Aidan's Camp Canada Journey
Picture this:
A young, green, 23 year old Aidan Hodgson. Fresh out of University with a heart full of dreams and a wallet practically void of money. This young man was at a crossroads. Having applied for a few jobs of which he held little to no passion for.
It wasn’t until December of 2014 that things began to turn.
It was a cold winters night in northern England. The make-shift plastic ice rink that the council had rented for the season was understandably quiet apart from the man held responsible for protecting it. Me. Sat in the back office with my space heater and loneliness, I began to search the internet for jobs or anything to distract me and excite me. Then, my fingers hit the keyboard of my laptop and punched in the three little words that would change my life forever.
"summer jobs abroad".
Suddenly, a brand world was unfolding in front of my eyes. I could see waterskiers gliding across glass-like lakes. I could see the crispest of shots being hit on a sunlit basketball court. I could see the smiles on faces reaching from ear to ear. But most importantly, I could see adventure. I had no idea where this adventure would take me but finally my life had a beacon of light. Of hope. Camp Canada. As Bilbo Baggins once said:
"I’m going on an adventure!"
and boy did I go on an adventure, and the best part is, you could too.
I had to apply and the quick response showed me that I was making the right decision. Having been accepted onto the program itself, everything just started moving quickly and forward. I felt supported the whole way. I was told within a week or so that there was a camp lined up for me and it was up to me to talk to them to see how I feel. Looking back, the whole process seems like a bit of a dream but I’ll be eternally thankful for being placed with my camp. Without that, I’d of had a different, less exciting 4 years.
Within weeks and was accepted and was instantly put at ease regarding any paperwork or visa issues. Everything was being taken care of for me. I had a detailed itinerary and all I had to do was book my flights. Even accommodation was taken care of. When you arrive in Canada, Camp Canada pay for your first night making the transition even easier.
So, there I was, in Canada, ready for camp.
If someone had told me in great detail what I was to expect for my first summer, I would of brandished that person a liar. As you will find, trying to put camp into words, especially your first year is an almost impossible task. Stepping off the bus on my first day was a daunting task but taking those steps physically and metaphorically was huge for me.
So after pre-camp which is just training and getting you prepped for the summer ahead, kids arrived. I was scared, nervous, excited and I felt like I wasn’t ready. My job was to look after 12 7-8 year old boys and I couldn’t have asked for a better job. Every day was as exciting and as fun-filled as the last and it wasn’t until a few days in, I started to realise the magic of the place. You form such intense and strong bonds with everybody around you from kids to staff. You’re living, eating and existing with these people 24/7. You learn about their qualities and flaws but also about your own. The cliche is that at camp, you’re the best version of yourself and I can testify to that.
You wake up with the rising of the sun and wind down with the setting of it knowing full well you get to do it all again tomorrow. There is something for everyone at camp. Are you creative? This is the perfect platform. Do you enjoy making people smile? There are countless opportunities to spread joy. Do you enjoy making a difference? Then camp is for you and who knows, someone might even make a difference in your life.
I remember the best advice I received at camp was give it a week and everything will change. In the beginning I was overwhelmed, worried and a little scared. Once the magic of camp hits you, all of that disappears and is replaced by excitement, warmth and happiness. If you’re thinking about going to camp, I’d say it is the most exciting thought you could ever have. A whole new world awaits you if you just take that leap.
Trust me. Trust yourself. Leap.
