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Why You Should Go And Work Abroad at Summer Camp in Your Twenties
More Than Just a Job, It's A Life-Changing Adventure
Working at a summer camp abroad in your twenties isn't just another job it's a transformative experience that comes at exactly the right time. When else can you step entirely away from the career ladder, immerse yourself in a new culture, and make friends from across the globe?
These experiences reshape how you see the world and yourself. The skills you'll develop adaptability, cultural awareness, and problem-solving are precisely what employers value, but that's almost beside the point. The stories you'll tell, the people you'll meet, and the version of yourself you'll discover matter far more than another line on your CV. When you're older, you'll find that your summer camp experience will become one of your most treasured memories.
Whether you've got a summer free or you're ready to pack up and go for longer, there's a route for you. Our first-time Camp Counsellor program is perfect if you want to spend the summer working at camp. But if you already know one summer won't be enough, our Work & Travel Program lets you apply to live and work in Canada for up to two years on an IEC, so you can plan the whole adventure before you even get on the plane.
Make a Real Difference
Working with kids might seem challenging, but it’s truly an incredibly rewarding experience! As a camp counsellor or activity specialist, you have the opportunity to be a positive role model, creating fun and unforgettable moments in their lives. Many campers cherish their summer camp adventures as they are some of the most impactful memories of their childhood, and you can play a special part in that journey.
The impact you have might seem small in the moment like teaching a child to swim, helping them overcome homesickness, or simply being there to listen but these interactions can shape their confidence and outlook for years to come. The chance to truly make a difference in a child's life makes this experience incredibly meaningful and fulfilling.
And if working directly with kids isn't your thing, that doesn't mean you can't make just as big an impact. As support staff, you're the reason camp runs at all. From keeping the kitchen going to maintaining the grounds, you're the ones who make camp feel like home for everyone there.
Gain Confidence and Independence
Living and working in a new country, often far from your usual support system, can foster greater self-reliance. You will navigate unfamiliar environments, encounter unexpected challenges, and discover just how resourceful you can be.
From figuring out local transportation to adapting to different cultural norms, each challenge you overcome builds your confidence. This newfound self-assurance doesn't simply fade away when summer ends; it becomes an integral part of who you are, influencing how you approach opportunities and obstacles for years to come.
Where will you spend your summer?
Build a Global Network and Lifelong Friendships
Summer camp attract's staff from around the world. Working alongside people from diverse backgrounds creates bonds forged through shared experiences, late-night conversations, and overcoming challenges together. These connections do more than create memories; you'll also build a global network that can lead to future opportunities. If you need a place to stay while backpacking in Australia, your camp friend in Sydney can help. If you want advice on working in Barcelona, your Spanish co-counsellor can assist you. Imagine visiting friends in every part of the world!
Discover Hidden Talents and Passions
Summer camp gives you the chance to try new things. Maybe you'll discover an unexpected talent for teaching rock climbing, a passion for the outdoors, or a real knack for working with kids. And even if you're there as support staff, on your days off you might just find yourself trying something you never expected to love. The varied roles at camp give you the space to find out what you're actually good at in a way that a regular job never would.
The Perfect Pause Button
Your twenties often come with a lot of pressure to move up the career ladder, secure promotions, build an impressive CV, and start investing in property. Working at a summer camp provides a refreshing break from all that. It's a chance to take a step back, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.
In a world increasingly dominated by digital connections, camp life returns you to simpler pleasures like conversations around campfires, swimming in lakes, singing songs under the stars and a break from technology. This reset can clarify what you really want from life, beyond what society expects of you. And let's not forget, you're doing all of this in Canada. The travel is part of the experience, and that in itself is something worth pressing pause for.
The window for this experience doesn't stay open forever. As careers progress and responsibilities grow, stepping back can become more challenging. Your twenties provide a mix of freedom and capability. Whether you spend a summer at camp or two years in Canada on our Work & Travel Program, you'll come back with fresh perspectives, new skills, and memories to last a lifetime. Remember, you only get ten summers in your twenties, make them count!
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