The days are long and exhausting, but nothing is more rewarding than being a leader to a group of young kids; to know that you are making an impact on the lives of these kids is amazing. This is my first year working as a camp counselor and I am already looking forward to having this job again next summer!

1. You spend your weekdays waking up super early

6 AM comes way too early some days, but at least it is preparing me for the real world.

2. You come home after a day of work and just want to sleep

I either nap for 2 hours and then can’t fall asleep at night or I go to bed at 7PM.

3. Weekends are for relaxing

You have to get all of your energy back before the next week begins

4. You live on coffee

Between the early mornings, spending the day chasing kids around, and being exhausted when you get home, coffee is something that every camp counselor needs in their life.

5. Although the days are long, you genuinely enjoy going to work

I worked in retail before my job as a camp counselor. Being in retail made me absolutely miserable. Now, I actually look forward to going to work each day.

6. You always have to be prepared for those crazy counselor challenges

You never know what to expect each morning, but that is half the fun!

7. There is always at least one kid who drives you crazy

It wouldn’t be camp without one!

8. You become really close with your campers

You even may want to take some of them home with you.

9. You come home singing camp cheers every day

Always expect the weird glares from your family and friends.

10. You always find yourself talking about your campers

Every time you are away from the kids, you spend all of your time talking about what Johnny did today in art or what Mary said to Emily at lunch.

11. You will most definitely have awkward tan lines

From the bathing suits to the bracelets on your wrist to the work shirts and shorts, tan lines are to be expected.

12. Thunderstorms are the worst

Trying to walk across the camp with kids screaming in terror is a challenge.

13. Be prepared for personal questions

Your kids want to know everything about you and they have absolutely no filter.

14. You might spend more time in the nurse than you do at your activities

Some kids just need to be wrapped in bubble wrap from head to toe. They always find a way to get injured.

15. Doing head counts every 5 seconds is a priority

Your worst fear is losing a camper.

16. You become really close with your co-counselors

After all, you do spend 40+ hours a week with them.

17. You get a little sad when it is one of your camper’s last days

You become invested in these kids’ lives after spending most of your week with them. It’s a bittersweet feeling when you know they are leaving.

18. You actually have one of the best summer jobs out there

What can be better than doing fun activities with kids all day and getting paid for it?