places I’d been waiting to see since I first decided to spend the summer in the States: Times Square, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge! After a busy summer working hard, it was the perfect way to end it.

The next summer, I went even further, hitting spots like Niagara Falls, Florida, LA, Las Vegas, and San Francisco. Every place had its own vibe, and that variety is what makes post-camp travel so much fun. I try to add somewhere new every year if I can!

But honestly, the place that surprised me the most is Pennsylvania, where my camp is. Before I went, I barely knew anything about it. Now, after a four summers there, it feels like a second home, and honestly where I feel the most like myself and I probably would have never gone to rural Pennsylvania if it weren't for camp.

I Made Friends for Life

One thing I didn’t expect was how fast and easy it was to make real friends. Camp strips away social pressure, you just show up and be yourself, and that’s enough. I think that’s why these friendships feel so real. When you’re living and working with people every day, you get to know them in ways you just don’t anywhere else. Some of the people I met that first summer are still some of my closest friends. We keep in touch no matter the distance, across countries and time zones. We visit each other, plan trips together, and just genuinely support one another.

And, okay, the rumours are kind of true. Camp can be like Love Island sometimes. We work hard all day, but evenings can be a lot of fun, and relationships sometimes just happen…Only if you want them to. I met my boyfriend that first summer, totally unexpected, but definitely a pretty cool story to tell back home!

I Learned More About Myself Than I Ever Had

At first, I thought this was just a summer job. But honestly, I learned more in those 9 weeks at camp than I ever did during my three years at university. During orientation, my camp directors talked about how much camp changed their lives and set them on new paths. I was excited for the summer but honestly thought, It’s just a job, when it’s done, I’ll travel, come home, and that’ll be it.

Turns out, camp had other plans for me. I learned to be less of an introvert and that it’s okay to be silly and not take everything too seriously. When you take away the pressure of everyday life and surround yourself with people who just want to have a good summer, plus kids who bring the best energy, you start coming out of your shell in ways you didn’t expect.

Sure, I still struggle sometimes, being a huge introvert doesn’t just vanish overnight, but I’m way more confident and ready to go after what I want now. I had to think on my feet, lead, and stay calm when things got hectic. I became more confident in how I communicate and take responsibility.

It’s Not Just a Summer Job, It’s a Community

I’m writing this after my fourth summer, probably my favourite one yet, and honestly, the camp blues are hitting hard right now! I didn’t expect to leave camp my first summer feeling such a big hole. It’s a weird feeling, but it’s what makes coming back each summer so special.

What surprised me most is how much camp feels like a community. It’s not just clocking in and out of a job. It’s a place where you really belong. The people you work with become like family. Everyone’s there for each other, through the long days and late nights. There’s this shared energy and purpose that just pulls you all together.

And even when summer ends, those connections don’t disappear. I’m still in touch with so many camp friends, whether it’s quick check-ins during the year or planning trips and reunions.

Why You Should Take the Leap

If you’re thinking about applying to work at a US summer camp with Work Play USA, my advice? Just do it.

It’s so much more than a summer job, it’s a chance to travel, make lifelong friends, and grow in ways you never expected. Camp will push you, challenge you, and reward you with experiences you’ll carry with you forever. Whether you’re shy, like I was, or already outgoing, there’s something about camp that helps you find your place.

Yes, it’s hard work, but it’s the kind of hard work that leaves you proud, connected, and ready for whatever’s next.

Honestly, I’m a bit jealous of anyone getting to experience camp for the first time. Sure, I get to go back every summer, but nothing beats that first time you realize what an incredible experience is ahead of you.

So if you want to make memories, see new places, and be part of something truly special, signing up for Summer camp with Work Play USA just might be the best decision you ever make.