So, I've posted a few pictures of my travels in America...
Now I'm going to have a go at describing my Camp America summer. It might get deep...
February, 2015
(One cold winter's evening)
The home telephone rings.
"Hello?"
"Hi there, is this Rosie?"
"Yes, this is Rosie"
"I'm from Camp Albrecht Acres and I'm interested in hiring you. I'd like to have a chat with you first if that's okay?" asked a male American voice.
Even just hearing an American accent got me excited. For most of my life (probably since watching "Grease" as a teenager) I'd been obsessed with the idea of going to America; I think it was the first country on my bucket list.
A couple of days later (after researching where Iowa state was) I accepted the offer. This was it- I was going to the USA.
June, 2015
Little did I know, that this summer would change my life.
It sounds very cliche, but honestly, it did.
5 ways in how my life changed:
1) I gained confidence in finding my way around new places.
A lot of the Camp America meetings were in London, as was the American Embassy. As someone with dyspraxia, I do not have a great sense of direction, but by the time my Camp America process had finished, I could navigate my way about the London underground, and the city itself. (And even direct other people!)
2) I discovered my passion for travelling.
I don't know why I love travelling (as I got really bad travel sickness when I was younger!) but I do. It gives me a sense of moving forward. And each time you visit a new place, you have the chance to reinvent yourself, as nobody knows who you are. The more I travel, the closer I am to becoming the person I want to be, and I'm addicted to it.
3) I worked on a residential camp for adults with a range of disabilities and learning difficulties. I will say this now: Yes, it was very hard work. You're looking after people with a whole array of needs; you have to adapt and be flexible; you basically become their caregiver for a week. I was exhausted, but throughout those three months, I developed a kind of resilience I never knew I had. I've been able to take it with me everywhere I go, in whatever activity I'm doing. Basically, I gained great emotional strength that's had a lasting impact on me ever since, and I'm incredibly thankful for this.
4) Living and working with a massive group of people you've never met before, for three solid months (in the middle of nowhere!) is a whole challenge in itself, and certainly enables you to develop your team-working skills. You find yourselves in a camp bubble, where there is no outside world, and only you and the people you work with are able to share your experiences of camp, because nobody else you know has been there.
5) You make some very strong friendships- whether it's just for the summer or for a life-time.
I don't speak to those friends as much any more- it's difficult to keep long distance friendships- but for that summer, those friendships see you through the good times and the bad. Especially on a special needs camp when the going gets tough. So this last reason is a shout out to my own camp friends for keeping me going in the summer of 2015- I love and miss you! x
So there you have it- reasons why everyone should take part in Camp America. Until next time! x
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