Becoming a camp counselor is a typical summer job for any teenager looking for some extra money.
Some counselors work with older kids and do fun activities, where you do not have to treat them like children. Other counselors work with pre-schoolers or babies. I work with pre-schoolers at my old elementary school every morning. Sometimes I love laughing at their unintentional jokes or teaching them how to be nice to one another. Most of the time, I am annoyed by their screaming, kicking, and constant messes.
Here are some reasons why being a camp counselor is great and terrible at the same time:
1. They don't know what they want.
I asked a little girl if she wanted to color a flower or read a book and she said she didn't want to do anything. Literally 10 seconds later... she wants to color. I bring her a paper and crayons and then she decides she wants to read a book. Make up your mind!
2. Campers do not know how to do anything on their own.
Especially if it is water day (where a cheap inflatable is filled with water), kids lose their minds and can barely put a pair of flip flops on. It also takes an hour and a half to get all 12 of the kids dried and changed, even though half of them decide to keep their bathing suits on when they are half way getting changed.
3. Get in tune with your inner child.
Whether or not you are playing duck, duck, goose or climbing on the monkey bars, who doesn't love play time?!
4. Admiring the innocence of your campers.
Being counselor of pre-schoolers, I get to watch how these kids learn and experience new things everyday. I also understand how much a child doesn't know, like when I was pushing a camper on the swings and the camper screams, "I am so high right now!" Little does she know that high is another term for "on drugs."
5. Campers cry... A LOT.
As parents walk away, it is not uncommon to see a child burst into tears, whining about missing their mommy or daddy. Honestly, they are away from their parents for 3 hours! Trust me, they will come back for you!
6. Free crafts, food, and getting money.
Everyday there is a snack time, and that isn't just for the campers. Everyday we get a pack of goldfish and a moment of silence while all the kids are eating. When the kids are invested in their crafts, or while you are doing your own craft, there is complete silence. From water color to paper mach'e, crafts are great. Also, you get paid despite investing minimum time and effort!
7. They do not understand the word ''stop.''
Although they know the meaning of "stop," they never actually stop. If I ask them, "please stop kicking him/her," they typically don't stop and pretend like they cannot see or hear us counselors.
