Diplomacy and Exchange: BridgeUSA Participants Bring Magic to American Summer Camps
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As summer comes to an end, countless children across the U.S. are heading back to school with fond memories of their time at camp. For many, it's a big part of growing up in the U.S. However, not many know that the BridgeUSA Camp Counselor Program plays a crucial role in creating these special memories.
What Is the BridgeUSA Camp Counselor Program?
Every year, this unique program, run by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, brings college students from around the world to the U.S. to develop new skills, share their culture and language, exemplify soft diplomacy, and make lifelong friends along the way as camp counselors.
How BridgeUSA Enriches Camps
Carly Vargas, Camp Director at Kamp Kohut in Oxford, Maine, and a Board Member of the American Camp Association of New England, said it best: “We’re always trying to improve camping, and we couldn’t do that in our own bubble without bringing in the rest of the world.” The program allows camps to offer culturally unique activities like Italian aerial silk dancing, Colombian cooking, and outdoor education from South Africa—thanks to the international counselors who bring their passions to camp.
Kamp Kohut's Commitment to Diversity
Kamp Kohut was one of the first camps to host BridgeUSA participants. Carly’s family has owned the camp for over 30 years, and she's especially proud of the diversity they’ve brought in recent years. By working with CIEE, they’ve hosted counselors from countries that were previously underrepresented.
Carly believes this diversity is key to giving campers a well-rounded and unforgettable experience. She puts it simply: “Exchange participants are the secret ingredient of the camp.”
A Life-Changing Experience for Counselors
It’s not just the campers who benefit. Thousands of Camp Counselor participants get to experience the magic of American camps through this mutual cultural exchange.
For example, Gabryela Martins Ghirotti, a 21-year-old from São Paulo, Brazil, has been working at Camp Pondicherry in Bridgton, Maine. Known as Bibi around camp, she’s used her surfing skills to teach paddleboarding and kayaking. The experience has helped her improve her English and leadership skills. Bibi has even discovered a passion for outdoor recreation and hopes to pursue a career in that field.
Returning for Another Season
Many counselors enjoy the experience so much that they come back for another season. Oluwatosin Shaba, known as Spicy, is one such counselor. Originally from Nigeria and now living in South Africa, Spicy is in her second season at Camp Pondicherry.
She’s a versatile counselor, leading activities from hatchet throwing to yoga. Spicy is confident that her BridgeUSA experience has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
Impact on Local Communities
The BridgeUSA Camp Counselor Program also has a positive impact on local communities. For example, this season, Kamp Kohut counselors visited local businesses such as the Oxford Speedway, an equestrian center, and enjoyed meals from local food trucks. These interactions offer counselors a taste of American life while introducing local communities to new cultures, languages, and traditions.
Looking Ahead
Now that the campers and international participants have returned home, Carly and the wider camp community will be starting to plan for next year. They’re eager to welcome the next group of BridgeUSA Camp Counselors, who will continue to bring the magic of diplomacy and cultural exchange to summer camps across the country.
Learn more about Camp Exchange USA