As my fellow counselors and I carried the last of our camp equipment to the van, we said our goodbyes. We tearfully wished each other the best for the next year: a good school year, congratulating those with a new job or upcoming wedding. For the past two months, we spent endless hours together. We were always laughing at funny campers, crying with each other when the dream job didn't call, sending late night Snapchats, and having evening get-togethers. As I walked to my pick-up truck to give my final goodbyes, I realized just how lucky I am that camp is a part of my story.

During a June morning, I opened up my heart to the hundreds of campers that were going to spend their summer me, playing dodgeball and making pearler bead masterpieces. I broke out my summer uniform: athletic shorts, camp t-shirt, and tennis shoes. As each day passed, I wiped tears from my eyes, encouraged sportsmanship and laughed at their hilarious stories. Each moment taught me a lesson. I spent each day learning more and more about becoming a teacher. Every missing lunch box and towel imparted organization into my future classroom. Every broken bracelet, face without sunscreen, and forgotten towel ingrained the importance of preparation into my teaching style. Crying second graders telling me they were going to miss me and that they wished I was their teacher taught me the value in pouring love into each dreamer that enters my life.

There were moments where I was exhausted and frustrated that a camper squished a bug other campers were working together to save. I'd spend evenings thinking of ways to make camp fun for the kid who only wanted to play video games. Despite having to talk to a camper’s parents about their campers use of naughty words, I was living the dream. Ever since I declared my major, I was always searching for reassurance that teaching was for me. Being a camp counselor has not only taught me about how kids work but has given me confidence in my calling to teach.

There are endless stories that leave me laughing to the point of crying. One time a camper took a toy car out of his friend's bag. When my co-counselor found in his pocket he told us his imaginary friend had taken it. Another time, we were preparing our comedy routine for the talent show a camper told me a hilariously unfunny joke.

“Ms. Sam, why is the ocean so salty?”

“Why?”

“Because every day I dump a bag of salt into it”

Another time, this sweet little girl made a leash out of a gimp string tied around the neck of her cat stuffed animal adorned with Shopkin stickers. She dragged that cat around all day. By the end of the day, half the stickers were gone and the cat was practically gray instead of bright pink.

Supportive counselors, hilarious campers and being paid to get a tan are a few of the things that make camp one of my favorite things. Endless stories and lasting friendships add to the camp appeal. I may end the summer ready to sleep for six months, but I wouldn't trade going to camp summer for anything. If you're looking for a rewarding summer opportunity, being a camp counselor is the way to go for endless memories and lessons.