Camp Canadensis

Camp Counselor

June 2023 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

The energy at the camp is resounding. The staff at camp is incredible and supportive. You'll meet people from literally all over the world. All the activities like MTV Night and Color War make me miss the days I used to go to summer camp.

What I wish was different

None

Advice

My best piece of advice is to utilize the resources around you. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. Get to know the staff and your co-counselors. Utilize sleep and your time off to recharge.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

Not much at all.

What I wish was different

Staff members are treated terribly, barely paid, and subjected to 24-hour a day work with only a 40 minute break once a day. We were misled into believing that the facilities were cleaner and more well-maintained than they truly are, and in the time that I worked there multiple people were seriously injured or became very ill and the camp doctor’s only goal was to ensure that as few people as possible left camp for medical help. We were told that under no circumstances were we EVER allowed to call 911 or emergency services for “legal reasons” and bears frequently had to be chased out of camp because food was dumped in piles outside of the dining hall. Campers pay $12,000 to come to camp for 7 weeks, and staff is provided with sub-par food and housing and barely enough money to cover the flight home for the many international employees tricked into taking a job here.

Advice

Do not ever work for this camp.

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General Conselor

June 2022 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

Camp Canadensis There is so much I could say about this place. This place brought so much joy into my life. Coming to camp as a first-timer, you don't even know what to expect. Applying for something new is scary. However, trying something new out of your comfort zone helps you expand your horizons and has many more possibilities. People here at camp are so supportive and there for you if you ever need help with anything . People at camp become your family.

What I wish was different

none

Advice

One pierce advice is listen to them when it comes to 12:30 curfew. it is truly important to get enough sleep. There plenty of time to hang out with your friends especially on your day off . Also don't hesitate asking any of the returners any question they love helping the newcomers. They made me feel loved and appreciated and that truly meant so much to me.

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General Bunk Counselor

June - August 2022 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

Working at Canadensis became so much more to me than just completing an internship. As a first-time counselor, my experience at Canadensis was nothing but positive. You will absolutely fall in love with the camp, campers, your co-counselors, and your head staff. This experience allowed me to apply and learn so many different life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership. Not only was this just a learning experience, but it truly felt like the most amazing 8-weeks of my life! I never went to camp growing up, so being able to participate in events like morning line up, MTV night, and Color War excited me just as much as my campers! There is so much high energy through camp that no matter what you are doing, you feel at home!

What I wish was different

I do not think I would change anything at camp, the directors, head staff, and group leaders are there to help you, so do not be hesitant to ask for help when needed! Counselors have just waited 10 months to see their best friends and are catching up, it is amazing to be a part of an environment like that

Advice

Try everything! I got to participate in activities that were new experiences for me, such as archery, mountain biking, t-shirt design and so much more with my campers. The campers that you are living with truly look up to you, no matter their division! When they see you excited to go to a certain sport or activity, this will encourage them to participate along side you! My co-counselors and I always made sure to jump right in first to the Blue Pool in order to encourage our campers for swim instruction! This is a very fast-moving, high-energy work environment. Make sure to get your sleep. Your campers will need your full attention throughout each day, so make sure that even on your nights off you give yourself enough time to sleep. This might include arriving back to your bunk well before curfew. While camp is 7 weeks long, it goes by in the blink of an eye, so make sure you savor every moment! Waiting 10 for 2 is a difficult thing to do.

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General Bunk Counselor

June - August 2022 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

I loved the entire experience! Working at Camp Canadensis was eye-opening and extremely fulfilling. You will truly fall in love with the location, the children, your co-workers, your supervisors, and just camp in general. You make long lasting connections with the people there and truly become a part of a family. I am already counting down the days until I can go back!

What I wish was different

I wish I could've been there longer!

Advice

I would say prepare yourself for the amount of work. No one said it would be easy but it's absolutely worth it. When they say don't make every night a right before curfew night, LISTEN. You'll need your rest but I would also say come prepared to have a life changing time! It's going to be amazing!

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2021 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

Opportunities to learn time management and grow in maturity. Able to communicate with fellow counselors and lower leadership.

What I wish was different

Management/leadership issues.

Advice

I really began to understand what helps me get going, and I truly think I was able to find some of the best people I have ever met.

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general counselor

June - August 2019 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

I loved my complete experience at camp!

What I wish was different

i would have liked a little better top to bottom communication

Advice

Be ready for unexpected issues to occur, and have patience

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Group Leader

June 2017 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

Camp Canadensis is an extremely unique experience where staff members are encouraged to have fun, I mean it really does not get any better than that. I have been attending Camp Canadensis, first as a camper and now as a staff member, for 12 summers and what I have gained from those experiences has truly shaped me into the person I am today. You instantly gain a family of friends from all around the world in a community unlike any other, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Canadensis family.

What I wish was different

Advice

Do not take a moment of your time at Camp Canadensis for granted, because while seven weeks sounds like a long time, it feels like no time at all. There's not a day where I don't wish I was back at Canadensis, spending day in and day out with my best friends. Joining the Canadensis family is a once in a lifetime opportunity as Canadensis truly is a once in a lifetime kinda place.

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General counselor

June - August 2019 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

Camp is the most amazing 7 weeks I’ve ever experiences. I loved working in an environment where I was also encouraged to push myself to grow with the campers.

What I wish was different

I wouldn’t change anything about camp. The directors and all leadership staff is always working to fix anything that isn’t as good as it can be. There’s always someone around to help with problems and you are never really doing anything alone.

Advice

Try everything at camp even if you think you won’t like it. This is the only job I’ve ever had where I get to do everything the kids are doing without question. You’re playing games and doing all the activities throughout the day and a lot of them are things you’ll probably never get to do again. You’ll be surprised what talents and favorite activities you leave with.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

I loved the environment and staff.

What I wish was different

I wouldn’t change anything

Advice

Be prepared to work hard for 8 weeks

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

The staff, the support given to staff

What I wish was different

I wish it had been longer!

Advice

Be yourself! You open up so much at this job and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people and connect to the campers

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General Counselor; Group leader

June 2018 • Canadensis, PA

What I liked

The atmosphere is electric! Every morning begins with an all-camp dance party and the spirit shows through in the way the campers and staff care for each other and the camp itself. You meet people from all over the world, and chances are you'll make your best friends within a day or two of staff training. The campus itself is undeniably beautiful and the sunsets over the lake are one in a million.

What I wish was different

I actually wouldn't change anything about my experience at Canadensis. Camp is constantly changing and working to fix any bugs/issues that arise, and they often ask staff this same question for that reason. Any complaints I may have had before have been addressed and changed.

Advice

This is the hardest job you will ever love. If you put the work in, you will reap the rewards! While most Canadensis campers are well-off and may prove difficult sometimes, working with children of ANY demographic presents its challenges. Being a counselor isn't about you, it's about the campers. Putting them first, especially when you're used to only putting yourself first, can be a challenge for many. Even though they're children, the campers can tell if you're being genuine. If you are able to put your wants aside to fulfill the needs of your campers and build genuine relationships with them, you are guaranteed to create unbreakable bonds and have an amazing summer.

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