Kyle Neil came through IENA on the J-1 Camp Counselor visa and worked at YMCA Camp Cory in NY State He is think of returning for another summer in the US. Here is what he has to say about his experience and advice he has for any applicant that’s looking into coming to work at a US summer Camp.
What is your favorite memory from the summer?
So I’ve done two years and it’s hard to pick one specific memory – What I can say is that these people are incredible, you’ll never find yourself working with a group of people who are so similar to you anywhere else. They are my family, and I am closer to them than people that I have known for years, I would do anything for them and I would be wherever they need me whenever they needed me. Camp is for the Campers, but you’ll find a family at camp that you never knew you had. In terms of this specific summer, we had an award ceremony every week – as an activity chief I got to hand out awards. That was my favorite thing, seeing the pride on campers faces was the reason I did what I did. I remember the look of surprise on the face of a boy who, at the start of the week, wasn’t award material, that was the best.
What advice would you have for an individual looking to come to the US?
Prepare in advance. Make sure you have all the paperwork in order and access to funds.
Yours in Camping,
Adam