Going to summer camp or thinking of going? Before heading off, jump into our ‘A-Z of summer camp’ blog to give you a glimpse into what's in store. You’ll be left feeling more prepared and excited for your summer ahead.

A

Adventure

Summer camp is the ultimate adventure. You’ll try out things you’ve never done and go to places you’ve never seen. With your visa, you can travel for up to 30 days after camp ends too! Explore and see what the US of A really has to offer and make summer camp memories that will last a lifetime.

Alumni

You’ll become an alumni after your summer camp has ended, no biggie. This entitles you to lifelong bragging rights about camp life, making best friends for life and adding some amazing things on your CV.

B

Bunk

You’ll hear this term thrown around a lot at camp, referring to everyone's sleeping space or beds. Trust us, the campers love the top bunk, so you may have to get acquainted with the bottom pretty quickly.

Bug spray

Summer camps are often situated in beautiful woods or near lakes, AKA bug central. So insect repellent is an essential you’ll want to add to your packing list. Not sure what else you’ll need? Make sure you check our extensive travel pack list for summer camp.

C

Campfires

Campfires are perfect for an old-fashioned cheesy sing-along. Get your voice warmed, and be ready to sing “Take Me Home Country Roads” and “Sweet Caroline”.

Cabin

Your cabin will become your little home away from home. Often shared with other staff and campers, these spaces are traditionally wooden, kitted out with bunk beds and a shared bathroom. When you arrive they can look a bit characterless, so get decorating to make your space feel more homely. Bunting, fairy lights and photos are all welcome!

D

Dance parties

Whether you’re a seasoned ballroom dancer or someone who doesn’t understand the moves in a two-step dance – it doesn’t matter. Dance parties happen a lot, so get ready to get your boogie on. Do what feels good in your body!

Director

The camp director is the main boss of summer camp, and they make sure everything is running smoothly. Shortly after you’re hired, you’ll become acquainted with your director. They’re your go to person with any questions or concerns.

E

Everlasting friendships

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again! Get ready to make friends for life at camp. Through the highs and lows you’ll be bonding with people just like you! If you need any more convincing why camp is for you check out our blog ‘Why summer camp in the USA was worth every cent’.

F

Fancy dress

While practical clothing is a priority for all the outdoorsy, activity based fun you’ll be having. Fancy dress will soon become the staple of your summer wardrobe too, trust us. So be sure to pack some colourful items, fun patterns and even a pair of ears if you wish!

Fourth of July

Leading on neatly from fancy dress is 4th July celebrations. Having a red, blue and white outfit ready for Independence Day of the United States will certainly make you look the part. From discos to general celebrations, the 4th of July is a big part of summer camps, and more generally, the States’ festivities.

G

Ghost stories

Get your torches at the ready and brush up on your spooky stories. The campfire is waiting for your eerie tales.

Grills

No, we don’t mean you’ll be getting dental jewellery at summer camp. We’re talking BBQs. The proper ones. Strap in for a proper, American summer camp cookout – burgers, beans, and hot dogs. The whole deal!

H

Holidays

Spending your summer in the States? Sounds like a dreamy adventure to us. Camp is like one big, long holiday! They'll be tones of exploring and adventuring throughout your time.

I

International CV experience

Interest and impress employers with your international experience. With camp experience on your CV, you’re sure to stand out. You’ll gain so many transferable skills! And maybe a few not so transferable skills…but If it’s any consolation, your ability to pack a bag in 30 seconds will forever impress us.

J

J-1 visa

An essential. You’ll need a J-1 visa for your summer camp adventures. Don’t fret though, as this is where we come in. We’ll help you every step of the way, letting you know how to apply. Check out our blog on what you’ll need to apply or get in touch with any questions.

Is it jam or jelly?

An equally important J. What do you think? Is it Jam or Jelly? The international debate continues. Get ready to fight your side (without jam/jelly throwing please).

K

Kids

You’ll be surrounded by them your entire summer. So, expect to become a teacher, babysitter, older sibling, counsellor, role model, friend, all rolled into one. Sounds simple enough, right? But honestly, take it from us, it’ll be the most fulfilling thing you’ve ever done!

L

Laughter

The kids and staff will have you in hysterics every day – get ready for your belly to ache after non-stop giggling fits.

M

Movie nights

Movie nights are the saving grace of rainy evenings. Everyone gets comfy, piling up the blankets and bedding to watch a film. Pass the popcorn and get stuck in.

Maine and Massachusetts

A lot of our camps are in these beautiful states.

N

Nature

Being at camp means being surrounded by nature everyday. You’ll most likely be in the middle of nowhere with stunning scenery, lakes and woods for as far as you can see. Sounds like bliss right? Did we mention the bears… but don’t fear, there's plenty of safety regulations in place to keep them at bay.

National parks

The US has 63 national parks, which can be a great place to travel to after camp. If you don’t know which parks to pick, we’ve got the list just for you! Check out our blog ‘The 5 Best North American National Parks’ including the Grand Canyon and Acadia. You’ll want to add these to your bucket list for sure.

O

Outdoors

The great outdoors will become your home. From meals to activities, you’ll be in the beautiful outdoors the majority of the time. Soak up the sun and fresh air all summer long. Well, minus the odd rainy day here and there. It's all about balance. No rain, no flowers!

P

Performing arts

It doesn’t matter if you’re at a performing arts camp or not, be prepared to put forward your best talent. From campfire sing-a-longs, talent shows, your time to shine at camp will come.

Q

Quick thinking

After working at camp for the summer, being able to think on the spot will become second nature. Not only is this a great transferable skill for your CV, but it’s also a great life skill to have generally. Who knows when you’ll need to pull out a spooky story or animal impression next?

R

Rest Hour

A lot of staff’s favourite time of the day. This is dedicated you-time. Grab a quick nap for extra energy, get through some pages of your book, or speak with loved ones at home.

Routine

You’ll soon get into the groove of camp routine. And while not every day is the same, you’ll welcome the structure and know camp like the back of your hand in no time.

S

S’mores

The tasty camp classic. A melty, marshmallow sandwiched between chocolate and Graham crackers. Does anything sound more delicious?

T

Teaching experience

If you want to teach, going to summer camp with JENZA makes an ideal first step and will look great on your CV. Being around kids, all day, every day, means that you’ll get a real taste for what being a teacher may look like.

Travel

After camp, you’ll have a great opportunity to travel for 30 days with your visa. If you’re questioning whether ‘you need to plan where you travel to after summer camp’, don’t worry – you’re not alone. At camp, you’ll meet so many new people, all in the same boat. Sometimes our campers will even travel together after camp has ended.

U

USA

The U, S of A of course! This is where the magic happens! The States are the home of summer camps. USA! USA! USA! chants.

V

Visiting day

Various camps have visiting days, meaning that parents and carers can take their kids from camp for the day. A lot of campers don’t have visitors, so a trip may take place on this day so everyone can get stuck in.

W

Water

At summer camp, life revolves around water. Activities like swimming, kayaking, wakeboarding and waterskiing are all activities you’ll get to experience. Not forgetting the water fights too of course.

X

eXtreme sports

X doesn’t offer the most fruitful selection of letters, so we’ve got a bit creative with this one. Some eXtreme sports you may take part in on camp include mountain biking or skating.

Y

You’ll never forget

Years after camp, you’ll be telling ‘This one time at camp’ stories for anyone who will listen.

Yodelling

Around the campfire at night, you may get roped into taking part in some yodelling – so get those vocal chords warmed up.

Z

Zipline

Some camps have a zipline, which is a great activity to get involved in. Strap up, and throw yourself down the zipline. Get ready for a thrill ride through nature.

Zzzs

Finally, sleep. We can’t promise you’ll get much at camp.

So there it is, our A-Z of summer camp. If our list has inspired you to get stuck into summer camp, we’re on hand to get you on board.

To get even more tips and advice on the ins and outs of camp, book a call with BUNAC's team of Camp Specialists. The team has been there, done that, and they may even have a thing or two to add to our A-Z list.