Adjusting to Camp Life

Our advice for adjusting to life at Camp including how to overcome homesickness.

What culture shocks will I experience at Camp and in the US?

Experiencing culture shock is totally normal at Camp. Not only will you be in a different country, but Camp will be a completely unique and new environment. Don’t beat yourself up if you do find it difficult to settle in at first, we always recommend giving yourself some time to adjust.

To give you an idea of what to expect, some of the differences you may notice include:

Communication styles: You may find that American staff, and staff from countries around the world, may have different communication styles to you. Don’t assume that someone is being rude or unfriendly simply because their communication style is different from what you're used to. Likewise, be open to feedback if someone misunderstands your communication style.
Tipping culture: If you spend time away from Camp, you'll notice that tipping is an important part of dining in the US. In many restaurants, a 20% tip is considered standard.
Patriotism: Many Camps begin each day with a flag-raising ceremony and Pledge of Allegiance. This can feel strange at first, but soon becomes a normal part of your daily routine. These ceremonies are an important tradition at Camp and should be treated respectfully, even if you are not obliged to participate as an international staff member.
Camp Traditions: Many Camps are rich in traditions that have been passed down through generations of campers and staff. Returning staff will often know these traditions inside out, while to first-time counsellors they may seem a little unusual at first. Whether it's singing at meals, campfire rituals, or special ceremonies or chants, every tradition helps to build Camp spirit. It's completely normal if these traditions feel outside of your comfort zone initially, but try to approach them with an open mind and a willingness to join in.

Will it be easy to make friends at Camp?

Of course! One of the main reasons participants return to Camp year on year is the amazing friendships they form. You may even be surprised by how quickly you bond with other staff, as you will all be thrown into the deep end together. It may take a little time to find your feet, but soon enough you will have built a community of fellow counsellors who can support you through your summer.

If you are worried about making friends, these are a few things you can do to help:

At meals during staff training, try sitting with different people each time to get to know as many people as possible.
Join in with staff activities and Camp traditions.
Be curious - ask people about where they're from, what they do at home and what their interests are.
Give it time - you may get the opportunity to work with someone new several weeks into the summer who you end up forming a close bond with.

What do I do if I am struggling to adapt to Camp life?

It's quite common to have difficulty adjusting to Camp life at first. After all, you're adapting to a new environment, new challenges, long working hours, and meeting lots of new people. The most important thing is to give yourself time - the first couple of weeks are an adjustment period and you may just need some time to settle in.

If you are struggling to adapt to Camp life, here are a few things you can do:

Talk to someone at Camp, like a returning counselor, unit leader, or Camp director, who understands what you’re going through. They will be able to provide you support in adjusting to Camp.
Stay connected with home. A quick call or message to family and friends will help you gain a sense of normality and comfort.
Get stuck in with Camp routines and activities. Join in with staff games and activities and spend time with your peers on your time off.
Take care of yourself physically. Camp can be exhausting and physically demanding so getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water and eating regularly can make a noticeable difference to your mood.
As a last resort, if you are really struggling you can contact our US team and they will be happy to help you over the phone. They are available from 9AM - 5PM Eastern Time, Monday - Friday, to field any questions or concerns.

If you're feeling homesick, remember it doesn't mean you've made the wrong decision. You will probably find there are many international staff also adapting to the same changes. Talking with them can remind you that you're not alone and you are there to have the summer of a lifetime!