Worried About Working at a U.S. Summer Camp? Here’s Why You (and Your Parents) Don’t Need to Be

When I first told my parents I wanted to apply to work at a summer camp in America, they didn’t exactly jump for joy. They were excited for me, but also nervous. The idea of me flying to another country alone, to live in the middle of the American countryside for two months? Understandably, that didn’t sound great to them. They had all the questions: “Who will you be with?” “Is it safe?” “What if you get homesick?” and honestly, I completely understood. It’s a huge step, especially if it’s your first time travelling alone, like it was mine. 

My mum actually had a friend whose daughter went to work at a summer camp the summer before and absolutely loved it. So deep down, she wanted me to have that kind of experience, something that would help me grow and see a bit more of the world. But even then, she wasn’t thrilled about the idea of me disappearing off to the States for two months to live and work with people she didn’t know.

So I wanted to write this blog for anyone who’s thinking about heading to camp next summer but feels a bit unsure, or maybe has parents who are nervous about the idea too. Hopefully, by sharing my own experience, I can ease some of those worries and show you a bit more of what camp is like. 

The Airport Goodbye

I’ll never forget that first day at the airport. My parents were trying to stay calm, but you could see it on their faces. I was nervous too, I was incredibly excited, don’t get me wrong, but all my anxious thoughts were going round my mind. 

But then something funny happened, the guy standing next to me at baggage claim was also hugging his parents goodbye. Naturally, our parents got chatting, turns out, he was also doing the summer camp program as well, I think this definitely helped in the moment, for both myself and my parents! And this kept happening all through my journey: at the airport, on the plane, waiting at JFK for my camp bus,  I just kept bumping into people going to camps in my area and even my own camp. It definitely helped ease my nervous and also helped me get excited! 

Looking back on that now, after four summers at camp, it’s so interesting to see how much has changed. That first summer, I was so young, not that I realised it at the time and it makes complete sense that my parents were worried. Saying goodbye was hard, of course. I was going to miss them while I was away, but taking that step and going to summer camp resulted in me having the summer of a lifetime. 

My dad often mentions how everything that’s come into my life since, the opportunities, confidence and the experiences, all started with that one decision to go ahead with camp. It had an influence on my love of travel, which is something I definitely get from him. So after all the initial worry before camp, it’s so nice to be able to come home and share our travel stories together.

Getting Ready Before You Go

Before my first summer, I was nervous, not just about being away from home, but about everything. What if I didn’t know anyone? What if I got lost? What if my parents were worrying the whole time?

Looking back now, there are a few things I wish I’d known that would have helped me feel more prepared and confident before even stepping on the plane.

1. Connect with others going to your camp. Most camps have Facebook groups or online communities for staff. Join them! I found people from all over the world who were going to my camp, and even a few from my area. You can chat about flights, share tips, and start making friends before you’ve even arrived.

2. Travel with someone if you want, but it’s not essential. If you find someone going to the same camp and can fly together, amazing. But if not, don’t worry, almost everyone travels solo, and you’ll meet tons of people the moment you arrive. I bumped into so many counsellors during my journey that by the time I landed, I was not feeling very nervous!

3. Organise your essentials. Make a checklist of what you’ll need: passport, travel documents, any camp forms, and a few comfort items from home. Having these ready makes the whole travel experience less stressful for both you and your parents.

4. Stay in touch with home. One of the biggest worries for parents is not knowing how their child is doing. The good news? You can contact them! Most camps let you FaceTime, call, or chat during your time off. Regular check-ins are easy and comforting, it gives your parents peace of mind and lets you share all the fun and new experiences as they happen.

5. Reassure yourself and your parents. It’s completely normal for your parents to worry. Mine were anxious about me being so far away, even though they wanted me to have this experience. Remember that camps are extremely safe, most have 24/7 security, trained staff, and directors who care deeply about their counselors’ wellbeing. You’re not just “left alone” you’re stepping into a supportive, structured environment.

By taking a little time to prepare, connect with others, and keep communication open, you’ll land at camp feeling confident, ready, and excited to start the adventure and your parents will feel reassured too.

Camp Life: Safe, Supportive, and Your Own Bubble

Once you arrive at camp, you quickly realise just how safe and structured everything is. Most camps are in rural areas, surrounded by forests, lakes, and open fields, so you’re in your own little bubble, away from the chaos of cities. That might sound isolating at first, but it actually makes camp feel really safe and contained.

Camps have 24/7 security, trained staff, and clear rules to make sure everyone stays safe and happy. Camp directors care deeply about their staff,  they’re not just bosses; they’re mentors and guides, making sure you have a summer that’s fun, memorable, and worry-free. My camp directors, for example, treated us like family from day one, checking in regularly, making sure we were comfortable, and encouraging us to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

And even though it’s a structured environment, there’s still plenty of freedom. You get to explore, take part in activities, and make memories, all while knowing that there’s someone looking out for you. Most camps also have a culture of open communication, if something’s worrying you or you just need support, there’s always someone to talk to.

Reassuring Parents! 

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your first summer, both for you and for your parents. I get it. Leaving home for a few months to live in a completely new country, with people you’ve never met before, can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the thing: camps are built to support you every step of the way. From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by people who are going through the same experience. Your fellow counselors quickly become your friends, your support network, and your “summer home.” Even simple things, like sharing meals, working together on activities, or hanging out in the evenings, create a sense of safety and community. Also like I mentioned, camp directors and staff genuinely care about your wellbeing. They want you to have a great summer while staying safe, healthy, and happy.

For parents reading this, remember: It’s okay to feel nervous, those feelings are normal. But your child is stepping into a structured, caring environment where their wellbeing is the priority. With regular communication, supportive staff, and security, you can relax knowing they’re safe, happy, and growing in ways that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.

For anyone thinking about taking this step, do it! Reach out to other counselors, prepare ahead, stay in touch with home, and embrace the experience. The nerves will fade quickly, and what you’ll gain in confidence, friendships, travel experiences, and personal growth is more than worth it. Looking back, I’m so grateful that my parents encouraged me to go, even though it was hard to let me leave.