Long gone are the days where summers are spent relaxing, hanging out with friends, and doing whatever I want, whenever I want without any responsibilities to worry about. Now, summer means leaving college and seeing how much money I can possibly make within the span of three months. After the hunt for a summer job two years ago, I found myself with what I consider the greatest job ever--I am a summer camp counselor. My days are spent hanging out with children in first through sixth grade, doing crafts, playing games, taking field trips, and swimming at the pool. While many may shutter at the idea of spending eight hours a day with elementary aged kids, I couldn’t love it more. However, as with anything else, where there are highs, there are lows. Here are 12 pros and cons that all summer camp counselors can relate too.
CONS
1. Getting to work in the morning and realizing the station you’re running includes glitter.
There seems to be something about spreading, gluing, and dropping glitter on every surface possible that appeals to boys and girls of all ages. Not to mention the glitter that is spread, glued, and dropped is you’re responsibility to clean up.
2. Supervising the shallow end of the pool and automatically becoming a magnet to every drop of water splashed within a five foot radius.
Cause who doesn’t like spending the rest of the afternoon in a damp t-shirt and shorts!?
3. Getting yelled at by parents who refuse to believe their child is capable of the incident described on the conduct report.
I get it, every parent wants to believe that their child can do no wrong. However, I can assure you I am not lying when I tell you that your kid did in fact chuck a ball at another camper during an intense game of knockout.
4. Three Words: Khaki Bermuda Shorts.
There is absolutely nothing attractive about these awkward, slightly above the knee-length shorts, especially when paired with the ever so lovely ankle socks and gym shoes.
5. The inevitable outbreak of sickness that happens at least once a summer.
Its been the stomach flu, its been strep, its even been lice; but once one camper goes down there are always more to follow... somebody get me a mask or some gloves, please.
6. Monitoring games from the sidelines but still managing to get hit in the face.
Oh I'm sure it was an accident...! Go back to your game that's taking place thirty feet away from my face.
PROS
1. Walking into work everyday greeted with hugs, high-fives, and true happiness to see you.
There is nothing a hug from a camper or a “Miss Sydney!” can’t fix, even at 7:30 in the morning.
2. Being provided with constant entertainment when told the latest camp drama (of course while always trying to keep a straight, interested face)
It was so sad to learn that one of our fourth grade girls had to end a two year relationship cause her boyfriend was cheating on her the whole time…and “he didn’t even tell her!” Don’t worry folks, she’s claiming to be looking into match.com.
3. Seeing kids learn and do new things that they wouldn’t even try at the beginning of the summer.
Not going to lie, happy tears have formed in my eyes when at the end of the summer one of my little campers who wouldn't even walk up the stairs of the big water slide is flying down it with a smile on their face.
4. Forming bonds with the other counselors because you are with them 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. every Monday through Friday.
It’s nice to have someone to laugh with, yell with, and vent to when the 36 kids you are trying to control just won’t participate in your lame station of freeze dance.
5. Going home each day with millions of drawings and crafts made specially for you with lots of love.
I now have a box in the corner of my room full of stuff my campers made me, and even better I can’t look at it once without smiling.
6. Having a job that makes three months fly by way too fast.
The mornings are early and the days are long, but at the end of each summer I always find myself sad to say goodbye to campers and wishing for just a few more weeks.
