Exchange Visitor Story: James Anderson
James Anderson was an exchange visitor from United Kingdom on our 2023 Camp Counselor program, working as a counselor at Camp Ramaquois in Pomona, NY. During his program, James created Camp Ramaquois’ first podcast, showcasing staff and camper experiences. We hope James’ story inspires other camp counselor exchange visitors to think about how they can incorporate their passions and skills at camp, dream big about what they can accomplish, and have the courage to take action.
What skills did you develop during your program that will help you in your future career?
During my time at camp, I developed and honed my communication skills, both on an independent level – in my role as presenter and producer of my camp podcast – as well as on an interdependent level, communicating with camp directors, staff, and colleagues on a daily basis. Such experience is invaluable and has furthered my personal and professional development, and has given me the confidence to thrive challenging environments. as an adaptable team member with the skills, strengths and resources to flourish in my future career.
What personal growth did you experience during your cultural exchange program?
As a first-timer at camp, I was a little apprehensive before I embarked upon my placement. However, the camp experience encouraged me to overcome some of the limited beliefs I previously held regarding my own suitability for camp life. The support and feedback I received from my colleagues and peers was phenomenal, and this spurred me on to fully embrace camp life, engaging with people of all ages at camp by conducting interviews about what makes camp such a special place.
What benefits do you think the cultural exchange program provided to the summer camp experience and campers?
I believe that the cultural exchange program presents a wonderful opportunity for cross-cultural engagement and knowledge-exchange. Campers appreciated the contributions of international counsellors immensely, and delighted in the perspectives and enthusiasm that we brought. Similarly, as an international staff member, this opportunity enabled me to gain first-hand knowledge of the American summer camp tradition – and US culture more broadly – and in doing so, enriched my personal outlook and perspective. This mutual cross-cultural experience was a win-win situation for everyone involved, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that it broadened our horizons and brought out the best versions of ourselves.
What advice would you give to a future exchange visitor looking to create a new media platform for their camp?
I’d encourage anyone who has an interest in media to volunteer your interest to work as a part of a media team at camp (which most camps have nowadays), and to communicate and collaborate with camp directors and relevant personnel as to what role you could contribute to. In my case, I drew on my experience in student radio, as well as my position as an international ‘outsider’ to produce a podcast exploring the tradition of American summer camp as an ‘investigative journalist’, but approached the subject in a light-hearted way. Since the concept was brand new to my camp (and was recently conceived by one of the camp directors), perhaps unsurprisingly, I spent some time in the early stages of my camp placement introducing myself to my new peers and camp ‘family’. While some were initially reluctant to be interviewed, I pitched and positioned myself and the podcast in a friendly yet professional way, which helped to break down existing barriers and encouraged people to contribute. And, once word travelled around camp about the podcast (the Ramacast -- available on Soundcloud), I suddenly found a wave of demand was sparked, and I then was faced with the opposite challenge – trying to fit in all of my interviewees into each weekly episode! Overall, it made for a great learning experience and one which testified to the unique benefits of a collaborative, inclusive working ethos.
What were the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into your camp life?
As aforementioned, my status as a camp ‘newbie’ meant that I had a lot to learn about the daily running of camp life in the early stages of my placement. It also took a little bit of time to introduce myself to my fellow peers and the campers themselves – but camp life is fast-paced, and I found myself embraced and welcomed in no time at all! I’d say a willingness to be open to and a good attitude goes along way…and most importantly, retaining a sense of humour throughout (particularly when challenges arise), will always serve you in good stead!
Final thoughts:
My time at American summer camp made for an unforgettable experience, and one which I'd highly recommend to others. Over the duration of my camp journey, I made friends for life, learning about American cultural traditions as well as gaining invaluable life experience along the way. I'll forever cherish memories of camp life: being a in a beautiful location, and working alongside wonderful and enthusiastic people. It was truly a dream come true!