by Gina Scarpa

 

Last week, USA unveiled its new reality show, Summer Camp.  Sixteen adults returned to one of their favorite places from their childhood but things have definitely changed.  This version of summer camp includes over the top competitions, hookups, and its fair share of drama.  The contestants include the class clown, the mean girl, the yogi, and the smart ass to name a few.  The smart ass, Mikey Benzaia, chatted with us about embracing his label, his confidence in his team, and how he plans on staying at Summer Camp as long as possible!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to apply for Summer Camp?

A. Mikey: Well you know, the best time of my life was summer camp. It was the only time you could get away from the hassle of life. When they told me about a show based on that, I was like, "Definitely!"

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is this your first reality show?

A. Mikey: It's funny. I've always been interested in tv hosting and I've done that before. I've never done reality shows. Two years ago, they were looking for cast members on Jersey Shore. I got called and brought in. From there, the casting agent did this show too and he remembered me. It was a rare opportunity.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You've been labeled as the smart ass on the show and you seem like you're totally okay with that!

A. Mikey: When you grow up in a New York Italian home, it's just a normal thing. To other people, it's weird. I'm open, honest, I like to have a good time and make it known. I can come off a little sarcastic, but I take it as a compliment.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The guys won the first challenge, were you feeling confident?

A. Mikey: Yeah, I was. I'm used to competitiveness, and I was camp counselor myself.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Why did you guys decide to vote out Meghan instead of Lauren?

A. Mikey: When you have a game like this, people get caught up in the Lauren thing. When you're in the game, it's a different story. You want the most benefits you can have so if someone is willing to work with you...

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you have a plan so the ladies don't vote you out?

A. Mikey: Basically, that was a lot of work and I'm not really all about work. I'm about having fun. I just wanted to enjoy the experience and while everything is trying to plan things out, I'm gonna let fate happen.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: If someone isn't watching Summer Camp yet, what are they missing?

A. Mikey: If someone's not watching this reality show, it's so different than anything else. We've heard grey feedback from people watching. The competitions are great, producers of Big Brother. And there's no one like this cast! This is such an electric group of people. People need to tune in and see how they react. From here on out, this is where th drama starts, hookups start, competition gets intense.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How does adult summer camp compare to child summer camp?

A. Mikey: Adult summer camp kicks child summer camp ass! I enjoyed summer camp as a kid and loved it. When you add hot girls, drinking, and competition, it brings it to a whole new level. I wish everyone just knew how much fun I had at this camp. I hope it comes across!

 

Summer Camp airs Thursdays at 8/7c on USA.

 

(Image courtesy of USA)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa