Summer Camp

Summer Camp Stories: Ryan's Experience

Ryan is a recognisable face of Camp Leaders, having been in lots of our summer camp videos. if you’re wanting to hear from a proper summer camp expert, Ryan’s the one.

Camp Leaders

Ryan is one of the most recognisable faces of Camp Leaders, having been part of all sorts of tutorials, help videos, and how-to’s when it comes to applying for summer camp.

If you’ve watched anything Camp Leaders related, we’re sure you’ve seen him.

It’s certainly not by accident either, having done an incredible 7 summers at camp.

If you want to hear from a proper summer camp expert, then Ryan’s experience below is what you’re after.

What summer camp did you go to?

Image Credit: Ryan S

"I went to YMCA Camp Kanata, which is in North Carolina.

In terms of major cities, it’s relatively close to Raleigh, about 45 minutes away."

When did you go to Camp Kanata?

Image Credit: Ryan S.

"My first year was back in 2013, and I’ve done seven summers since. Yep, that's a fresh faced me on the left."

What job role did you do at Camp Kanata?

Image Credit: Ryan S.

"So I started as a General Counselor and moved on to become a Day Camp Coordinator."

Want an American adventure like Ryan's?

Before you flew out to camp for the first time, how were you feeling?

"I'd never done anything like summer camp on my own before, let alone work and travel in a new country! 

I was excited and nervous all at the same time. 

I'd heard so many incredible things about camp and the U.S., so I desperately hoped it would live up to my expectations (which it did, and more)."

What is your favourite summer camp memory?

"It would have to be 'Christmas Week' In July… Random, I know.

It's towards the end of camp, so it's a great morale booster. 

The kids get breakfast in bed (so you can imagine how much they loved that). 

Staff then had pizza once the kids went to bed, and everybody took part in Secret Santa to give gifts on the Friday, it was incredible!"

What's one thing they don't tell you about summer camp?

Image Credit: Ryan S.

"It's the hardest job you'll ever love! 

The days are long, but the weeks are short.

Although it's tough, the rewarding nature of the work has never been matched in any other job I’ve been in."

What's your advice to those going to camp for the first time?

Image Credit: Ryan S.

"Get Involved in everything, say yes, and challenge yourself. 

Speak with people, learn about them and share your experience.

If you do, you’ll have the best summer of your life."

Begin your summer of a lifetime today.