In my opinion, being a camp counselor is one of the greatest and most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Whether a camp counselor for a week, a month, or all summer, there are things us as counselors learn and know to be true. Here is a list of 10 things I have learned to be true over the past few years being a counselor at a camp:

1. Idea of luxury changes when you go to camp

Air conditioning, a bathroom connected to your cabin, and 8 hours of sleep are considered a luxury in the world of camp.

2. You’re able to run on a very small amount of sleep

While at camp you realize just how little of sleep you can get and still function.

3. Put others before yourself

If you didn't know how to put others before yourself before camp, you sure learn. As a counselor you are constantly putting your campers ahead of yourself and keeping their best interest in mind.

4. Sweaty is the new normal

Very rarely are you able to walk out of your cabin without starting to sweat. Everyone around you is in the same boat and it is just considered normal to look like you just took a shower.

5. Make-up is not a necessity

If you wear make-up at camp, I guarantee it'll be gone within an hour of you putting it on.

6. You braid hair like its your job

Girls ask you to braid their hair in new ways everyday. You may spend 45 minutes every morning braiding the hair of your campers.

7. T-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes are apart of everyday

There is no such thing as "dressing up" at camp. Your daily outfit will always consist of a pony tail or braid(s), t-shirts, tank tops, running shorts, tennis shoes, or chacos.

8. Enjoy time in God’s Word outdoors

Being able to worship God in His very creation, whether its during quiet time, assemblies, or games/activities, is one of the best parts of camp. Its a pleasure to sit and enjoy God's presence in the very things He created for us to enjoy.

9. How much someone can grow in their walk with the Lord in a week’s time

During camp you are able to see many lives changed and transformed in a week's worth of time. From seeing campers grow in their relationship with the Lord to accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, you realize just how quickly God can change lives. Its powerful.

10. Create bonds and friendships that last a lifetime

After time spent with campers and other counselors, you are going to have bonds and friendships that last a lifetime. You can go from being strangers to close friends in a week or less. Camp bonds you. What better people to have encouraging you as a counselor and in your own walk with the Lord than brothers and sisters in Christ who are serving alongside you.

Although these are all things most counselors will know to be true, we also know it is true that camp is one of the best parts about our summer. I wouldn't trade the lack of sleep, sweat, and seeing lives changed for anything.