If you are thinking of becoming a camp counselor, there are probably some things that you are excited about and others that you are worried about. Being a camp counselor was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time, but there are some things I wish I had known before I hopped into the topsy turvy world of camp life.
None of these are reasons not to be a camp counselor. That is not the intention of this post. These are simply facts that I've noticed and learned to laugh at. They're bonding points for my coworkers and myself and things that are allowing me to grow this summer.
1. Showering is not a priority.
Prepare to stink, people. Don’t worry though, nobody cares anymore. This past week, I went three days without showering. During this time, I lifeguarded, ran around, sat in the dirt, and played in a mud pit. Filth is a part of camp! Embrace it!
2. Brushing your hair is not a priority.
Just throw that mess into a ponytail! If you can’t find your hairbrush as soon as you get up, don’t waste anymore energy on it. It is not worth the effort!
3. Sleeping IS a priority.
Always sleep during your free time! You're going to be exhausted. Most of the time, you will be out as soon as your head touches your pillow. Camp life and kids are draining. You're not going to have much energy at times. Solution: sleep it off and fake the rest! You got this!
4. There is always at LEAST one problem child.
You will probably sound like a broken record trying to keep this kid from doing stupid things or hurting the other children’s feelings. Just be prepared and keep calm! You will make it through! Remember that those kids are just as loved and important as the others. It just takes more work!
5. Camp food gets old.
At first, the camp food is delicious! Then you realize that you are eating the same thing week after week. The best way to deal with the monotony is to always thank the cooks for their hard work and go out to eat on the weekends, just to break it up.
6. There is sand. EVERYWHERE.
This is more specific to my camp, but I thought that I would mention it anyways. The soil here is sandy, so whether you are on the beach or walking in the woods, there is going to be sand. Basically, sand is the glitter of camp. You will find it in the weirdest of places…
7. This job is both serious and absolutely silly at the same time.
As a camp counselor, you are in charge of keeping these children whole and alive. It can be scary and there is a lot of rules to remember, but on the flip side, there is so many ways to have fun! You can wear anything and not be judged. You can waddle around like a penguin and the kids will think you are amazing. You can just be you: silly and serious.
8. Water is LIFE!
Anything can be fixed with water. Headache? Water. Stomachache? Water. Crabbiness? Water. Feeling like you might pass out? Water. It's the answer to everything!
9. There is always something to learn.
Kids come here to learn new things. What you don’t expect is how much you are going to learn as well. Whether you learn a new skill or a different way to think of something, you are learning every day.
10. These kids will change your life.
Children have an interesting perspective on life. They can renew you and teach you different ways to think and love. They need you more than you thought you would ever be needed. All these kids become a part of you in some way. They can change your faith, your opinions, and give you a reason to keep moving forward. Cherish every minute you have with these kids. You are only here for the summer, so don’t let any of it go to waste.
Have you been a counselor before? Did any of these facts of camp make you laugh? Tell me about it!
None of these are reasons not to be a camp counselor. That is not the intention of this post. These are simply facts that I've noticed and learned to laugh at. They're bonding points for my coworkers and myself and things that are allowing me to grow this summer.
1. Showering is not a priority.
Prepare to stink, people. Don’t worry though, nobody cares anymore. This past week, I went three days without showering. During this time, I lifeguarded, ran around, sat in the dirt, and played in a mud pit. Filth is a part of camp! Embrace it!
2. Brushing your hair is not a priority.
Just throw that mess into a ponytail! If you can’t find your hairbrush as soon as you get up, don’t waste anymore energy on it. It is not worth the effort!
3. Sleeping IS a priority.
Always sleep during your free time! You're going to be exhausted. Most of the time, you will be out as soon as your head touches your pillow. Camp life and kids are draining. You're not going to have much energy at times. Solution: sleep it off and fake the rest! You got this!
4. There is always at LEAST one problem child.
You will probably sound like a broken record trying to keep this kid from doing stupid things or hurting the other children’s feelings. Just be prepared and keep calm! You will make it through! Remember that those kids are just as loved and important as the others. It just takes more work!
5. Camp food gets old.
At first, the camp food is delicious! Then you realize that you are eating the same thing week after week. The best way to deal with the monotony is to always thank the cooks for their hard work and go out to eat on the weekends, just to break it up.
6. There is sand. EVERYWHERE.
This is more specific to my camp, but I thought that I would mention it anyways. The soil here is sandy, so whether you are on the beach or walking in the woods, there is going to be sand. Basically, sand is the glitter of camp. You will find it in the weirdest of places…
7. This job is both serious and absolutely silly at the same time.
As a camp counselor, you are in charge of keeping these children whole and alive. It can be scary and there is a lot of rules to remember, but on the flip side, there is so many ways to have fun! You can wear anything and not be judged. You can waddle around like a penguin and the kids will think you are amazing. You can just be you: silly and serious.
8. Water is LIFE!
Anything can be fixed with water. Headache? Water. Stomachache? Water. Crabbiness? Water. Feeling like you might pass out? Water. It's the answer to everything!
9. There is always something to learn.
Kids come here to learn new things. What you don’t expect is how much you are going to learn as well. Whether you learn a new skill or a different way to think of something, you are learning every day.
10. These kids will change your life.
Children have an interesting perspective on life. They can renew you and teach you different ways to think and love. They need you more than you thought you would ever be needed. All these kids become a part of you in some way. They can change your faith, your opinions, and give you a reason to keep moving forward. Cherish every minute you have with these kids. You are only here for the summer, so don’t let any of it go to waste.
Have you been a counselor before? Did any of these facts of camp make you laugh? Tell me about it!