Why get dressed up every day and be on a nine to five schedule during the summer? It is your break from the day in and day out stress and work load you had during school. What better way is there to spend your summer than being a camp counselor? There is not one. Going out into the real world of employment can wait, save the tie for after college, and grab a Frisbee. Ever since I have worked as a camp counselor, I cannot wait for school to end so I can drive through the camp ground's gates on the first day of staff orientation and start my summer. Being a camp counselor has been so much more than just a job for me.
Unprofessionally Professional:
I could have either worked in an office as an intern all summer, wake up at the crack of dawn, and comply to a dress code just to pick up coffee and file papers or I could have enjoyed my summer. At camp, I can wear pink shorts with a bright neon yellow shirt because, why not? There is no dress code besides just making sure you wear clothes. The environment is very relaxed and your boss soon becomes another camper with you. I love the fact that you can be yourself working as a camp counselor and are able to enjoy being childish. Being a camper, then counselor at the same camp, I know all of the staff and can relive my camp days just as if I was one of my kids. The more professional and stiff you become as a counselor, the less of a good time you will have. If that does not sell you, then good luck not mixing up the morning coffee orders.
The Bubble:
Being at camp for however long you are there, a bubble is created around the grounds. The time spent there is mostly technology, media, and drama-free (unless the usual camp relationships sprout). The staff and kids know that when they drive in, the use of electronics is gone for most and limited for few, which is great. Always being busy and not worried about who tweeted what or who Instagrammed with whom is stress-less and carefree. Not being hounded with the recent news of this or that and leaving all your troubles behind you when you pass the final lice test to enter. The bubble keeps camp how it should be--just camp. You are there to take care of a family's kids and to worry about their well-being, not worry about if he or she texted you back. The bubble creates a much needed stress, worry, and drama-free environment for everyone.
Who Are You?
Starting a new summer of camp brings old and new faces. After a few awkward ice breakers and meet-and-greets with your future bunk co-counselors, the strangers do not seem so strange anymore. Everyone knows that everyone is stuck with each other for the next couple or so months, so hug it out, get close, and deal with it. Seeing the same people for a summer, you get to know them pretty quickly. At camp, it is from stiff hellos to laughing till you cry at lunch the next day with someone you just met. The friends you instantly make at camp follow you after you extinguish the last camp fire and part ways. Now you have a reason to go to the West Coast or take a weekend to New York City which is to visit your once co-counselors and now great friends. Camp has extended my social network to places I would not have even thought of: California, Israel, South America, and much more.
Cha-Ching:
Living at the camp is free, the food is free, and you still get paid. Not only do you get paid, but most camps give you your paycheck the second before you get in your car to go home, not spending any of it all summer. I know that with my week-to-week paycheck, sometimes I spend it all just because I know I have the money. Going back to school with a heavier wallet is never a bad thing, and not being miserable as you made that money is always a bonus.
Big Brother and Sister:
As a camper, I always looked up to my counselors. They were my role models for the time I was there and treated me like their little sibling. Inside the bunk to inside the dining hall, they were always looking out for me and making sure I was having more fun than they were. The reason I wanted to be a counselor was because of them. I wanted my kids to look up to me and think of me as their older sibling for the time being. Hearing, “He was my favorite counselor!" or “If you come back next summer, I will too!" at the end of their session resonates with you and makes you realize you are more to them as just a counselor but someone they revere and respect. The best part of the job is making an impression on each kid, knowing they will be back to see you again.
The Aftermath:
The kids have left, the camp is clean, and your last staff night is over. “Closing Time" plays in your head and everyone says their goodbyes. You are left with more than just a paycheck and a few new phone numbers, though. As corny as it sounds, being a counselor brings you into a new family. There are inside jokes, relationships, and traditions that create a bond with your camp staff that others cannot relate with. The nicknames, stories, and laughs stay with everyone and will not die. Camp creates friendships to last for a lifetime. Maybe the coaches you were close with there make a trip to see you at one of your football games. Maybe you get offered to represent the camp on a larger level or weekend trips to co-counselor's school are planned because of this experience. Yes, I was lucky enough to have all of those happen to me. Hands down, being a camp counselor is the best choice I have made. The times I have had, the relationships I have made, and the way camp has been an experience first and a job second is something I cherish. There is nothing better than enjoying what you do as a job, trust me.
