I loved being able to travel and work with kids from across the world--so much so that I decided to change my major to Elementary Education. Some of my colleagues became my closest friends and it was one of the best summers of my life.
What I wish was different
Since some trainings take place at the headquarters at the University of Northern Iowa, I wish that more trainings would be at Iowa. However, most of them are and when we travel up to UNI I get to see my friends from UNI and Iowa State University.
Advice
Being positive and keeping an open mind are both so important -- especially working with military youth for 40+ hours a week. They go through a lot and making sure that you are keeping the kids in mind always will help them in ways you may never fully realize.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Day Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Vicenza, Province of Vicenza
What I liked
Traveling abroad
Working with military children
Living on a military base and getting close with college students from all over the US
Can work with age (0-18)
What I wish was different
Nothing, it was an incredible experience
Advice
Join Camp Adventure for the right reason-To work with children. You will have opportunities to travel but you will be working with children most of the time
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Child care
May - August 2019 • Pearl Harbor, HI
What I liked
Loved the people I worked with and the beauty of the island
What I wish was different
Advice
Be prepared to spend money on groceries and experiences. Prices are higher than in the continental 48
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Day Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture
What I liked
Everything! I love the travel experience, the culture experience, the military experience, the children and staff that I worked with. I got to meet students from other states and work with them in providing a fun,safe, educational summer camp for American and local Japanese kids at U.S Embassy.
What I wish was different
Nothing.
Advice
Definitely not for everyone. Must be flexible and adapt to a new environment and deal with ambiguity. Must be in this program/job for the right and only reason which is because you have a passion and genuinely enjoy working with children and families. Placements are not always over seas but also in the states so do not expect to go to another country. But that shouldn't matter because you're in this program to support military children and will make the most wherever you are!
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Day Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Rota, Cádiz Province
What I liked
Getting to be in Spain for the summer was beautiful, and I got to learn a lot about myself because of the independence that I had.
What I wish was different
I wish I had developed better lasting relationships with the group that I was working with.
Advice
Have an open mind, and definitely put your all into the experience—energy won't help you when you get back home!
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Camp Counselor
June - August 2019 • Vicenza, Province of Vicenza
What I liked
This experience was amazing and fulfilling. I loved working with the children and having the weekends to travel around Italy and nearby European countries.
What I wish was different
I wish I had a different Camp Director, but besides that, I wouldn't wish for anything else to be different.
Advice
My one piece of advice for this experience would be to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Camp Adventure Youth Counselor
May - August 2018 • Baumholder, Rhineland-Palatinate
What I liked
I felt honor to be making a difference in the lives of military families and the chance to explore the world for the first time.
What I wish was different
I wish that I would of had more of an opportunity to learn more about the history of my base while I was there.
Advice
The bigger the steps you take the bigger the reward that will come. I flew outside of North America for the first time alone to have a job in Europe and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
swim instructor
June - August 2018 • Yokosuka Shi, Kanagawa Prefecture
What I liked
Work8ng with the kids
What I wish was different
Nothing, everything was amazing
Advice
Stay positive
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Child Care
May - August 2018 • Manama, Manama
What I liked
I loved the center staff that I worked with. They were helpful and easy to get along with during my experience.
What I wish was different
I wish it would not have been as hot. The temperature was usually around 115 degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes over 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Advice
Be patient with everyone. There is an adjustment period, but once you are adjusted, it is the experience of a lifetime.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Camp Counselor
June - August 2018 • Rota, Cádiz Province
What I liked
Working with kids and getting to travel on the weekends.
What I wish was different
More down time.
Advice
Apply early and get into the program as soon as you!
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Camp Counselor
June - August 2018 • Ansbach, Bavaria
What I liked
I loved working with the children and I loved my coworkers. The vibe and overall environment were great to be a part of. Also, I loved being able to travel all over Europe on the weekends.
What I wish was different
I wish we had different work clothes. I got really bad tans from wearing tall white socks and khaki shorts. Plus, the shorts were uncomfortable. Other than that, my experience was great and everything was good enough for me.
Advice
My advice would be that you use your time wisely and budget yourself well if you want to travel every weekend.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Childcare provider
May - August 2018 • Pearl Harbor, HI
What I liked
The opportunity to work alongside United States Navy members and their families.
What I wish was different
Advice
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Camp Counselor
June - August 2018 • Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
What I liked
Working with military children in another country
What I wish was different
Longer internship!
Advice
Put in hard work and you will get more out of it. I could get a full time job in the military now if I wanted too