Participants' Stories

I had an AWESOME time at Camp Seafarer; I absolutely loved it, definitely the best summer of my life! Thank you CCUSA so much for offering such a great experience!  Brittany, Australia

Camp Paivika is one of the greatest places on the Earth and I really love it. I stayed some time longer and I was donating my work to camp after summer. I got really, really lucky, when my application was picked by the management of the camp my first year. I am also very happy, that I used the services of your company my first year. Also the management of my camp is very satisfied with the services and care provided by CCUSA.  Jiri, Czech Republic

I would like to say that CCUSA is a wonderful organization and has made it easy for me to get to America over the past 3 years!!! I would recommend CCUSA to anyone who is hoping to work in a summer camp just because CCUSA is happy to answer any questions I have whether they are stupid or not and they ensure you are looked after well! So you and the team in London give yourselves a huge pat on the back!!! Thanks again and well done!!!  Jess, England

My summer was nothing short of ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! Seriously the most fun I've ever had and I'm planning to definitely go back to Kanata next summer... and yeah I’ve already been asked back... as a unit leader so I’m absolutely stoked!  Daniel, Australia

Go ahead and apply bravely, very good and educative experience!  Anna, Finland

I have been back for a month now after having one of my best summers I have had. Since being back there hasn't been a day where I haven't thought about next summer so the next 7 months are going to be hell waiting to leave again.  Todd, Australia

Thank you CCUSA, my Summer at Tyler Hill Camp was amazing!!!! I had the best experience of my life and I have signed my contract to return next year and I'll probably be taking my brother with me too :)  Victoria, Australia 

We are happy that we decided to participate in this program because being here we are not only working but also every day we meet people from all over the world. From 200 employees only 140 are from USA, the rest come from different countries. By the way, because this is a boy camp all the counselors are also guys so from all 600 people in camp there are only 20 girls! We are lucky. We all three work in the kitchen – wash the dishes, prepare food, serve the tables – in total 10 hours per day including 2 half an hour breaks. We have one free day so we can do whatever we want.  Justa, Rasa and Olga, Latvia

Dear CCUSA, Thank you very much for a great summer, which I had in the US. I had no problems in the camp. People there were very nice with me, so I had a really nice experience. After the camp I was travelling for 1 month. I saw a lot and I'm very glad. I hope that you will continue in your work. It was really the best summer of my life. I didn’t believe it, when I read it in your handbook, but it was true. Good luck!  Petra, Czech Republic 

Summer at Merrie-Woode was amazing, truly the best thing I have ever done in my life!! I'm back at home working trying to save for next year when I hopefully go back to camp.  Lucy, Australia 

I had the best time at camp Speers Eljabar and would love to go back. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go to summer camp... The memories and friends I made will surely last a lifetime.  Alyssa, Australia 

I had an amazing summer at Flying 'G' Ranch in the Colorado Rockies. It was the best summer of my life!! I met amazing people and saw amazing sights. I learnt so much about myself. And knowing the support was there if I needed it, plus all the support you provided here before I went. All put my (and mums) mind at rest. And because of that support it's the best way to start your OE. I am MORE than happy to help out at the fairs, info nights etc. If you need me for ANYTHING don't hesitate to call and I’ll see what I can do.   Megan, New Zealand

The camp was a really positive experience! If you have even a little bit of interest to work at special needs- camp, you should apply to one. It gives a lot and has taught me a lot.  Minna, Finland

Camp at Wingate Kirkland was amazing.  As you would know it’s hard to put it into words sometimes why you have so much fun and what the experience does for you.  The camp really was a great fit for me and I cannot imagine going anywhere else.  Margot, Australia

My summer in the USA was awesome!! I had the chance to experience life at camp and try something new in my life. I made so many new friends, not just Americans, but people from everywhere and I still keep in touch with them and I had a really cool time with the kids at camp! Thanks CCUSA!!  Alexandra, Germany

I had THE TIME OF MY LIFE at camp this year! It was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had! I met friends from all around the world, and gained the most vital life experiences!  Alice, Australia

I loved working in the kitchen. I loved being with the campers and staff during my free time. I think I learned a lot about people and American culture. I loved being there.  Alexandra, Hungary

My Summer was absolutely incredible! I had the best time of my life at Kenmont and Kenwood! At the moment I am still travelling; have been around America for 2 weeks, Europe for 4 weeks and am now in Thailand tanning it up!  Duncan, Australia

An amazing experience to learn about myself and people from different places, as well as enjoying myself with the campers.  Xiaoke, Hungary

Hi there I sure am (having an amazing time) it’s my second last day in the states. I have road tripped all around Cali and a heap of other places and Vancouver, then I'm off to travel Asia for awhile. I am definitely thinking of returning to camp that’s for sure, I had an awesome time and made some great friends.  Cassandra, Australia

Work is rewarding even though you don't make much money. The experiences, memories and new friends make up all material needs.  Riikka, Finland

Yeah I had a ball at Schodack, CCUSA you couldn't have picked a better camp for me!  Laura, Australia

I went to camp with the aim of improving myself and gaining confidence, but after 9 weeks of camp I left with a love of children, best friends from all over the world and wishing I could go back! I never realised how diverse American culture was until I went to camp; I loved every minute of it and can't wait to experience it again. Everything you need to know about life you'll learn at summer camp! Meeting people from all over the world, getting to know amazing children, living and breathing American culture - what more could you want? Camp was without a doubt the best thing I've ever done.  Sheridan, New Zealand

I am so glad such a program exists. It is through your program that I have met people who I will be friends with forever. I am so very thankful for what you and the rest of the CCUSA Team are doing.  Alastair, Australia

It's good to go with open mind and be happy. Working at a camp is sometimes hard, but together with counselors around the world you can make the experience unforgettable.  Essi, Finland

I am just dropping you a quick email to say thank you for making my summer camp application so easy. As of about two months ago I had started applying for a position at a summer camp through a different organisation. I received no feedback, help or advice about the application process and I found the website and online application lacking in information and difficult to navigate. In short I was getting very frustrated. Then on the 28th of January a friend told me about the CCUSA camp fair in Perth so I decided to have a look at the CCUSA website. It was immediately much more informative than the previous company so I began an online application with CCUSA.  I attended the camp fair with an unfinished application and even so I was lucky enough to get a position at Camp Matoaka for the summer. I'm so excited to get over there and meet everyone!  The footprints system on your website is so helpful; it really makes everything so clear and easy to follow. The CCUSA staff were so nice and willing to help, within an hour of having started my CCUSA application online I had a call from Scott checking to see if I needed help or advice and to encourage me to attend the camp fair. Thanks to CCUSA I have a summer camp job and I feel like I will be totally prepared for the work and travel involved when I leave.  Abi, Australia

The camp was a really positive experience! If you have even a little bit of interest to work at special needs- camp, you should apply to one. It gives a lot and has taught me a lot.  Minna, Finland

I had a good memory at Whispering Hills (Girl Scout) in Minnesota. I sang camp songs, did creek walks, horseback riding, outdoor cooking. I was never bored or felt homesick because all my new friends at camp were so very nice and kind. I don't know how I can tell you about my feeling, you just have to join and try it yourself.  Joice, Thailand

Thanks to CCUSA I got the chance to experience an unforgettable summer in the U.S. during which I got to know people from all over the globe and learned a lot about different cultures. Those three months have been awesome!  Vanessa, Germany

It was useful. A good training, and moreover I feel that the world has been opened for me.  Zita, Hungary

For me, the summer time at McCormick camp in Rockford, IL was amazing. Why you ask? You are always learning - doing - seeing something you have never before. Everything will happen and you never know, when, that makes it so fun!! When we have to say goodbye, I didn’t want to go home 'cause all the staff are my new friends and are now my sisters too! I actually need to see them again and again, so I am going back to camp. Thank you CCUSA for giving me a chance.  Duangdao, Thailand

If you are open and sincere, you can make a lot of friendships and you will not be alone. This is so simple – you must be yourself.  Tamas, Hungary

I work in Maine State OMNI camp. I have no regrets for choosing this program and enjoy my summer here. The employers are really nice; they do not judge us whether we are support staff or counselors. They keep repeating that support staff also should participate in all the attractions that are going on around the camp. Also they take us to the city where we can enjoy shopping, some more shopping and even more shopping :) We are really having marvelous time - yesterday we were in baseball match while here, in the camp we have a lot of attractions too - swimming in the lake, canoes, yachts, horse-riding, shooting, etc. We have a lot of fun in our free time. I think this will be the best summer in my life!  Giedre, Latvia

I lived and worked at Clara Barton Camp (CBC) for young diabetics in Massachusetts. I learned many skills from this camp. Especially learning about diabetes, using blood glucose and monitoring. It was so great to make new friends, sing camp song, have campfires, play several kinds of sports, such as soccer, basket ball, high rope, swimming, etc. I also enjoyed family camp. As my friends always say "we are not diabetics, but we are people living with diabetes" I loved the kids so much!!!  Toommy, Thailand

This is my third time at this camp. I am really satisfied with everything. I think I’m gonna return at least one more time.  Mate, Hungary