Spending five, 10 or even more weeks in the outdoors leading elementary to high school aged kids for a week at a time is unique, to say the least. You see things in yourself you didn't think were there and experience emotions you can not explain. What you learn is valuable for more than just camp, but extends to life after the summer.
1. How to shower in less than 10 minutes.
No longer do I require 30 minutes to shower, but now I have learned to accomplish this feat with minutes left before lights out.
Recommended for you
2. Being comfortable sweating, like all the time.
My entire existence at camp was composed of me sweating from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to sleep, and that about sums it up.
3. The beauty of not wearing makeup.
I could rub my eyes without fear of messing up my makeup and was able to get ready in less than five minutes. Besides that, I was able to embrace natural beauty and see that natural beauty in those around me.
4. Naps are essential for survival.
Five, 10, 15 minutes, all naps are created equal and essential as if I did not already know that.
5. Even extreme extroverts need alone time.
Being around people every minute of every day can be exhausting. Even as an extrovert, I saw the necessity for even just an hour of alone time.
6. How to remember names in a few short hours.
OK, sometimes I would forget their name, but nothing a "hey, girl" couldn't be substituted in for.
7. The freedom in sharing your faults.
For me, this came in the form of admitting to high school girls that I am actually really weird.
8. Showering every day is not necessary.
Hey, nothing some deodorant and body spray couldn't cover up.
9. Fake it til you make it.
No, I did not just learn how to drive a boat a week ago, and no I still have no clue how to drive this thing.
10. Bugs are the enemy.
Outdoors equals bugs which means, invest in some strong bug spray and never look back.
