Life at Camp

What is the accommodation like at summer camp?

From cabins to tents to dorms, accommodation type varies across camps. You'll be sharing your accommodation with campers and/or other staff members, depending on your role at camp. Campers and counsellors typically like to decorate the accommodation with country flags and photos of their family and pets at home. Some camps will have electricity in their cabins, whereas others may not. You may also find that some cabins have toilets/showers in them, while others may have separate washroom areas. If you’re going to a really rustic camp, you may even find yourself bathing in the lake!

Will I need to bring bedding to summer camp?

We highly recommend discussing the bedding situation with the camp you are interviewing with or have been placed at.

Each camp has different ways in which they offer their international staff bedding. Some have ready-made bedding packages; others will give you the opportunity within the first week at camp to go to the local supermarket to purchase any extra items that you may want/need. 

In most cases, if you require bedding, your camp will deduct a fee from your salary to cover this.

What is the food like at camp?

All food at camp is camper-friendly, which means that the majority of meals will be standard, staple meals.

• Breakfast is usually something like cereal, fruit, or toast. There might also be some fancy options like breakfast burritos, pancakes, hash browns, or English muffins.
• Lunch can include camp favourites like sandwiches, soups, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, or pizza.
• Dinner can be your classic hamburgers, fried chicken, fajitas, tacos or spaghetti, and meatballs.

Most (if not all) camps can cater to special dietary needs such as Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut Free and Dairy Free.

Please make sure you check with your camp during the interview stage to see if they are able to accommodate for any allergies.

I have dietary requirements, will they be catered for at camp?

Yes. Camps often have many children (campers) as well as staff with various dietary requirements. Make sure this is detailed correctly on your medical form so that your camp is aware of any dietary requirements before your arrival.

Will I get time off at camp?

Yes. Every camp schedule is different but you should get some time off at least once a day as well as several full days off during the summer.  

What can I do during my time off at camp? 

At most camps, scheduled time off within the day will need to be spent on camp property. You may choose to rest, catch up with friends or contact home - your camp will let you know what you can and can't do during this time.

Your full days off can be spent however you like. Explore the surrounding areas, head into town or go to the local diner for food - the options are endless.

It is important to ask your camp what dates you will be paid on, then you can budget for your days off. Some camps only pay their staff at the end of the summer, therefore you will need to make sure you come to Canada with some funds for days off.

Due to the location of some camps, unless you know someone who has a car, it is highly likely that you will need to pay for a taxi out of camp - this can be split with others you are on your day off with to bring costs down.

Will I be able to contact my family and friends at camp?

Yes. Most camps will have wifi access or an internet room for staff to use. Please note that throughout the day, most camps will require you to have your phone locked away. You will only be able to access your phone and wifi areas at specific times while you're at camp. If you urgently need to contact home, you can speak to your camp director.

How can I use my phone at camp and in Canada?

Most UK networks will work in Canada but some may charge you to make and receive calls. It's best to check in with your provider about these charges before you go to camp. You can also get a Canadian SIM card while you're out there if you need one to contact other Canadian staff members. Most camps will have wifi, so we’d advise sticking to WhatsApp or Facetime calls when you can.