Summer camp. Wow, where do I even begin? It's a remarkably rewarding experience working as a summer camp counselor, there is no denying that. I was a counselor for four summers throughout my four years in high school and have now moved up to work as a camp supervisor. I don’t work as closely with the kids as I used to, unfortunately, but I have grown so much as a person and have gained a various array of skills that will contribute to my success in my future career as a teacher one day.
Over the years, I have realized just how much honor and pride there is with being a camp counselor. Counselors are completely adored by their campers. The campers look up to them, they are seen as the perfect role models. And they think that it’s the coolest thing to be able to hang out with “older kids.”
Although the campers can be difficult to deal with at times, they provide their counselors with so many opportunities to learn more about themselves. They push them to transform into mature and responsible individuals through the situations that they present them with. The campers teach their counselors more than they realize, and their counselors teach them even more through their actions, behavior, and the way that they treat them.
Every day of camp consists of new adventures as well as unfamiliar obstacles that the counselors are forced to overcome. Not every day of camp runs smoothly, but that is what makes it so intriguing. Each day is unique and upon arriving in the morning, counselors don’t know what to expect. Sometimes it’s necessary to mentally prepare, especially if it’s one of those days when you’re just not in the mood.
If you’re a camp counselor, I’m sure that you can relate to some, if not all, of these thoughts running through your mind on any ordinary camp day.
“It’s only 9:00? This will definitely be a long day…”
“Is it time for lunch yet? I’m so hungry…”
“Oh my god is this camper serious right now?”
“Alright, I wanna go to the art room and just chill for a bit.”
“How do these kids have so much energy?! I feel like a grandma.”
“Dang, this heat is exhausting…I’m literally sweating through my shirt…this is gross.”
“If my campers could entertain themselves today, that would be greatly appreciated.”
“Why does every camper own an iPhone…they’re all like ten years old.”
“I’m so tired…I need sleep.”
“Do these kids ever get tired?”
“Alright, you’re cute and all, but please stop hanging on me…it’s way too hot. Thanks."
“What am I supposed to do with all of these pictures that my campers drew for me…”
“Hahaha, they spelled my name wrong. That’s so cute.”
“Why does this child feel the need to keep screaming? Please shut up.”
“Is it time for pick up yet? I need to be free!”
“Who do these kids think I am? Their maid or something? They’re cleaning this up themselves.”
“These kids better stop asking me to give them a piggyback ride.”
“Almost time to go home…yes!”
“Camp is lyfe…JK.”
“Payday is my one and only motivation!”
“Wow, I really do have a love-hate relationship with my campers.”
“Yeah, IDK if I can do this again next summer…”
“JK, I’ll definitely be back.”
