| Camps
are spread throughout rural America, come in all shapes
and sizes but with their own distinctive characteristics
and unique picturesque qualities. Most are in the countryside,
have a lake or swimming pool and provide cabin accommodation
They have been going for hundreds
of years in the US and are a real North American tradition.
Each year millions of children aged 6 to 16 from all
over the US (and beyond!) look forward to spending anywhere
between 1 to 9 weeks at summer camp. It's their time
to break lose - to enjoy themselves, have fun, make
friends, try cool new things and get looked after by
a lot of people with funny accents!!
Life at camp is intense - it's
hard work, and in a very short space of time camp becomes
your world...and each world is different, because each
camp is different.
There are 8 different types of
camps.
1. Private / independent
camps
These camps are the flagships of the great summer camp
tradition and many have been around for a long time.
There are privately owned, offer extensive facilities
and are expensive.
2. Agency camps / not for
profit camps
Offer the chance of a truly unique and rewarding experience.
They’re generally funded by charitable organisations
and rely on donations. Sessions last one or two weeks
which means meeting lots of different children.
3. Specialty camps
Certain camps we work with have one particular area
of interest eg. Tennis, gymnastics, drama etc. Although
they offer other activities as well, they focus on specialised
areas and seek staff with experience or certification.
4. Special needs camps
Provide for children and/or adults who have a variety
of needs. Camps cater to campers with learning or emotional
needs, physical or mental disabilities. A challenging
but rewarding role. Prior experience is a plus with
staff in high demand.
5. Faith camps
Faith based camps offer campers from Christian or Jewish
backgrounds the chance to enjoy activities found at
traditional camps, but with time incorporating their
faith. Whilst having a strong belief is not essential,
being open minded is.
6. Disadvantaged camps
Children from an urban, low income, difficult or homeless
background get the chance to spend a couple of weeks
in the countryside. Camps funded by local authorities,
charities or agencies.
7. Girl scout camps
These all girl camps are about fun filled outdoor living,
usually in platform tents. Activities concentrate on
hiking, waterfront and team building with songs around
camp fires before bed time.
8. Day camps
Children from the local area spend time at camp for
a full range of activities during the day returning
home at night. Staff may live on camp or with local
families with the evenings free. Camps generally run
for 10 weeks.
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