So, I became an HLC…

We reached out to a former head counselor to share their experience as HLC (head language counselor). “Shadow” got back to us the very next day.

⚾Shadow's story⚾

"After two summers as a counselor, I felt ready to try something new. So when I got accepted as a Head Language Counselor in 2023, I was genuinely pretty excited.

Being an HLC meant an extra €10 a day, which obviously didn’t hurt. But I was mostly excited about getting more involved in the program and putting my own spin on things. American Village is big on themes, activities and making everything a little over the top — and I love brainstorming ideas, creating stuff and just being a bit silly with it.

I also knew I wanted to start building some real professional experience. I loved being a counselor, but having a leadership role on my CV felt like a good next step.

So, I decided to actually prepare. Because apparently being amazing requires some effort.

Between classes in the spring, I went back through the program materials. I’d learned loads during my first two summers, but I’d definitely forgotten some of the basics. They gave me practical ideas I could actually picture myself using with the team.

About a month before camp, I got in touch with my director. I didn’t know her yet, although a few people I know had worked with her before. As HLC, I was arriving a day before the rest of the team, so I wanted us to have a good relationship from the start. The summer before, I’d seen how much difference a strong director/HLC duo could make. Luckily, we got along really well. She wanted me to take the lead on things like Congress and activity organization, while she focused more on the director side of things. That sounded perfect to me.

Then the team arrived.

There were only two other returning counselors, so quite a few people were discovering American Village for the first time. During prep days, I helped run sessions on Congress, key activities and the program materials. Thank goodness everyone was there because the prep days where when we really started bonding. I also spent a lot of time helping people turn ideas into either activities or congress games, figuring out how to get campers speaking more English and, obviously, teaching everyone the essential cheers and dances.

That was probably when I really started to understand the HLC role. I wasn’t there to boss people around. I was there to grease the wheels and help the team feel confident.

By the time the campers arrived, I felt ready.

I was still very much part of the counselor team and involved in everyday camp life, but now people also came to me when they needed help. I could solve small problems, share ideas and lead parts of team meetings. I was already pretty comfortable giving presentations at university, so speaking in front of the team felt natural and gave me a chance to use skills I already had in a completely different setting.

And I think that’s basically my answer when people ask what becoming an HLC was like.

It felt like the right next step. I still got everything I loved about camp — the people, the energy, the ridiculous moments — but I also got to take more responsibility and actually help shape how the camp ran. If I spoke French well enough, I’d like to become a director one day. But for now, being HLC was a good fit.

I came home feeling like I’d genuinely done something with my summer at American Village."

🌟What will your story be?🌟

Join our team of amazing leaders who care about children and about our program. You can read more about leadership opportunities on the Leadership at Camp page of our website.

What’s next? Apply to become a Head Language Counselor through the Veteran Counselor application, and tell us about your motivation in an updated cover letter.