Camp Counselor Survival Guide Vol. 1
Start writing a post

Camp Counselor Survival Guide Vol. 1

After working at a summer camp for about a week, I have compiled a list of 4 tips amen pointers for surviving the summer.

26
Camp Counselor Survival Guide Vol. 1
Victoria Hamilton

If I had to point out one downside of the summertime, it is the lack of money in my bank account. Like most “young, dumb, and broke" college students, I have found a summer job. I am a recreations leader in my town's youth camp. The itinerary involves beach days, field trips, and multiple rounds of dodgeball. I have just concluded my first week on the job and the following are observations I have made.

1. Sunscreen Will Not Save You

At my camp, we apply sunscreen at the beginning of every hour. It is my job to watch that kids put it on correctly. I applied every time we were scheduled to, yet I could not save my skin from the sun. Survival tip 1: shade is your best friend. Whether that means bringing an umbrella or wearing a floppy hat, you must have some other form of protection besides sunblock.

2. Kids Love Kindness

This may seem obvious, but I think it's a good reminder. For some kids, the departure from mom and dad is a little overwhelming; especially when they leave for 8 hours a day. It is our job as counselors to make the kids feel welcomed. Being kind can take many forms: listening to the kids talk or playing a game.

3. Kids Are Injury-Prone, But Resilient

The amount of band-aid reports I filled out within the first week is surprising. Scraped knees, bloody noses, black eyes, I have seen it all. Luckily, majority of the injuries are nothing serious. Most kids are fine within a matter of minutes and run along to get injured again.

4. Who Needs A Gym Membership When You Have Dodgeball

I am definitely rusty, but at least I'm getting my exercise in. Chasing after kids all summer definitely will definitely burn some calories, but also lead to dehydration. A cooler full of Gatorade and water is essential for surviving the summer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71244
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133367
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments