1. For old times' sake.

Working at the camp that I've been coming to since I was a kid makes the job that much more special. I remember thinking my counselors had the coolest job ever, and I dreamed about being in their shoes one day. Now that I am those counselors that I looked up to, I get to experience the other side of this familiar place.

2. Paying it forward.

My camp counselors were one of the main reasons that camp left such a mark on me. They did everything in their power to make sure we had the best time at camp. Some of my best memories include experiences I had with my counselors, like making a slip-n-slide in the bathhouse with our entire cabin, having a dance party instead of cleaning our bunks, and staying up until 3 a.m. talking with our counselors about everything. Now, I get the opportunity to give campers that same experience that I had. I have a chance to make camp feel like home for them, just as my counselors did for me. Camp is such a special place, and I love being able to impact kids the way that I was impacted.

3. It's not an everyday job.

There is no other job where I would get to kayak, sing songs, and play capture the flag with flour bombs all in the same day. It is such a fun and different job, and I think it's pretty cool that I get to call a beautiful lake my office.

4. Life skills.

Being a camp counselor has given me a wide range of skills that I couldn't get anywhere else. I have improved my communication skills, I know how to give CPR, I can calm down any crying child, and I am now disciplined to run on little to no sleep while acting like I have never had more energy. Camp has given me a strong work ethic, because staying up until 1 in the morning cleaning the kitchen eventually becomes second nature. Plus, I can make any kind of friendship bracelet your heart desires.

5. Family.

The relationships that are made at camp cannot be found anywhere else. You live with the same group of people for three months and experience many highs and lows together. Through all of the laughter, tears, and stress, you form an unbreakable bond. Out of all the other friend groups I have experienced throughout my life (high school, Greek life, etc.), no relationships have ever compared to the family that is formed at camp over the summer.

6. The kids.

Nothing compares to seeing a child's happiness at camp. All of the campers hold camp in such a special place in their hearts, and it is amazing to be a part of their experience. Seeing a child go from being terrified to leave their parents to never wanting to leave camp is one of the best feelings a counselor can have. Both the campers that I have watched grow up and the ones that I haven't even met yet are the reason I love my job. Bringing a kid the joy of camp is one of my favorite things to do. Their happiness equals mine.

7. It is, and always will be, home.

No matter what is going on in my everyday life, I can take comfort in knowing that I will always have a place to call home. Camp is a place where you can feel safe and be unapologetically yourself, and you will still be loved by everyone. Even when the world around me seems to be at its darkest, camp will always provide me a light.