My Fancy Summer Internship: Sleepaway Camp Counselor
Start writing a post
Student Life

My Fancy Summer Internship: Sleepaway Camp Counselor

Camp Counselors Deserve Some Credit!

407
My Fancy Summer Internship: Sleepaway Camp Counselor
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2018/05/22/636626200187437674-1011186226_45244918-beautiful-pine-trees-on-background-high-mountains.jpg

I am going into my junior year of college, studying Neuroscience at Michigan State University. When a friend or a family member asks what I'm doing this summer, and I respond "camp counselor", I feel as if I'm being judged, that this person must be thinking you're working at a sleepaway camp but plan on going to med school? That's confusing...

It breaks my heart that counselors aren't praised for the work that they do. My parents first toured the beautiful Camp Weequahic in 1999 and I'm more than happy to say in 2018 that it's still a huge part of my life.

There are so many defining moments in life and most of these moments, if you take a second to think, happen during our youngest years. Communions, bar/batmitzvahs, graduating high school, going off to college, getting married, having a baby, etc. I can thank camp and those I shared my summers with, for my defining moments.

My experience at camp allowed me to confidently step off a plane, hours away from home, to study what I love. Of course I must thank my parents for saying "sayonara kiddo! Have a great summer, see you in 8 weeks!"

Last year was my first summer as a counselor, I was so nervous for the change. What will it be like going from a little kid running around in this environment to a counselor responsible for those rugrats? I was a WILD CHILD camper. Causing trouble, loud and annoying, yet cute on a good day. It's safe to say that counselors were warned about me.

Everyone's different, campers and counselors included. There's wild child campers like I once was, those that alienate themselves and crave that extra attention and those who include everyone and glue the bunk together. As for counselors, many people believe that it takes an extroverted person to be a great camp counselor. WRONG! I couldn't imagine camp without the variety of counselors and having both extroverted and introverted individuals. During counselor orientation, we were instructed to run to the left if you're extroverted, to the right if you're introverted and to the middle if you're both. Counselors were afraid and avoided the introverted side, but little do they know there is no right or wrong answer! You, as a unique counselor, are the reason those different types of campers return each year.

A defining moment of mine at camp: there was a confused camper on the lunch line, one of the head staff came up to me and said why don't you help her? I responded, "because she's not my camper." As Chandler Bing would say, "COULD I BE ANY MORE WRONG?!'

Everyone there is your camper. I don't care if it's not one of your eleven children sleeping in your bunk at night, you are responsible for them. One year later, I am preparing to return as a division head, leading eighth grade girls while guiding counselor's within the division to be their best selves.

This past year I flunked an exam that I spent days studying for and it was my breaking point. The anxiety hit hard and I was ready to run to my advisors office and change my major, my whole life plan. Conveniently, that day I found a letter a camp friend once gave me. It read, "you are going to do amazing things in life because whenever you put your mind to something, you always do it 100%, and care so deeply." I couldn't think of better words to get me through the rest of college, and the many tests I'll probably flunk in the future, to help me get back up. This letter sits in my backpack, ready to be taken out as a reminder when needed. I grew up with this loving person and her words will continue to push me. "COULD CAMP FRIENDS BE ANY MORE AWESOME?!"

You are progressing the entire summer, more so than I would be sitting behind a desk in the city making coffee for others, sticking it out for the title on my resume. Independence, leadership, flexibility, compassion, consistency, working with others and problem solving. These are life skills and relationships gained as a counselor that will drive me far beyond my time spent at camp.

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.

71354
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.

133445
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