Most summers, I've been a lifeguard to an indoor pool with minimal hours. When I wasn't working, my time is usually taken up by beach trips and numerous hours of sleep. But now that I've faced life as an adult and expected to take on a summer job - I obviously wanted to be a summer camp counselor. Although I'm not a full fledged counselor and spend most of my time on the water front as a lifeguard and WSI (water safety instructor), I still get all the pros and cons of constantly working with kids in the hot sun. Here are just a few things you'd know if you are a camp counselor as well.
1. You can never spend any time with your friends during the week, because you're exhausted after your 8-5 job.
And yes, I'll be catching up on my sleep on the weekend too.
2. Those tan lines.
Whether it's a racer back or farmers tan, you've got it.
3. You sometimes can't get rid of that tone of voice you use with your kids.
I'm guilty of calling my best friend sweetheart and asking her if she needs to use the bathroom on more than a few occassions.
4. Being able to use swear words is like a treat when you're not at work.
I don't have a truckers mouth, but it's a sweet relief to not be on your toes all the time, worrying a cuss word might slip out.
5. So. Much. Dirt, pine needles, and sap. But you hardly have to do any laundry because all you're wearing is a swimsuit and that one comfy pair of athletic shorts.
Who likes being clean anyway?
6. You're probably making about 1$ an hour, but having fun with the kids is worth it.
Not to mention you're probably already a broke college student.
7. You've got those kids who you just want to take under your wing, and others you'd probably like to punch.
Of course that's just wishful thinking (and incredibly illegal).
8. You probably use the phrase "because I said so" like 30 times a day.
And you feel like queen, boss, head honcho, etc.
9. The kids make you feel extremely old when they say they're born in 2010.
Most of them don't even know what "High School Musical" is!
10. Every moment becomes worth it when that one kid says that you're their favorite counselor.
The happiest moment of all.
All these experience you endure throughout your time as a summer camp counselor make you realize why you'd rather be tanning it out on a beach somewhere warm, but also make you love it all the same.
Adore all my little demons.