This summer I have been working at a summer camp in America. 4000 miles from home, I was running a radio station and teaching the kids all about radio. Leaving England was so hard, saying goodbye to everyone, leaving a life I knew behind for one where I didn't know a single soul. I was petrified. Looking out of the window as we took off, and landed; staring at the trees speeding by as we travelled by bus to the camp, the whole experience didn't seem real.
It was only as we arrived at the camp the reality of the situation kicked in. The 'welcome' sign, the wooden cabins, the squirrels running up and down the trees, the cute inspiring quotes pinned up everywhere. This was going to be my life for the next 9 weeks.
As we got off the bus, staff with signs welcoming us introduced themselves, and we were given cabins to sleep in for the first week for staff training. Everyone was excited and chatty, whereas I was overwhelmed and nervous. The amount of calls I made home that week, hating camp, wanting to come home. My phone bill was ridiculous (sorry mum). However, we played staff games and icebreakers to get to know each other, and eventually I started to feel more relaxed. I made an amazing group of friends, and the more the weeks past by the closer everyone got. After the first week of camp the kids came! I was so excited! This is what I came here for, to have a positive impact of kids lives and for them to have a positive impact on me.
I was given a cabin of 12 girls ages 11-12. They were amazing. They instantly loved my British accent and tried imitating me, and making me say things just so they could here me talk. They then wanted me to attempt American accents, this wasn't as cool! Although I had a cabin of 12 girls, my main job was to teach different kids about radio. I met so many funny, amazing, some very naughty, kids. However all of them made my experience what it was.
As well as having an amazing time with the kids, I also had an amazing time with the friends I made. Partying in madison, tubing down a river, camping, going to the worst bar in the world, seeing GAVIN DEGRAW, going out for dinner, bowling, shopping, movies, laser tag, go karting and much more!
Although from the very beginning I have been counting down the days till I could go home, this was by far the best and most self educating experience of my life. I learnt so much about myself, became more patient and understanding of others, and learnt that I complain A LOT! So note to self, be happy, positive and make the best of every situation.
1 day till home..
