Dear camp counselors,

I am happy and sad to announce I will not be returning to camp this year. I will have no one-piece swimsuit tan lines, 52 mosquito bites, crying campers or dehydration following me around this summer.

I will miss the games, jokes, adventures and oddly comfortable bunk beds. I am indifferent to the tennis shoe tan lines, the scent of moist clothing and the French toast every Wednesday.

Oh, but I will miss those Jell-O cups, though! I know I will miss camp this summer. I think about chapel services, boating and hiking with a frown because I wish that was my life every day. Of course, less sleep deprivation and more air conditioning this summer is always a plus.

The camp life is not an easy one, but it is rewarding, so here is my encouragement for all of those who are diving into moss-filled lakes and mountains of chicken nuggets for dinner.

First, appreciate and love those campers (that means taking back every friendship bracelet and macaroni picture back to college with you). Those kids need a voice a lot of the time; they need a dear friend who will listen.

I remember hundreds of times campers cried to me about home life, friends, church, family or even hating camp. I love those times because the campers felt like they could really share and open up. This makes being a camp counselor such a unique job.

It only lasts for a couple of years, but the bonds you make could last forever.

Second, enjoy the fast pace and crazy fun times. I have never been so stressed and so in love with my life than when I was at camp. It is a highly intense job.

However, who doesn’t love running a half mile across camp with a cabin of 12 girls because you are late for swim time? The times you are stressed out of your mind and still trying to smile with your campers provide so many laughs later during staff meetings.

Basically, the secret is to not take yourself too seriously at camp; it is supposed to be a fun time.

Furthermore, as crazy as camp can be, take time for you. It is important to take the time needed to center yourself, whether that is through God time or texting a friend back at home or even, and this may sound crazy, calling your family.

Finally, learn to love the unpredictable and crazy messes camp creates. I have never attended camp without some camp counselor drama following us around like the plague.

I cherish those memories because it brought the staff closer together. My camp experience was filled with tears, laughs, smiles and sweat. I have gained some amazing friendship throughout my time wearing the blue polo shirt, khaki shorts and tennis shoes.

My memories of camp all include my best friends, shaved ice and rocks in my shoes as well as the always present drama.

So, best wishes to my fellow camp counselors! Go love your job and support the campers!

Love,

A past camp counselor