It's summer, and I am sure you have noticed that the pickings for jobs is looking pretty thin. You may have found out that your local summer camp is hiring counselors. You may even be a returning camp counselor for the summer. Whether it's your first summer as a counselor or your fifth, there are some facts we can all agree to be true as a camp counselor for the summer.

1. There's always at least one camper that consistently brings a level 10 enthusiasm to camp songs.

What can you say, the kid loves camp songs. You probably have even brought them up to help you some days when the other campers are lacking in enthusiasm, as a way to boost energy.

2. There are the kids that chaos and mishaps tend to follow.

I am sure mentally you've referred to this child as "Damien" or "Satan Spawn" because of all the trouble they get into. It probably isn't their fault, and maybe just a coincidence that chaos follows them. Just to be safe though, you've probably made a mental (or physical) note of things they may not be able to handle (scissors, dodge ball, monkey bars, sand, etc.).

3. It has been proven that turning your back, for even a moment, tempts accidents

When asked my main responsibility as a counselor, I respond, "Making sure none of the campers die." For the most part it's a joke, as hopefully nothing that extreme occurs. However, as a counselor you can agree that when you turn your back for a second, you are going to turn around and possibly see a child swinging from the ceiling, or a child submerged in an outdoor pool that wasn't there before you turned your back, but thanks to all the skills they learned at camp, they decided to build a pool.

4. Sometimes you have to lay down the law to get things done.

There are days where no one wants to do anything, and those are the days you will firmly tell them after being chanted at to do a game or activity, who is in charge... You'll probably also have to threaten to call parents. Don't let them know that after calling parents, if they still don't listen, you're all out of ideas to get them to cooperate. So obviously you aren't the law, but sometimes it's great to at least sound like you are.

5. You've got down your counselor walk.

All camp counselors develop a speed walk when leading campers from one location to the next. If you move at a normal pace, they have enough time to lag and get into trouble. Not to mention moving at a quick pace may tire them out, giving you time to relax between activities.

6. It's not that you dislike children, you just don't want to see them on breaks.

You'll love working with the campers, but what you'll love even more is the sense of peace and quiet you find when you're away from them on your break. However, there will be times where you aren't quite far enough way that you can sense their proximity to your location, and it will be upsetting.

7. You're exhausted at the end of the day.

There's something about watching children all day and entertaining them that may make this one of the most tiring jobs you'll ever have. By the time you get back to your bed you'll probably just collapse into it, and in less than 12 hours you will be back at work.

8. You're an expert at craft making, and not by choice.

It is sink or swim when it comes to crafting at camp. You will most likely be doing a fair share of activities that involve crafting with the kids (lanyards, friendship bracelets, painting, fuse beads, etc.). You may have come into this job hating crafts or without much knowledge of the craft world. However, to succeed at being a counselor you have to pick up some on the job crafting skills, probably from the campers. This is the one skill that can stand between you and the kids becoming bored and rowdy. Sink or swim.

9. Tan lines should be in the job description

No matter how much sunscreen you apply, it will never be enough to avoid the inevitable tan lines. These tan lines are a badge of honor and recognition among most counselors. Some carry tan lines on their feet from the standard counselor sandal, some on their forehead from hats, and some carry tan lines without much consistency or reason. To be a camp counselor for the summer is to have tan lines.

10. Your fellow counselors are the only people that understand your struggle,

Even on your worst days these are the people out on the front lines next to you. So it is natural that you learn to lean on each other for support. They know (insert camper's name) is being a real pain in the ass today. They understand why you feel dead inside because nothing is going according to plan today. They understand that by choosing (insert group activity) you have been filled with joy because it is your favorite activity. To point out the obvious as well, if you don't work together as a team everything around you will fall to pieces. No pressure.

11. You've seen so many injuries you're a first aid expert.

You learn that there is never a good time to leave anywhere without mass quantities of ice packs and band aids in your backpack, because at least one child will fall and hurt themselves and at least one other will cry and pretend to be in pain with the intention of getting an ice pack to play with. Open wounds hardly even phase you anymore.

12. Saying goodbyes at the end of the summer are always difficult.

You didn't think you would, but you did get attached to all of the campers and your fellow counselors so that by the end of the summer, that when it is time to say goodbye you're probably more than a little emotional. Whether you work at the YMCA, 4-H, or any other camp for the summer, the memories and bonds you make as a counselor are lasting, and it can be difficult to let go even for a summer. Hopefully you'll be able to return the following summer, and if not, congratulations on choosing one of the most rewarding jobs.

After all, what could be cooler than being a camp counselor?