New York, the City That Never Sleeps, is full of wonders. Its iconic skyline, bustling streets, and rich cultural diversity make it a unique and unforgettable place to visit. Beyond the well-known landmarks and famous neighborhoods, New York holds a treasure trove of intriguing and unexpected historic and cultural quirks that often go unnoticed. In this article, we’ll treat you to 10 crazy New York facts you probably had no idea about!
We’ll also cover:
- Why you should visit New York City
- How to explore New York City with AmeriCamp
- The benefits of AmeriCamp’s Premium Camp Program
At AmeriCamp, we help prospective international camp counselors secure jobs at summer camps in the United States. As a J-1 visa sponsor, we take care of all the behind-the-scenes admin and use our vast US camp network to connect camp counselors to unforgettable experiences. With a 99% placement success rate, you know you’re in good hands with AmeriCamp! To begin your own journey of a lifetime, get started here!
As well as facilitating your paid placement at a US summer camp, AmeriCamp programs enable you to travel for up to 30 days within the United States after your camp wraps up. You can hike through the Grand Canyon, relax on a beach in sunny California, or explore the wonders of New York City. Before you start polishing your camp counselor resume, here are 10 fun facts about New York that might just blow your mind…
10 Fun Facts About New York
New York, the Empire State, is a hub of innovation, culture, and peculiarities that make it one of the most intriguing places on Earth. Here are just 10 of the many quirky things about New York that never cease to amaze:
- Pizza is a huge deal
- More than 800 languages are spoken throughout the city
- Honking your horn is illegal
- The city is home to many delicious food discoveries
- Homeowners can request free trees
- The classic NY cab wasn’t always yellow
- NYC is home to Einstein’s eyeballs
- The subway system is epic
- The Statue of Liberty arrived in pieces
- The pizza principle never lies
Intrigued? Let’s explore each of these in more detail and give you some facts you can use to impress your friends, family, or fellow campers while you’re working as a camp counselor.
Pizza is a Huge Deal
When it comes to pizza, New York reigns supreme. The city's pizza is world-famous for its thin, foldable slices with a perfect balance of chewy crust and flavorful toppings. While its origins are debated, pizzerias like Lombardi's, founded in 1905, claim to be America's first, using a coal-fired oven to get that authentic New York slice. Founded by Gennaro Lombardi, this pizzeria is of course in Little Italy, and is still open to this day!
So Many Languages!
New York City is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world. With over 800 spoken languages, it's a true melting pot of cultures. Walk through neighborhoods like Queens, and you'll hear a symphony of languages, reflecting the city's multicultural essence. In fact, Queens is considered the most ethnically diverse urban area on the planet, and even holds the Guinness World Record to prove it!
Honking is Illegal
In one of the loudest, most chaotic cities in the world, it might come as a surprise that honking your car horn is often illegal. New York City's traffic regulations stipulate that car horns should only be used to warn of danger, not to vent frustration. Yet, if you visit NYC after working as a camp counselor, you’ll notice that this rule isn't exactly enforced. In fact, the constant honking of horns often provides the soundtrack to the city!
Delicious Food Inventions
Don’t worry, there’s a lot more to the New York food scene than pizza! Many beloved foods were invented in New York, including the iconic Eggs Benedict at Delmonico's and the delectable black and white cookie, which gained fame at Glaser's Bake Shop. The city's culinary influence is far-reaching, and its eateries have been the birthplace of many mouthwatering dishes. The ice cream cone, pasta primavera, and even chicken and waffles are all believed to have originated in New York, and you can try them all if you visit the city after your time at one of the best summer camps in the US!
Request Free Trees
If you’re lucky enough to own property in New York City, you can request to liven up your street with a tree outside your home. The city is committed to enhancing its urban canopy and combating air pollution, which has increased significantly in recent years. Getting your complimentary tree isn’t a fast or straightforward process, however. Once you submit your initial request, it can take up to a year for a city official to assess whether your street is a suitable location for a new tree to grow and thrive. Then, it can take another two years for your tree to actually be planted. You can request a particular type of tree, but the ultimate decision comes down to city officials, who choose the most suitable, beneficial tree for your neighborhood.
The Classic NY Cab Wasn’t Always Yellow
Visit New York after working at one of the best summer camps in the USA and you’ll immediately notice the taxis. Although NYC is famous for its 13,000+ iconic yellow taxicabs, they haven’t always been a staple of the city. In fact, a majority of NYC cabs were originally red and green, imported from France by businessman Harry Allen in 1907. His fleet of 65 taxicabs (one of which was involved in NYC’s first-ever recorded traffic accident) was a welcome upgrade from the aging horse-drawn carriage.
NYC is Home to Einstein’s Eyeballs
It’s reported that Albert Einstein wished to be cremated without a fuss, but apparently, that message got lost in translation. After his death, a rogue pathologist conducted an unauthorized autopsy on Einstein and kept the brain for himself, for four decades! He gave Einstein’s eyeballs to Einstein’s eye doctor, and to this day, they remain in a safe deposit box in NYC.
The Subway System is Epic
If you visit NYC after your summer camp job, you’ll quickly find that the subway is an affordable, easy way to navigate the city. New York City boasts one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, with 472 stations. It's not just a mode of transportation but also an underground world filled with art, buskers, and even secret abandoned stations. It's a maze that keeps on surprising, and every New Yorker has their own subway stories.
The Statue of Liberty Arrived in Pieces
If you’re working at a US summer camp, you have to take the opportunity to see one of the country’s most iconic features. The iconic Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from the people of France to the United States. However, when it arrived in 1885, it came in 350 pieces, with the statue's copper skin shipped in 214 crates. The last piece arrived a staggering nine years after the first, and it took four months to assemble Lady Liberty on Liberty Island!
The Pizza Principle
The pizza principle is a long-standing economic oddity, proclaiming that the cost of a slice of pizza in NYC always remains equal to the cost of a subway ticket. For the last 50 years, subway tickets and pizza slices have increased in cost at an almost identical pace, and economists have even used rising pizza prices to accurately predict when subway fares would increase! However, the days of the pizza principle may be numbered, as it was reported in 2022 that the cost of pizza slices was officially higher than subway tickets across the city.
These fun and fascinating facts showcase the rich tapestry of history, culture, and peculiarities that make New York a city like no other, and a must-see for any traveler’s bucket list!
Why You Should Visit NYC After Summer Camp
After an exhilarating summer camp experience, the adventure doesn't have to end. With AmeriCamp, your visa allows you to travel in the US for up to 30-days after your camp wraps up. New York City, with its boundless energy and endless opportunities for exploration, is the perfect post-summer camp destination. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit New York after working as a camp counselor in America:
- Incredible sightseeing
- World-famous museums
- Mouth-watering cuisine
- Something for everyone
- Immersive History
This bustling metropolis offers a smorgasbord of experiences to suit every interest, making it an ideal extension of your summer escapade. Here’s why you should consider visiting the Big Apple after your time at one of the best summer camps in the US.
Incredible Sightseeing
New York City is a sightseer's paradise, with iconic landmarks that never fail to leave a lasting impression. The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building are just a few of the must-see attractions that will make your trip memorable. The city's dynamic neighborhoods each have their own character, from the hipster vibes of Williamsburg in Brooklyn to the historic streets of Harlem.
World-Famous Museums
For the culturally inclined, New York City is a treasure trove of world-class museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History are just a few examples of institutions housing priceless art and artifacts from across the globe. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or science geek, the city's museums have something to pique your interest and complement your camp counselor experience.
Mouth-Watering Cuisine
Sharing s’mores around a campfire with your new friends at one of the best summer camps in the US is delicious, but New York City has a few delights to offer your taste buds as well. NYC is a culinary melting pot, offering a global gastronomic experience right at your fingertips. From street food vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city's food scene is legendary. Dive into a classic New York-style pizza slice, indulge in a multicultural feast in Flushing's Chinatown, or savor a bagel with lox and cream cheese at a local deli. The city's culinary diversity ensures you'll find something to tantalize your taste buds.
Something For Everyone
One of New York City's greatest strengths is its ability to cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a theater enthusiast yearning for a Broadway show, a shopaholic looking for the latest fashion trends on Fifth Avenue, or an outdoor lover seeking the serenity of Central Park, the city has something for everyone. Its vibrant neighborhoods and eclectic events calendar ensure that you'll always find a niche that resonates with your passions.
Immersive History
New York City is steeped in history, and you can immerse yourself in its rich past through its historical sites and tours. From the somber yet enlightening experience of the 9/11 Memorial to the cobblestone streets of the Financial District's historic area, there are lots of opportunities to journey back in time. Take a walk through Ellis Island, where countless immigrants started their American dream, pay a visit to Wall Street, or explore the historic architecture of landmarks like Trinity Church.
Explore NYC With AmeriCamp
For many prospective camp counselors, the opportunity to see new sights and travel around the US is a big part of why they want to be a camp counselor in the first place. If working at summer camp and exploring NYC sounds like a perfect way to spend your summer, AmeriCamp is for you! Here’s everything you need to know about the program, and how to start planning the adventure of a lifetime.
How AmeriCamp Works
AmeriCamp is a J-1 visa sponsor, which means we make it easy for those in the UK to secure jobs as camp counselors in the US. We use our vast network of US-based summer camps to place prospective camp counselors with a camp that suits their interests and values. Our camp partners include everything from:
- Traditional summer camps where you stay on-site for several weeks
- Day camps, where campers travel home at the end of each day
- Special needs camps, which include many of the same activities as traditional camps
- Single gender camps, which may be traditional or day camps
- Faith-based camps for campers from Christian or Jewish backgrounds
You typically don’t need any specialized camp counselor training, as each camp runs its own orientations and ensures camp counselors are up to speed before camp starts. The role of a camp counselor at all of these camps is to supervise campers and lead activities. Your specific tasks may include:
- Planning camp activities like craft sessions or talent shows
- Supervising various activities and helping campers have a great time
- Providing emotional support to campers who may be home sick
- Resolving any issues that come up throughout camp
- Sharing your knowledge with campers and creating a fun camp environment
While camp counselor job descriptions usually don’t require any specialized camp counselor skills, it’s a bonus if you’ve worked with kids before (even babysitting experience can be helpful!) and can show that you have good leadership and communication skills. Once you apply to AmeriCamp, we’ll review your application, set up a call, and, if you’re approved, circulate your application to our many camp partners in the US.
Traveling After Camp
After your summer camp wraps up, you have up to 30 days where you can travel within the US. You can fly anywhere in the country, exploring cities, national parks, beaches, or all of the above! When you’re packing for summer camp, make sure you factor in your post-camp travel and bring all your travel essentials with you.
How to Get Started
The opportunity to work and travel in the US doesn’t come along every day, and the best part of AmeriCamp is that most of the details are already taken care of. We’ll secure your visa and organize your camp placement, all you need to do is pack your bags and plan your travel itinerary! The first step on this adventure of a lifetime is to complete your AmeriCamp application, which you can find here.
Earn More With AmeriCamp’s Premium Camp
If you’d like to level-up your summer camp experience, AmeriCamp Premium gives you the opportunity to do just that. Let’s take a look at how this program differs from AmeriCamp's standard opportunities, and how to apply for our top-tier summer camp counselor opportunities.
AmeriCamp Premium: What Is It?
The AmeriCamp Premium program gives camp counselors with specialized skills the chance to work at one of AmeriCamp’s spectacular summer camps in a teaching role. It doesn’t cost anything extra to apply for AmeriCamp Premium, but your camp counselor salary will be higher than a standard summer camp counselor opportunity.
This branch of the program offers an incredible opportunity for you to experience cultural exchange whilst immersing yourself in your passion, and sharing that passion with the campers around you. We work with hundreds of camps across America to find you the perfect placement to fit your skills, ensuring you have the most fun, rewarding, and memorable experience possible.
Some of the specific camp counselor skills we’re looking for in AmeriCamp Premium applicants are:
- Canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, and wakeboard coaches
- Powerboat drivers
- Sailors
- Riflery experts
- Gymnastics, tennis, and equestrian coaches
- Bike repair and mountain biking pros
- Ceramics and pottery experts
- Woodwork teachers
- Videography enthusiasts
- And more!
In some cases, specific certifications and training credentials are required, but this isn’t always the case. Find more information here, and contact AmeriCamp if you have any questions.
The Advantages of AmeriCamp Premium
AmeriCamp Premium comes with all the perks of the standard AmeriCamp packages, including placement at one of the best US summer camps, accommodation and meals at camp, medical insurance, J-1 visa sponsorship, and so much more. However, AmeriCamp Premium adds on some incredible extra advantages, including:
- A highest minimum salary of $2,350
- Priority access to our in-person camp fair
- Exclusive premium online hiring events
- Your first camp counselor interview within one week of going live
- Placement at a US summer camp guaranteed
- Incredible coaching equipment and facilities
- Your very own merch pack
Plus, you’ll have the chance to use your skills and passion to inspire a group of kids. What could be better than that?!
Start Your AmeriCamp Premium Application Today!
If you have a specialized skill and want to take advantage of the incredible benefits on offer with the AmeriCamp Premium package, it’s time to start your application! Begin by completing the AmeriCamp Premium application here, and we’ll reach out to you with the next steps in the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
AmeriCamp: The Best Way to Explore New York
AmeriCamp gives you the incredible opportunity to experience life at a US summer camp. You’ll spend your days planning fun activities with campers and your nights laughing around the campfire, sharing stories and creating lifelong memories. Once camp wraps up, your US adventure doesn’t have to! With AmeriCamp’s 30-day travel period, you can explore the best of America, including New York City.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Complete your AmeriCamp application today!
