When you hear about camp counselors, what are the first things you think of? Chacos, bandanas, tie-dye and summer? Your definition of a perfect staffer may include having sun-loving skin, tousled hair, and a sandal tan, but this just doesn’t capture it. This character could be a great counselor at the surface, but what truly constitutes one is more than skin-deep. This list defies misconceptions and outlines seven true essentials of a great camp counselor.

1. A Big Bladder

With constant supervision required for kid's activities, tantrums, and needs, there simply is no time to use the restroom. While little Johnny is heading off for his fourth bathroom break in the past 1.5 hours, counselors are straining to ignore their own full tank so that they can continue their camp tasks!

2. Listening Ears

A lot of teaching and instructing is involved with camp counseling, but listening is even more important. At times, kids can make some pretty profound statements, and at other times, they spout phrases and bouts that are hilarious and unique.

3. Creativity

Forecasted thunderstorms and severe weather warnings? The microphones or screen projector have technical difficulties during a skit or performance? These aren’t road blocks for camp counselors; they are merely opportunities to display creativity and spontaneous energy. Improvisation and a creative mind are must-haves for summer staff members.

4. Active Knees

Instead of a camp counselor towering over their camper, squatting down to their eye level is a great way to shows humility and care towards them. In addition, constantly going from sitting criss-cross-applesauce to running around like crazy requires knees that can sufficiently handle these demands.

5. A Whisper Voice

Hand-in-hand with getting on the kids level is the tone and manner in which to individually talk with kids who are hurt or need special attention. Counselors definitely need a large, bellowing, leader voice, but a quiet, gentle, non-threatening whisper voice is also super important.

6. Attentive Eyes

Watching a dozen or more kids at one time calls for eyes that miss next to nothing. One can run away, another can scrape their knee on pavement, and the next can be bullied, all at the same time. With lots of room for unsafe situations, counselors must always be watching out for both the physical and mental safety of their campers.

7. A Silly Spirit

“Put your pride on the shelf!” say the Village People in YMCA. A camp counselor absolutely cannot succeed in providing their kids with a great experience without ridding themselves of their pride and looking like a fool once in a while. Kids love when their leaders go all out and lead silly songs or do a crazy dance.

The typical camp staff member doesn’t make very much financially but reaps a host of other kinds of rewards, and learning how to give a camper a great time and the carrying out this duty is definitely more rewarding than getting a fat paycheck. This fun summer job does not require a bunch of fancy camp gear or a Gander Mountain appearance, but the best camp counselors indeed have these seven essential characteristics.