The IEP office is always a-buzz with camp chat and stories of another summer in America, and never more so with Summer Camp USA now underway for 2010! So what's all the laughing and camp fun about?! Check out what recently returned Jess thinks about camp! And don't forget, you can talk to Jess or any of our other Summer Camp USA team members by emailing summercampusa@iep.org.au or by calling 1300 300 912!

How many times have you been to Summer Camp?
I have been four fabulous years and looking forward to my fifth year in 2010 already! I can quite confidently say that I have a Summer Camp addiction but I’m proud of it!

What makes you go back year after year?
The anticipation of Summer Camp is indescribable. It takes me back to a place similar to childhood awaiting your birthday or the holidays. The friendships and bonds that I have made at camp are ones that I will treasure for many years to come. Seeing the campers grow older and mature every year makes me proud that my involvement in camp makes them who they are and helps create the fantastic personality that they have!

What’s your favourite thing about camp?
As a returnee that moment as I’m driving up the road almost at the front gates of camp- I get so overwhelmed with emotion and all the memories come flooding back and I’m just so happy to be back there. You then start running to everyone and hugging them because it’s been a year since you saw them and to be with them again and know you get to spend the summer with them all over again is amazing.

Camp’s finished. How are you feeling?
I often asked my director “Can we not just open the camp all year”? It sounds silly but I almost feel like I’m ending a long term relationship every time I leave. Saying goodbye to all my friends and the campers can be upsetting but there’s also that moment in during all the goodbye hugs that you start laughing hysterically because you know you will see them again and camp will always be there.

What happened at the end of camp?
The last week of camp is amazing. We have all sorts of events like cabarets, banquets, awards and plenty of chances to reflect on what a great summer we just had. The campers leave a day before staff so we say our goodbyes to them and them have our last night on camp without them and it’s just the best. This is when we actually become the campers for a change and have a ball!

What was a usual day at camp like?
Wake up early- sorry can’t sugar coat it for you, head to breakfast, hobbies & activities before we head to lunch than more activities & hobbies and a much need rest period and then onto dinner and the night ends with an evening program like Putting on the Hits, Mission Impossible, Camp Stock and the list goes on!

What was your favourite activity at camp?
I love Friday nights, this is when everyone gets dressed up we have a great meal and it ends with DANCING!! Now I’m no dancer but this is a great time to let my hair down and be silly with the kids- I pride myself on making a fool of myself just so that one camper who is “too cool” to dance will come and try out do me with their silly dancing.

Any culture shocks?
Whether you’re a first time traveller or been doing it for years there’s always a learning curve when meeting people from different countries. Some customs are very different but you soon realise you are all at camp to have the same experience and adapt to their way of doing things and love the fact that you will be able to stay with them when travelling around the world because you’ll have best friends all around the world!

How did you spend your days off?
Every camp is different. My camp provided a bus on the days off to visit places like New York City, Philadelphia, Huge Shopping Outlets and much more. I recommend making friends with staff members who have a car at camp so you can join up with them on your days off also.

Did you have any bad experiences at camp?
Every now and then you miss home but the people at camp are like your family so you don’t think about it that much. My bad experience is only having to say goodbye and counting down the days until I can do it all over again.

Have you formed some good friendships?
I have so many close friends from camp, friends that I now see while travelling or while back in Australia. I thank camp everyday for bringing them into my life because I can’t imagine functioning without them now. I MISS YOU ALL!

And about the kids… be honest, did you have your favourites?!
The kids are amazing. The stamina they have and the enthusiasm - you can’t help but let it rub off on you which makes you so young at heart again. Do I have any favourites, Yes.....all of them....well that’s what I tell them all anyway.

Tell us about a memorable camp experience…
It was during putting on the hits when our youngest camper was mimicking Miley Cyrus and doing a great job. While doing a dance move she lost her shoe, it went flying actually. Naturally she was quite devastated and didn’t know whether to go on. The entire camp staff & campers watching all took a shoe off and started cheering her on so she felt comfortable to go on with her performance. It’s moments like that when I get goose bumps and become so proud to involved in something that helps promote such strong morals to the youth. We all shared that moment and I’ll never forget it.

Camp really is a Summer of Fun- A lifetime of memories.....