The American Institute for Foreign Study (Australia) Pty Ltd opened its Australian office in 1999 and began offering its Camp America and Au Pair in America programs to young Australians. In 2005, AIFS commenced offering inbound programs and currently facilitates cultural exchange programs for more than 2,000 young people.
Why did you decide to do Camp America?
In 2018, I was finishing university and decided to take a “gap year” before jumping into the real world. After spending a semester abroad in 2017, I caught the travel bug and wanted to keep exploring.
While figuring out my next step, I remembered that some family members had worked at summer camps before. It sounded like the perfect way to experience the USA, meet new people, and have an adventure. Plus, I’d grown up watching a lot of American shows and movies, so I was excited to experience an American summer for myself! I decided to apply through Camp America, and the rest is history!
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What did camp teach you?
I first arrived at camp in 2019 as a counsellor. After taking two years off, I decided to return in 2022, and I’ve now just finished my fourth year at Blue Star Camps in North Carolina.
Camp has taught me so much over the years, but most importantly, I’ve learned a lot about myself. Stepping into a new culture at a young age and being responsible for 15 kids was a challenge—but one that helped me grow. I learned how to care for others (and myself), discovered what it takes to be a good role model, gained confidence, and developed a whole lot of patience.
I’ve also learned so much from the campers. Being around them reminds me not to take life too seriously and to embrace the joy of being present. Watching kids be kids inspires me to do the same. They’ve also taught me resilience—some of their stories amaze me, and their intelligence and sense of fun are always inspiring.
Since my first year as a counsellor, I’ve worked my way up to becoming a Camp Leader, overseeing three age groups and their staff. Along the way, I’ve gained skills that I use in my everyday life, including:
Favourite place to travel to in the US and why?
It’s so hard to choose because I’ve been lucky enough to explore so much of the USA, from the West Coast to the East Coast. Here are some of my top picks:
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Favourite memory from camp?
There are so many to choose from, but one of my top memories has to be mealtimes in the dining hall. Singing and dancing with my campers and friends is pure magic. Some of my favourite moments are during shelter-in-place times when we crank up the music, dance on tables (safely, of course), and just enjoy being together.
Why would you recommend Camp America?
Camp America is one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. It’s a chance to try something completely new, create unforgettable memories, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
You also get to travel, work in a team, and make a meaningful impact with your campers. It’s not just fun—it’s fulfilling. There’s nothing else quite like it.
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