Growing up going to a summer camp and later becoming a camp counselor has easily been one of the most shaping factors in my life . As I spend later and later nights in the library or studying, I am getting more and more excited to be back at camp. Being a counselor can be extremely difficult at times. Sleep deprivation and mid-summer ruts are so real. Sometimes campers can dig under your skin or their home situations can break your heart. However 95% of the time you are on top of the world. I truly believe being a camp counselor is one of the hardest, but most rewarding jobs out there and here's seven reasons why you should be one!
1. You get to be a superhero
Kids think you are literally the coolest person ever! You seem to have all this amazing knowledge and skills that they want to eat up. There's no confidence boost like being some kids hero for using magic spider-be-gone spray (water in a bottle) or helping them learn something new.
2. Leadership skills and teamwork
You have to be a leader and work as a team nearly every second of the day. You will learn so many random team building exercises and to hold your own. It really will help you with school and all that "real" world stuff.
3. You get to learn from kids
Kids are so much smarter than you think they are. They are full of random knowledge and facts that will blow your mind. Also, they can remind you of very important things like confidence, a care-free attitude and an open mind that we sometimes forget as adults.
4. Living outside is the best
If we are being real I was afraid to live outside all summer. At my camp, we sleep in cabents that are like cabins with tent flaps that only go down when it rains. I feared stormy nights and surprise critters, but sleeping outside is the best thing! Nothing clears your mind and refreshes your body like falling asleep under the stars with a perfect breeze.
5. You get paid to act like a kid
Camp allows you to be silly, fun and carefree. You get to run around, dress crazy, play games, paint your face and sing fun songs/skits. Your inner child is really set free and you learn a lot about what's truly important.
6. You find yourself
Camp is the perfect place to find your true north. It can help you discover your passions and place in the world. It is a super accepting place to be whoever it is that you are. For me, my friends and campers it has helped us find who we are and to run with it.
7. You find your family
Going to camp truly builds you a home away from home and a whole new family. You meet people from all sorts of countries and ways of life. Even though I don't talk to my camp family every day I know there always there and when we're together time ceases to exist. Shoutout to the CFB, you are all so amazing!