Camp Adventure

Camp Adventure USA is a program run by the University of Northern Iowa that sends American college students to American military bases, embassies, and British Military installations throughout the world. These students run day camps, swim lessons, as well as overnight and sports camps for the children of military personnel, ranging from age 0-18. Counselors also act as lifeguards for the children of military personnel stationed on bases.

Camp Adventure was founded at the University of Oregon in 1985. At its inception, the program sent 12 students to three sites in Korea. In 1997, it sent approximately 600 students to 118 program sites in 16 countries, including United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Okinawa, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, and the United States. In 2011, it sent approximately 1,300 students to 20 countries. Today, for the summer of 2016, over 400 students are working through Camp Adventure in over 120 placement locations in 17+ countries. These locations vary greatly in living accommodations, number of campers, camp styles, etc.

The camp counselors are trained in games, songs, skits and first aid, lifeguarding, mandatory reporting, CPR, AED, and blood borne pathogens, as well as how to deal with the problems that many military children have due to the isolation, frequent moves, and dangerous profession of their parents. Aquatics staff is also trained in Water Safety Instruction as well as other extensive aquatic skills. There are other specialties, such as Sports Camp, Teen Center (ages 13-18), and CDC (Child Development Center for ages 0-5). Child Development staff positions are sometimes open in the fall and spring semesters as well as during winter and summer breaks in many locations.

The counselors train for several months during the spring semester at the University of Northern Iowa and other Universities across the nation, including California State University, Chico, Florida A & M University, Iowa State University, University of Iowa, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, San Diego State University, University of Toledo, and Washington State University. They are then sent to the destination for the summer. Students are responsible for their own passport and visas, but the program provides transportation, room/board, and a living stipend. An extensive background check is performed on all counselor applicants.

Although the program is based at the University of Northern Iowa, Camp Adventure Youth Services students come from over 80 colleges and universities participate in this service-learning program that allows them to gain skills and experience related to youth services and program management.

Counselors may receive 12 hours of college credit for participating in the program.

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