When I tell people that I will be going away to camp all summer long to be a counselor, I sometimes get weird looks. I do not mind though, because I know that I will have an amazing time no matter what. I always try to explain to them how amazing it is and no one ever understands. There are many reasons that everyone should be a camp counselor at some point.
1. You learn a lot.
You learn a lot about yourself and about others. When there is a situation with a camper that has never happened before, your ability to take care of it can say a lot about you.
2. Patience.
If there is only one thing you get out of being a camp counselor, it will be patience. Even someone like me who hates waiting for people will learn how to not only take a deep breath and just wait but also to encourage campers to pick up the pace a little.
3. Leadership.
Even if you do not have a specific leadership position, there will be certain activities and events you will be assigned to take charge of and it really does teach you a lot. You learn how difficult it is to actually keep a large crowd quiet and interested. It takes a lot of energy and patience to be in charge and you will have a renewed appreciation for your teachers and elders who do these types of jobs on a daily basis.
4. You meet new people.
Since one day at camp feels like a whole week long, it does not take long to instantly click with someone. You can go from being strangers to BFFs in less than an hour. You will get especially close with your counselors that are in the same cabin as you because you will have late night heart-to-hearts every night. The bonds created at camp between counselors (and even counselor to camper bonds) are unbreakable.
5. Singing and dancing during meal times.
Every time I hum or whistle a song at the dinner table, I get scolded by my parents. This is one of my favorite parts at camp. Where else is it acceptable to use your cups to bang on the table to make music for your loud and obnoxious singing?
6. You can wear anything.
You can wear any kind of mismatched outfit you want and just describe it as "campy." This kind of attire will not be accepted anywhere else.
7. Kids can be easy.
It's not that hard to get campers on your side. As long as you have dance parties in your cabin and let them braid your hair, your campers will adore you.
8. The outdoors.
You get to spend your whole summer outside in the mountains breathing fresh air without pollution around you. It is so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and just fall into the daily camp routine to escape from reality.
9. You learn to cope with people.
Every year there are a few people who you cannot stand but you learn to be around them. You either have to ignore them or just tolerate them because you have no other choice than to see them literally 24/7.
10. You get paid for having fun!
I promise you, there will be times when you are just questioning all of your life choices and wondering why you chose to come to camp. However, it is always worth it, despite the stress.
