We all need something to do to occupy our summers, preferably something fun because we all know working as a hostess or waiter at a local restaurant the entire summer does not sound ideal.I’ve been lucky enough to work at a quaint summer camp in Texas the past two summers. (Camp Huawni if anyone was wondering, a.k.a. the greatest place on earth) And if you aren’t from the good ole “Lone Star State” there’s a variety of camps right here in Arkansas! I can honestly say that being a camp counselor has taught me more life lessons and life experiences than any waitressing job would. Getting to teach and learn from kids every summer while having fun is the most rewarding job that I believe every college kid should get to experience. Here are my 10 reasons on why I think everyone should be a camp counselor:  #1. You get to spend 6-8 weeks (depending on the camp) acting like a total freak and NO ONE can say anything about it because it’s socially acceptable!
#2.  You’ll be laughing 90% of the time you’re working. No one ever gets to say that working a job behind a desk. Kids literally do say the darndest things and you’ll remember the weird things they tell you for years to come. 
#3. You’ll learn to not care what you look like. People base a lot of their opinions because of the way another person looks or dresses. Well, at camp you learn to love the natural look. Trust me, you’ll be missing it by the time classes roll around again in the fall.
#4.  Being a camp counselor teaches you to be a well-rounded, compassionate, and responsible individual. Yes, you get to hangout and encourage kids everyday but there are other responsibilities that go along with that. It’s an unforgettable experience.

#5. You get to be outdoors all day everyday! What about that doesn’t rock? Hiking, biking, running, canoeing, fishing, you get to do all of that in one place.  And with being outside in the sun only means one thing, YOU GET THE BEST TAN OF YOUR LIFE!
#6.  Getting dirty becomes the greatest thing ever. You’ll start to believe that washing your hair everyday (or every other day) isn’t important. It’s fun to be dirty! Especially when 200 of the coolest people around are getting dirty with you!

#7. You’ll find out things about yourself that you never knew! My first summer working as a counselor I found out that I’m really great at cleaning (for those who know me, you probably just LOL’d) But really, whether it’s finding out you’re a great cleaner, dancer, or a great four-square player you’re bound to find a hidden talent. (hopefully one that’s more impressive than mine).

#8. You’ll become a leader, whether you like it or not. At the end of the day, as a camp counselor, all those kiddos look to you for EVERYTHING (trust me when I say everything).  They want to be you when they leave camp! If that doesn’t make you feel awesome, I don’t know what will!

#9.  You’re getting paid to PLAY! This is probably one of the only jobs where it is actually encouraged to paint your entire body, yell at the top of your lungs, and dress like you just left the thrift store. The kids love it! (counselors may love it more than the campers sometimes)
#10. I saved the best for last of course… You get to bond with 40-50 of the best people you’ll ever meet. YOUR FELLOW STAFF MEMBERS. By the end of the summer you’ll know everything there is to know about every single person on staff. One of the best parts about it all is that you all went through the summer together and you all grew together. You’ll be friends with these people for the rest of you life!