Graduate Profile: Behavioural Science (Psychology)

Name: Tara Richards
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)
Position Gained: Camp Counsellor - USA
Organisation: International Exchange Programs: Tripp Lake Camp
Commencement Date: July 2005

Could you give us a description of what the Summer Camp in the USA involved?

The camp I worked at was called Tripp Lake Camp which is in Poland, Maine-in the most north east corner of the States. The camp was so beautiful, it is set on a lake and surrounded by forest-its very isolated. Tripp Lake is an all girls camp with girls from seven to 16 years of age. In 2005 we had 350 girls, 150 counsellors plus kitchen staff so it is a very big camp. The Girls stay for seven weeks and do different activities during the days. I was a water skiing counsellor which was fantastic fun. In the ski department we drove the boats as well as teaching the girls and keeping all the equipment in order. As well as this I was a bunk counsellor where you are assigned a bunk of girls and you live and sleep with them for the whole seven weeks. This gives you a great chance to get to know the girls very well and develop great relationships. The camp payed for me to do a Red Cross Lifesaving course before camp started so I'm now a fully qualified Lifesaver. Camp also teaches you to be patient and deal with people from all over, not just the USA but also from all over the world!

What did you enjoy the most?

The people! I made so many fantastic friends, counsellors and campers alike who I know I'll stay friends with for a very long time! Another aspect I loved was being able to be a big kid again. Counsellors get involved in all the activities and need to have a bit of a kid in them, so its great to be able to let that out and be silly when it s needed!

What advice would you give to students who might be considering this option?

If you are looking to travel, summer camp is an excellent way to start your holiday. While it's a lot of hard work it is very rewarding and you make plenty of great contacts. Starting at summer camp first gave me a bit of travelling money, people to travel with as well as people to stay with all over the world! Be open to meeting and talking to all different people you wouldn't normally. Keep an open mind-you never know what you're going to have to do at camp! I would also suggest doing it on your own-it takes you way out of your comfort zone and that way you are forced to talk to people and make new friends you wouldn't have if you have a friend with you!

What was the application process like?

When looking to do a summer camp in the US I did some asking around and found out that the IEP (International Exchange Programs) summer camp program was the most highly recommended and so I applied through them. I sent in a written application with three references and put down my preferences for what activities I would like to work in and my experience in those. Once I was accepted into the program I had an interview with one of the IEP staff and my application was then sent to BUNAC (the USA parent company). A couple of months later I received a phone call from Tripp Lake Camp and was offered a place there after a short informal interview. My contract and info pack was sent out, I signed it and sent it back and everything was official!

Do you have any further helpful hints?

A summer camp counsellor needs to be easy going, patient, outgoing, enthusiastic, willing to give anything a go and a big kid at heart who doesn't mind making a fool of themselves in the name of fun! Be prepared for BIG bugs, very strange animals (watch out for skunks) and American children (they are very different to Aussie ones). Make the most of every second of it because it goes so fast and if you're like me will miss it more than you would imagine!