Being a camp counselor is probably one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have learned so much about myself, the world, and future parenthood. Taking care of kids everyday in a summer camp environment causes the same things to be said over and over. Whether it is to prevent a child from getting hurt, or communicating to another counselor, all camp counselors are very familiar with the following sayings.
1. "Where did you find that?!"
2. "Put that down!"
3. "No, you can't eat that."
4. "Don't touch it!"
5. "Stay away from the fire."
6. "Can you watch my kids for me? I've had to pee since lunch!"
7. "Yes, you have to shower."
8. "Don't climb on that!"
9. *counting kids* "I'm missing one!!!"
10. "Are you bleeding?"
11. "No, you can't have a fifth s'more."
12. "I need coffee."
13. "Drink some water."
14. "Where did you leave your backpack?"
15. "Okay, no more bacon."
16. "Leave the bunny alone!"
17. "The cicada will not hurt you."
18. "Where did this bruise/cut/scrape come from?"
19. "How did you get dirty already?"
20. "I need more band-aids!"
21. "Yes, you can drink out of my water bottle."
22. "Ew, I haven't showered in four days."
23. "I can't understand you if you're whining."
24. "Is this poison ivy?"
25. "Put the stick down!"
26. "I told you to go to the bathroom before we left."
27. "Eat your dinner, please."
28. "Marshmallow sticks are NOT weapons."
29. "Is it really only Wednesday?"
30. "I promise the bee is not going to sting you."
31. "Where is your other shoe?"
32. "I did not sleep at all last night."
33. "No, you cannot take the squirrel with you."
34. "All of my clothes smell like campfire."
35. "Stop throwing rocks!"
36. "This van will not move unless your seat belt is on!"
37. "I got mail from home!"
38. "If I eat one more marshmallow, I am going to die."
39. "Did you put on sunscreen?"
40. "Do not spray bug spray in the cabin!"
41. "No, I do not control the weather."
42. "The cold water will not kill you."
43. "No, you cannot have more ice cream."
44. "Hang up your wet clothes!"
45. "You can make it up this hill."
46. "Go to bed."
47. "Do not throw that in the fire."
48. "The raccoons are not out to get you."
49. "Just sit down and eat."
50. "Is it pick-up day yet?"
51. "I have a campfire song stuck in my head again."
52. "I may or may not have worn this outfit yesterday."
53. "Yes, we are hiking all day. No, you will not die."
54. "Yes, you have to try to rest."
55. "What do you have in your mouth?!"
56. "Pick up the mess, please."
57. "You can do this. I promise."
58. "I will not let anything happen to you."
59. "Watch your language!"
60. "No, you may not use my phone."
61. "Don't complain if you get your shoes wet in the creek."
62. "Did you really forget your towel?"
63. "Where did you put your sleeping bag?"
64. "Yes, we have to sleep outside tonight."
65. "What kind of bug bit me?!"
66. "There are no bears out here."
67. "Your parents are going to be so proud of you for that!"
68. "Yes, I will take you to the bathroom."
69. "It's been a long week."
70. "I love my job."