In just 18 days time, our Week 1 campers will be a couple of hours into the best weeks of their summer with us. Things are very busy in the XUK HQ. We are very fortunate to have Ellie, Julie and Reece alongside the full time team to ensure that everything is in place by the 8th July.
We’ve all answered three questions to share our summer excitement and to hopefully provide some valuable advice...
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I couldn’t pinpoint only one thing I’m looking forward to! It will be my 5th Summer this year and every year it gets better and better...
I love meeting the staff team and kids for the first time and getting to know everyone, I LOVE the evening activities (running around as a zombie, dressing up as a minion) and I LOVE getting stuck into a game of rounders – I get quite competitive.
Advice for a first time camper
We have lots of children coming to camp for their first time in the summer, so you are not alone! Camp is an incredibly friendly place where you truly do make friends for life! We are a family and are all about getting stuck into activities, experiencing new things and making wonderful memories that will stay with you forever! Come with an open mind and ready to jump into the activities and you will have the best time.
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
Come prepared, with lots of energy and enthusiasm and ready for a full on summer! You will work incredibly hard, but camp always comes with bundles of rewards – working with a fantastic bunch of children from all over the world and making true friends with the staff team – what more could you want!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to being at our exciting new site at with all the new activities we are running - Raft Building, Bush Craft, Outdoor Cookery...
Advice for first time campers
I’d say, don't be nervous, there is always someone there to make you smile!
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
Definitely, ask as many questions as you want or need, better to ask too many questions than too few!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am really excited about the kids seeing our new venue at XUK Activity and the wonderful facilities.
I am also excited to see so many returning campers and staff. Seeing so many new and old faces makes everything we do seem to worthwhile.
Advice for a first time camper
This is an amazing chance to make new friends and have experiences you will never forget. My advice would change for each child - as each child's personality and experiences vary, I suspect I would have different advice for each of them - but I would encourage them all to have an amazing time and never be afraid to ask for help - if you speak to us, we can help / direct you and make sure you have the best time possible.
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
This should be a fun and unforgettable experience. But at the forefront of your mind should be the health and welfare of the kids. This is a massively responsible position and as long as you never forget this and behave accordingly - putting the children's best interests first, then this is a great experience and I hope you have an amazing and very fun time.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’m really looking forward to visiting all 4 camps over the summer and seeing them all in action for the very first time.
Advice for a first time camper
It is natural to be a little bit apprehensive - embrace camp life. Have a go at everything and have no regrets!
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
Let go of your inhibitions, be you and value your sleep!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to getting away from London and being back in the countryside in beautiful Monmouth. It will be great to see lots of our returning campers and staff members and to meet new ones too!
Advice for a first time camper
We are here to help... if you have a problem or worry talk to your Dorm Leader first they will be able to help you much quicker than your parents at the end of the phone!
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
Ask questions, don’t be afraid to say to a parent “I’m not sure, I’ll find out the answer” if you’re not sure about something, label absolutely everything and remember the summer is a marathon, not a sprint!
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am most looking forward to seeing our new site when its had its XUK Activity makeover and is in full swing.
Advice for a first time camper
For a new camper I think it's important to remember that a lot of others will also be attending for their first time so you are not alone! Everyone will look after you, involve you and make sure you have the best time possible.
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
For a new staff member, camp is what you make it! For some it’s a job to make a bit of cash over the summer, for others it’s a way of life. There are also many stages in-between. Get involved with everything, try new activities, learn a few words of another language and take every opportunity that comes your way during your stay. If you do that you will have an unbelievable summer and make memories that will last a life time.
What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I can’t wait to meet new people, see friendships develop and be part of an amazing team
Advice for a first time camper
Be yourself, be resilient and make the most of every part of every day, your time at camp will fly by!
Advice for a member of staff working their first summer
Throw yourself into the experience. Listen to advice and be a sponge to learning. Its up to you to make the most of it!
And there you have it, our advice for 2018! If you have any questions or want to know more between now and the summer starting, please get in touch... just like we say to our staff ‘there’s no such thing as a stupid question!’
#xuk2018