Being a camp counselor is one of the hardest, most rewarding jobs there is.

But what you don't realize is how much kids have to teach you while you're playing "mom" for the week. I learned five valuable life lessons while I worked as a counselor at a summer camp; things that I can apply to any real world situation even after camp is done.

1. Be Comfortable In Your Own Skin

Embarrassment doesn’t have power unless you let it. Dress up, look ridiculous, sing silly sounding songs at a campfire just because you can. Or learning to love performing in front of a group of 90+ people. Show your true colors because everyone else does. After all, the kids don’t judge you and it makes them laugh. What’s better than that? Camp has taught me that it’s okay to laugh at myself when I’m just being me.

2. Camp Is For The Kids

As much as you want to experience camp and summer for yourself, you’re in charge of 12 little kids who are roaring to have a good time. You have to make sure they are having a blast, sleeping at night, eating enough during meals, and making friends. You learn to put their lives before your own.

3. Camp Friends Are Forever Friends

As a camper, you always find that group of friends that you stay in contact with for the rest of your life. As a staff member, you find a group of friends that you just can’t live without. Camp friends push you to be the best you there is. They want to know your hopes and dreams. They want to spend time with you stargazing and just talking about life. They’re pretty great for laughs too.

4. Your Music Taste Expands

You haven’t been to camp unless you’ve heard of Knuckle Puck (go look them up now). When I first started working at camp, my music taste was primarily pop. As the summer went on, I was introduced to fantastic bands I had never heard of! (In case you’re interested, Front Bottoms, Modern Baseball, Alex Kostka, Alvvays, Pup, Dance Gavin Dance, Milky Chance, Taking Back Sunday, and of course the famous Knuckle Puck are just some of my favorites).

5. Take Pictures Of Everything

The camp I worked at was famous for the gorgeous sunsets that were painted over the lake. I knew a girl that would take a break from whatever night activity we were currently partaking in and take a picture of the sunset. She took a sunset picture every night. But there are always great things to capture when you work at a summer camp. You want to take pictures of the kids smiling faces when they find out they won a game or capture the moment a camper comes to Jesus.

I've learned that even as an adult, there is so many things you can learn from a group of hyper campers and from other staff members. I spent my favorite summer up at this wonderful camp, and I continue to use the knowledge learned there. Cherish every moment you spend at a place like this.

You'll be glad you did.