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Camp Adventure
Camp Adventure is known worldwide as a program that provides day camps for children of families living on U.S. military bases all over the world. It employs college students and graduates to run these camps during the summer.
The program originated at the University of Northern Iowa, but has now expanded to include seven other universities, such as San Diego State University, University of Oregon, Florida A&M and Chico State University. Students do not have to attend one of these schools, but they are required to participate in a training program that takes place during the spring semester before they are to depart.
The training sessions serve many purposes, such as preparing students for the criteria the job requires and meeting other participants.
There are quite a few benefits to this program. Airfare, housing and one meal a day are provided. Participants are also given a living stipend of $22 a day for every day they are gone. This is adequate to live on, but spending money is recommended if shopping, traveling and partying are activities you want to take part in.
Placement works by submitting your choices for locations ranked from first to last. You are not guaranteed to get your first choice, but usually you will at least get your second.
The options of where to go are numerous. They include countries in Europe such as Italy, Spain, Germany, England and Belgium. There are also many different areas of Japan, China and Korea available. Recently, Camp Adventure began expanding to places in South America. Staying in the United States is also a choice, but most want to experience living in another country.
The work days vary in length from six hours to nine hours during the week with weekends off. On weekends you are free to travel and explore the country. That is what makes this program so appealing, especially in Europe. Many people who go to Europe end up visiting eight or nine other countries while they are there.
Courtney Lang is the head coordinator for the Chico State division of Camp Adventure. She got hooked after her first summer four years ago.
"I have gotten to spend my summers in Hawaii, Okinawa twice and most recently, Germany," Lang said. "Not only has Camp Adventure given me the chance to see so many different cultures and places, I have also gained valuable experience out in the field that will really help with my career choice of working with children."
Lang said she didn't expect this to turn into a full-time job while she is finishing up her master's degree here at Chico State, but it has been a great benefit.
Of course, like everything in this world, Camp Adventure is not completely free. There are fees required that cover things such as the uniform, course materials and liability insurance. Also, because this job requires working closely with children day in and day out, it helps to like them. If not, it is going to be one long summer.
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