EP.6: Special Needs Camps (Stanley and Smudge.)

In this episode, Hollie talks about getting ready for the Camp America adventure. From what to pack to flying over, she dives into everything you need to know before heading off to camp. Hollie shares her personal experience, tips for staying organised (or not), and what she wishes she knew before arriving in the USA.Whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or a bit of both, this episode is packed with helpful advice to make sure you feel confident and prepared for the summer ahead. From travel prep to mindset, it’s all about setting yourself up for an unforgettable Camp America experience.

In this episode, Corey talks about the friendships that make the Camp America experience so unforgettable. From the moment you arrive to the bonds that last long after summer ends, Corey shares what it’s really like to build connections with people from all over the world within the unique camp environment that turns strangers into lifelong friends. This episode is all about connection, community, and the relationships that define the Camp America journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Taylah to explore what it’s really like working at a special needs summer camp through Camp America. She shares an honest look at the day-to-day role, the challenges, and the incredibly rewarding moments that come with supporting campers with a range of needs.From building meaningful connections to stepping outside her comfort zone, Taylah reflects on the skills she developed and what she learned along the way. This episode is all about compassion, resilience, and what to expect from a truly life-changing experience.

In this episode, Jack breaks down the Camp America application process - what it’s really like, what to expect, and how to give yourself the best chance of getting placed. It's essentially an instructional podcastFrom nailing the interview, navigating paperwork, timelines, and the all-important embassy visit, Jack shares his firsthand experience of applying and what he wishes he knew before starting. It’s all about taking that first step, staying patient, and trusting the process - even when it feels like a lot.

In this episode, Zoe and George are joined by Chloe to discuss what it actually means to be a ‘returner’ at Camp America — someone who just can’t stay away from camp life. This episode starts off quite structured and grown-up...From the pull that brings you back summer after summer, to the deeper friendships, bigger responsibilities, and evolving perspective that comes with each return, Chloe shares how camp becomes more than just a one-time experience. It’s about familiarity, growth, and the unique feeling of stepping back into a place that somehow feels like home — even thousands of miles away. Also there's a moment involving a pickle that fully shuts everything down for around two minutes.

In Episode Three, Zoe and George discuss the dizzying concept of the 'camp bubble' with Sean, semi-permanent resident of the camp bubble - what it’s actually like to be completely unplugged, outside with the real world, and fully locked into camp life.From the intensity of cabin friendships, the non stop traditions and unexpected encounters with local snapping turtles, Sean gets into how camp becomes its own little universe. It’s a conversation about disconnecting from technology and your normal life - losing track of time, and how being in that bubble makes everything feel bigger, funnier, and more memorable.

Emily talks (mostly) about her experience at a Camp America Job Fair - the experience of going in with no knowledge whatsoever and throwing herself from Watford to the states. Zoe, George and Emily also get into their own experiences of the job fair - the emotion, the strangeness and why you shouldn't say you're an expert at flying trapeeze and pottery if you're explicitly not.

In Episode One, Zoe and George drag camp alumni Colm away from his work, to share what it was really like to spend a summer working with Camp America. From the nerves of arriving in the U.S. for the first time to the madness of camp traditions, Colm opens up about the friendships, challenges, culture shocks, and unexpected moments that made his experience unforgettable, emotional, incredible and borderline insane (in the best way). 

Phebs and Matt are joined by Stacey, Camp America's Mental Health Counselor. Tune in to hear our tips and laughs of how to enjoy camp to the fullest! 

Phebs and Matt are back with special guest appearence Alex! They have only two camp themes to choose from, they can't have both.APPLY TODAY: https://www.campamerica.co.uk/youtube(video description)...Welcome to Camp America!🔵 Web: https://www.campamerica.co.uk/youtube🔴 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/campamerica69/🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campamerica69🔴 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@campamerica?lang=en