Your Guide to Making a Camp Canada Showcase
So you’ve started the Camp Canada application process and you want to make your application stand out from the crowd. Whilst it’s not mandatory, we always recommend making a showcase! Feeling intimidated? We get it. The idea of creating a showcase can be daunting. But we’ve put together this guide to help you unleash your creativity and show you how to craft a showcase that will get you noticed by camp directors.
Why Should I Create a Showcase?
Think of it as a personal spotlight. A showcase lets you bring your application to life, showcasing your unique personality, and skills to camp directors. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate why you’d be a great addition to their summer camp. It's your chance to show, not just tell, what makes you a perfect fit for an unforgettable summer experience working at a summer camp in Canada.
Tips for a Great Showcase
Show us Your Best Self
Your showcase is your chance to shine, show your true self and convince the camp director why you'd be a fantastic camp counsellor or activity specialist. Let your smile shine bright, crank up the confidence, and bring all the positive energy you've got. Your excitement will be contagious and will make your showcase memorable.
if you need ideas of what to cover, here are some points you can use when you’re putting together your showcase:
- Tell us about yourself, what makes you unique and your skills!
- Do you have any certificates or qualifications?
- What's your favourite part of this skill/activity?
- How long have you been practising this skill for?
- What made you learn this skill in the first place?
- Include any relevant camp experience you might have or experience working with kids.
- What interests you about working at camp?
- Why do you want to travel to Canada?
Also, if you can speak another language, for example, French, it's a great opportunity to record an introductory video to showcase those language skills!
Choosing Your Format
When it comes to submitting your showcase, you have plenty of options! Based on your personality, skills, and preferences, you can submit a showcase in any of the following formats:
Video
If you love being in front of the camera or even if you’re a little camera shy, video is a great way for us to get to know you and find out more about what makes you a great fit for camp! If you specialize in a certain activity (i.e. playing an instrument, theatre, dance, tennis etc.), it’s great to demonstrate your skills and abilities to Camp Directors.
Top Tip: When creating a video ensure to film in a well-lit clean space with clear sound. This will keep viewers engaged and make a great impression.
Portfolio
Are you a photographer or passionate about arts and crafts? Channel your inner creativity and send us your work through a portfolio! This could be a presentation, digital portfolio or album. But remember to include labels and a brief explanation of your work!
Other Formats
If you’re not keen on any of the above formats, feel free to get creative and think outside of the box. Why not try a creative writing piece, slideshow, or other styles of video like ‘A Day in the Life’?
The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to experiment.
Keep it Short and Sweet
Camp directors are busy people so remember to keep your showcase short, but impactful. There’s no need to go longer than a couple of minutes. Aim for 2-4 minutes when creating a video.
Consider The Quality
This showcase is your chance to make a lasting impression on our team and Camp Directors. Let your personality and skills come alive!
We encourage you to submit a high-quality showcase but don't worry about fancy equipment. A clear and engaging video shot on your iPhone or Android phone is perfectly fine!
Remember to Have Fun
And most importantly as we mentioned, this is your chance to get creative and show us your real self. So remember to have fun with it! Camps are a fun environment so this is the perfect time to channel your creativity and get a little silly. But also make sure to find balance and keep it professional!
Platforms you can use
Here are a few examples of platforms you can use to showcase your creativity and skills. If you have other platforms you prefer to use then feel free to use them instead!
And there you have it! We hope these tips have made you prepared and confident to create an exciting showcase for your application! If you’re looking for more showcase inspiration, head over to our YouTube to see examples of real participant showcases.