Located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush woods and pine trees, was my office for the summer the tennis courts. The clear blue sky, the warmth of the sun on your back, the trees rustling in the wind creating a light breeze made it very easy to forget that you are actually here to do a job. In any other situation at home, I would be daunted by the idea of trying to control and teach a group of thirteen hyped up teenage boys but at camp, this was a fun, rewarding and a somewhat challenging experience.
At my camp there were five other tennis counsellors which made the classes easier to handle as I would normally be working with at least one other tennis counsellor, if not two. We would start each lesson with a fun and different warm-up exercise every day and then divide the kids up into groups depending on their ability. Normally, then wed go through some drills to practice a specific skill for that day. During the week-long staff orientation before the campers arrived, we made our own lesson plans, just to help us give a general idea on what we were going to teach to what ability so you were never stuck on what to do. Although, you do just tend to get caught up in the excitement and the overwhelming enthusiasm of the campers that you really just end up using your lesson plans as a guide and reference. I couldnt believe how fast the lessons went (my camp was 50 minutes each lesson but this may vary) so was always surprised when the bell went for the end of the lesson. As long as the campers have had enough time to play a game before the end, then theyll be happy- Fruit Salad and King of the Court seemed to be the favourites!
I was so pleased to hear that I was going to camp as a Tennis Counsellor and doing something that I loved in America and getting paid for it! Of course, no one goes to camp to earn the money but it is just nice to have to spend on your travels after camp. Besides, the joy and fulfilment on a campers face when theyve finally managed to master the complicated serve action is priceless. Although I was there to teach tennis, you are teaching kids who are away from home and quite rightly bring their troubles with them. One of the most rewarding experiences for me was managing to simply just have a rally with a boy who had five minutes previously been crying in the corner of the tennis court because he was upset and homesick. This is when I realised that youre not only there as a teacher but also as a best friend, sister and a mother- theres nothing more rewarding than that.
I started playing tennis from a young age and since then have played at my local tennis club in friendly tournaments and for my University team. So if you were like me and are sitting on the fence about applying for Summer Camp USA, I would just go for it. No tennis qualifications are needed, just a passion and knowledge to teach another person your skills- trust me, you wont realise what you can do and are capable of until youve experienced Summer Camp. Like I was told in the orientation before I left to America- Its the hardest job, you will ever love. This is certainly true and an experience youll remember for the rest of your life.
To start your own all-American summer on Summer Camp USA, check out the list of in-demand ‘Hot Activities’ and other activities you could teach. EARLY APPLICATION IS ESSENTIAL and raises your chances of being placed.