Almost every teenager experiences what it's like to babysit, but few know what its like to chase more than 20 kids around a campground for a day. From 4-15, a camp counselor will need to know how to wrangle kids, while also making sure that everyone is safe and having a great time. It's definitely something I recommend everyone to try, because despite making you utterly exhausted, it does teach you patience, how to remain positive, and how to take matters into your own hands.
1. Wearing out the grips on the soles of your sneakers
Running around either asphalt, the forest floor, or grass sure takes a toll on the sneakers you're wearing. Make sure to get the ones with super grippy bottoms so you don't slip while trying to serve the kids lunch.
2. Dealing with difficult kids, and trying not to lose your cool
Half of the time, if you treat a child with respect, and explain what you want them to do, you'll get the results that you want. But during the other half of the time, there are complaints, whining, or kids that just say "NO!" to participating make life hard. And after trying to coax them into the activity and getting attitude, it would be easy to just yell to try to get your way. But the easiest way to go is to keep trying the route that has nice tones, and nicer words, because if a kid thinks you're mean, they're going to avoid you and definitely not listen. So keep your cool. It'll pay off in the long run.
3. Being called every name in the book, and then some made-up ones
My given name is Francesca, but my camp names are "Fran-churro", "French Fry" and the newest one, "Frito". Lord only knows what other names i'll be called by the end of camp, but you have to love their creativity!
4. Working from 8-4:45 at the camp, coming home, eating & changing, and then heading to another job from 6-10
Your feet will want to fall off, but you do it because of those college books you need at the end of the summer. Maybe its for the endless supplies of the "Poke-balls" you want to buy in "Pokemon Go!". Or in my case, the awesome Study Abroad programs that my college offers! Either way it'll pay off in the end, and you'll feel like you actually did something, instead of finding new shows to watch online.
5. Lanyards and String
Boxes, Zippers, Barrels, and Spiral Staircases are all the rage at camp, since it gives the kids something to do with all that energy. If you know how to start one of these because of your "golden days" at a summer camp, you will be asked to start up to 15 in a day. And they must be even. For a rusty string person like me, this is always a challenge, but not as much of a challenge as it is to make sure the kids don't bite each other while trying to get at those colorful rolls.
6. Trying to make the kids feel welcome, and going too far
For those of you like me, I don't like it when a kid is new and knows nobody or feels left out. And in my plight to make them feel a bit more comfortable, funny faces and gestures are needed to put a smile on their faces. I'm not going to lie, sometimes it can go a bit too far, but it's worth it if the child will come out of their shell a bit.
7. Stickers
As much as I love my 'Finding Dory' stickers, the kids love them more. And sometimes they like to go into my folder without my permission to get them. Boundaries are hard to set when you have a sticker, but they can also be crucial in rewarding kids to say "good job!" or making them listen without getting angry. (See #2)
8. Lunch
Every camp has a special way of getting food to all of the kids, but lunchtime can be stressful. With all of the kids asking for different things, you might lose track of time and only have a few minutes to wold something down, yourself.
9. Exhaustion
Whether it's from heat or just a lot going on that day, every counselor experiences a certain level of defeat after a long day. It's not abnormal for a counselor to fall asleep in front of the tv while watching 'House Hunters' at about 8:30. Camp. Is. Exhausting.
10. The end of camp
By the time camp comes to a close, both the campers and the counselors have built up a fondness for each other that is special. No matter what they're going to ask you to sign their make-shift year books, made out of construction paper and glue, but you're happy to do it. There's nothing like a kid's personality to brighten up a crummy day, and you've become like a big brother or sister to them by the end of camp. Nothing beats a kid looking up to you like you're the best thing since sliced bread, or their random "GROUP HUGS!!!", because you're sure going to miss every one of them when you can't see them every day.
Working at a camp is great, because at the end of the day, you have better communication skills, and you've made new friends, whether it be your colleague or a camper. Make the most of your time, and remember to smile and have fun!
