The Real Camp Experience
American Summer Camp is an experience that’s entirely unique, and the lasting impact it can have really does need to be lived to be fully appreciated. That’s why we’ll be sharing the tales of camp life, from those who have experienced it – and how it’s impacted their life since.
This is Thomas’s story.
Good morning Thomas! Let’s get stuck in – tell us about your camp experience?
I think I can honestly say, camp has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. I’ve now been to American Summer camp four times - and each and every time I’ve learned something new about myself that’s shaped my life back at home.
I’m from a small town in South Wales, and four years ago I struggled a lot with confidence and I wasn’t sure of my direction in life or what the future held. I always dreamed of travel, but it almost felt too big, too scary to actually take the leap. Camp allowed me to do this but in a way that was supported, felt comfortable, and allowed me to be myself. Now I’ve travelled solo (to 35 countries), lived abroad, and I’m about to go into teaching – a decision that was entirely informed by my experience working with the kids at camp.
As for camp itself – camp life is crazy! One minute you’re playing football, the next you’re having a paint party, swiftly followed by dancing on stage. You’re thrown into this situation with new people who become your best friends within a few days; you build bonds with a great bunch of kids; experience a new culture, a new place with a different climate, new foods, sights, and smells. It’s so high energy, there is truly nothing else to compare it to. I loved it so much and I went back summer, after summer!
What skills did you learn at camp that have helped you in everyday life?
This is easy – first of all confidence. Camp is a unique environment, a place that you can truly be yourself; and that’s not something that came easily to me before. A few summers feeling comfortable in my own skin and learning about myself has definitely made me more self-confident. I can lead, speak up, and take responsibility which has set me up nicely for my career as a teacher.
Organisation is another. Managing groups of kids, planning activities, staying on top of schedules, and also being resilient when things don’t go to plan. Knowing that I can think on my feet and adapt when leading a large group of kids, means I can handle almost anything!
Tell us a little bit about the relationships you made at camp?
Oh gosh - where do I start with these?! It’s impossible for me to properly quantify how much the relationships I made at camp have meant to me – long after leaving the United States! I made friends for life from all around the world, people I never would have met otherwise, and I’m so grateful to have them in my life.
What makes it even more special is how quickly the connections form. You’re spending so much time together, going through new experiences, challenges, and really fun moments side by side, so the friendships feel genuine and strong straight away. Even now, I’m still in touch with most of my camp friends. I know the next time I see them, we’ll pick up right where we left off! For example, just last month I went to Stockholm with one of my camp friends and in a few weeks, I’m going to Belfast for a game of golf with another.
Camp is high-energy and intense, there’s no room for pretence or putting on a front. Everyone is just themselves which makes the connections form faster, and stronger, than many friendships. It’s changed how I connect with people, for the better.
How did it shape your thoughts about your professional future?
Well, it’s had a pretty direct impact on my professional future! I’ve decided to become a PE Teacher – I start my training this year. I enjoyed camp so much, that I wanted to work with children in my full-time career. I’ve coached over 1000 hours of football through my camp roles, and this has given me the experience I needed to be accepted for my training.
In terms of wider employability, going to camp shows that you’re brave enough to leave the bubble that is your life at home and able to operate outside of your comfort zone – where true growth happens.
Why should others consider the camp experience?
For me, camp became a place I could reset and feel like myself again. It’s not something I just did for a few summers – it is something that changed who I am as a person.
If you’re ready for change or looking for direction, camp is for you. If you’re looking for a deeper understanding of yourself, camp is for you. If you want to do something that’s going to transform your future and how you view the world, camp is for you. Take the chance – I’ll be forever grateful that I did.