We all know those stories from summer camp, right?

"This one time..."

It doesn't matter what kind of camp you are going to--band camp, Christian camp (which is what I work at), music camp, art camp, theater camp...

How many types of camps are there, again?

Anyway, it doesn't matter the type of camp--there will be inappropriate things to happen, kids you just want to go home, kids you wish could stay the whole summer (if it's a weekly camp like mine), injuries, fights, messes, insect stings, homesick kids; generally just chaos. Sometimes it is controlled, and other times it isn't.

But summer camp is an experience that stays with you, and all the memories that you make there.

The good, the bad, and the ugly. Some kids love it, some kids hate it. Kids will go back to school in the fall talking about their time at camp.

But what about the counselors? Oh sure, we tell our own stories within our camp and other counselors. But we try not to scare off prospective counselors by telling them the nitty gritty.

"Oh, yeah! It's a blast. You will have a problem kid or two, but it's really not that bad!"

In truth, we just sugar-coat everything. So here are ten things that veteran counselors won't tell you... until it's too late for you to escape.

1. Kids are messy. In every way.

They will spill milk, drinks, food, crayons, markers--pretty much anything that they can get their hands on. Some of them won't want to take showers (especially boys).

2. Sometimes you have to not be their friend.

3. Some kids will make it their mission to ruin your day or be in trouble.

They will push all of your buttons on purpose.

4. You might want to kick a kid.

Don't do it.

5. You're not supposed to show favorites, but you will have at least one kid that is your favorite.

6. The food really is not very good.

But it keeps you alive.

7. You won't get very much asleep.

You will have kids wake you up in the middle of the night for every reason they can think of--especially, "I can't sleep."

8. Kids are only hungry when it's not time to eat.

In the middle of the night, right after lunch. Especially during a lesson or activity.

9. Even when they are not supposed to have technology, they sneak it in. Or resent you for it.

They think they can't live without it.

10. You'll come to love all of the kids, even the bad ones.