Movies and TV shows have been exposing Aussies to the joy of summer camps for years, revealing images of lakeside cabins, pine-tree forests and camp counsellor romances.
When it comes to the sheer size, diversity and popularity of camps, nothing in Australia even comes close. We're talking over 10,000 camps spread throughout the States and 11 million children heading to camps every year - there is nothing to that scale here in Australia - so many Aussies decide to pack their bags and venture to Summer Camp USA.
The Great Aussie Invasion as it becomes known sees Australians packing their inflatable kangaroos, Aussie flag towels, bikinis and board-shorts, smuggling caramello koalas and minties in and cranking up their Aussie twang... all in the name of proudly educating American kids (and counsellors alike) what it means to come from that big island down the other side of the globe.
The cultural exchange part of working at a camp is one of the highlights for Aussies, who may cop a bit of flak for using language like arvo, thongs and how ya goin' but are often incredibly popular just for being different and sounding like the infamous Crocodile Hunter.
A little big of education will be required: no you can't canoe to New Zealand on the weekend, yes we do speak English as a first language, no we don't ride kangaroos to work, yes we do eat kangaroos, and so on...
As we head into February, IEP is seeing many applicants being placed at camps and applications will be closing soon. As a little bit of an incentive to get people over the line and onto the program, we're looking at helping you get your Aussie Invasion Kit started with a couple of pieces of Australian memorabilia. The word isn't out yet on what these treats will be for 2010 but they will be guaranteed to make you stand out as an Aussie at camp and help you decorate your bunk and provide you with Australian themed possessions that will no doubt come in handy during some dress up event at camp.
Bring on Aussie Invasion of Summer Camp USA 2010.
PS If you've ever been to camp and taken something especially Aussie...post a comment and inspire the newbies who are packing their first Aussie Invasion Kits.
My bunk was pretty much one big pile of Australiana! I had a big flag, the pillowcase, clip-on koalas, some photos of the town I live in, plus Aussie tshirts, headbands, wrist bands and some other bits and pieces to wear and swap with other counselors. I took over and also had posted to me Tim Tams, Caramello Koalas, Cadburys and Vegemite! Can't wait for camp 2010 so I can Aussie-fy myself once again!!
Posted by: Kate | 01 February 2010 at 06:07 PM