This summer I have been so fortunate to get a job as a summer camp counselor. I spend nine hours a day, with an average of thirty kids, all ranging from ages six to twelve. It seems like I can't go a day without having a million and one new stories, and the phrase "kids say the darndest things" has never rang more true. Here are ten word-for-word quotes from my crazy campers, which you are also likely to hear if you work with kids.
1. "This movie came out in 1998?? That was like 20,000 years ago!"
Yup. Mulan is definitely 20,000 years old, and I, who was also born in 1998, am 20,000 years old.
2. When asked how old they think I am: "Ummm... 2,000?"
Totally. Only like... 1,980 years off, but close enough right?
3. "Miss Maddie is my mom!" "Oh yeah, well Miss Maddie is my GRANDMA!"
While I do have the back of an eighty year old woman, I don't think I look like one.
4. *Migos plays in background* "Is this Cardi B?"
I don't even know how a group of six-year-olds could possibly know every word to "Walk It Like I Talk It."
5. "Did you get married Miss Maddie?" "No, she can't get married. She's too young!"
Thanks guys, it's so refreshing to know that somebody thinks I'm young.
6. "Miss Maddie... There are Cheerio's in the boy's bathroom."
I don't even know how this happened... but our bathroom was overrun by Cheerio's.
7. "Are we still friends Miss Maddie?" "Yes, I thought we were best friends?" "Oh yeah... I forgot."
That moment when your best friend forgets y'all are best friends.
8. When asked where his shoes went: "I'm not sure... I lost them."
You came in with shoes... where did they go?
9. Upon telling them I once wanted to marry Adam Levine: "Well, why didn't you?"
An excellent question... to which I wish I had the answer to. Wya Adam?
10. "WAIT. STOP THE VAN RIGHT NOW. LET'S GO TO COSTCO!!"
Now THIS is the type of energy I need in my life.
Once I realized my kids responded better to "Howdy" than "Hey boys and girls!", I knew I was working with a group of winners. These goofy children make every day an adventure, and I am so happy to call myself their teacher, despite how old they think I am.
