It's mid July, and I’m sitting here wondering where has summer gone? As it winds down and returning to college creeps closer, my summer weeks have flown by because I’ve spent my days busy in the “office." This office consists of a classroom, filled with young children with special needs. These students have been the highlight of my summer and a part of the best summer job as a camp counselor. Here are some reasons why being a camp counselor is the best summer job.

1. You have a huge impact on your campers.

The summer is a hectic time for parents; children are home from school and in need of something to do during the day. Rather than spending lots of money on babysitters, some parents enroll their children into camp. As a camp counselor, you spend hours with these children. Sometimes you spend more time with the kids than their own parents do, which is why you have huge impact on these individuals. You show them respect and teach them how to be respectful to others. These are pivotal times in their lives, and as a camp counselor you help shape the minds of our future.

2. Your campers have a huge impact on you.

When you walk out of the office after a long day of work you can't help but think about the funny memories that you shared with your kids at camp. You think about the funny stories from weeks ago, the smiles, and pure joy that the children brought to you. These children have a strong impact on you, they remind us the joy of being a child. They make you forget about all of the horrible things going on in the world, or the bills that you have to pay, or the student loans that are building up; rather, for the day, they remind you the importance of having fun.

3. Endless Hugs

No matter how bad of a day you are having, your campers are guaranteed to show you love and embrace you with endless amounts of hugs. Sometimes so many hugs that you have to look down at your shirt and make sure you are not wearing your "free hugs" shirt.

4. Great Co-Workers

Camp counselors provide a great work environment. Co-workers are silly, energetic and just as crazy as you are. There is never a dull moment in the office, and everyone works together towards the goal of making this a memorable summer for your campers.

5. Dance Parties

Music and a speaker is a must at summer camp. Campers love to boogie and show off their dance moves, allowing for you to be a goof ball and have some fun dancing around like a young child again.

6. Steps, Steps, Steps

Reaching that goal of 10,000 steps on your Fitbit happens about two hours into camp. As a counselor, you are walking constantly which makes staying healthy a lot easier.

7. Great Work Hours

Camp hours are great. You're up early and getting your day moving and you are done early in the afternoon which leaves the evening free for anything you would like to do! Not only are they great hours, but they fly by because you are so busy having fun that you don't even realize what time it is.

8. You get to see your campers grow

There are always those yearly members of camp who you have the pleasure of watching them grow. You are able to see the boy who you used to have to remind to keep his hands to himself become the young man holding doors and holding hands.

9. Work attire

Being able to wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sneakers to the office is the absolute best. You're free to move around and be comfortable.

10. You get to be a kid again

Sometimes as we mature we forget that feeling of winning a game of four square or just being surrounded by love. As a camp counselor you are able to go back in time and relive your childhood. You get to be a complete goof ball and no one will tell you you're being unprofessional. Everyday is a new day full of fun adventures. Some days you travel off campus and take field trips with the kids, other days you go swimming, play games like freeze dance or red light green light. Every activity is fun for the children and you as well; there is never a moment in the office where you can say you are bored.

Thank you to my amazing campers for making this the best summer job!