Working at a summer camp is unlike any other job. There isn’t necessarily a way that you can prepare for the crazy things you will experience at camp, yet the memories last a lifetime. For those who have never worked at a camp and for those who have, here are 11 things that every camp counselor can relate to.
1. You don’t have “work hours.”
You work 24 hours a day. When you live with campers for a week, you never know what kind of adventures could happen in the middle of the night, and it’s your job to be ready at all hours.
2. You kind of have a permanent sock tan.
This is pretty much inevitable. You wouldn’t want to wear flip-flops on a hike through the woods!
3. You’ve braved all sorts of creatures.
From four to 100 legs, you’ve courageously protected your campers from their worst fears of insects and creatures of all kinds.
4. You’re a professional braider.
Even if you came to camp completely unaware of how to braid, you will learn. Braids are a necessity, and you have to be ready at any time to braid a pleading camper’s hair.
5. You’ve acted courageous countless times, even when you’re deathly afraid.
From bugs to heights, you’ve had to set a great example for your campers. When you’re afraid, they’re afraid. If it takes you climbing the terrifying ropes course for a camper to climb the terrifying ropes course, that’s what you have to do.
6. You’ve done some really crazy things that you would never experience anywhere else.
Whether it’s getting painted head-to-toe, performing in countless improvisation skits on a rainy day or pretending to be a spy for a fun night game, you’ve done it all.
7. Camp songs are forever stuck in your head.
When you sing every day, you can’t help but carry those songs with you everywhere. It’s also a great way to keep campers entertained, which is a plus.
8. Fake it ‘til you make it.
You’ve been in charge of teaching activities that you have no idea how to teach or have had to quickly act in emergency situations. You just have to make it work!
9. You’re more than just a counselor.
You’re a temporary parent, plumber, protector, guide, teacher, artist, archer, cook, athlete, climber, hiker, public speaker, and so much more. You learn more skills at camp than anywhere else.
10. It’s not all about you.
You put yourself last because the campers come first. You learn selflessness and doing what is right for the kids (FTK).
11. Receiving letters from past campers is the best feeling in the world.
You know you did something right. You know there was value in the late night porch talks and wisdom given. You know you can be an example to them.
At the end of the summer, tears are shed, hugs are given and goodbyes are not easy to say. You always look for opportunities to go back to your second home and get back into the beautiful nature. The experiences from working at a summer camp surpasses those of any other job, and the memories are forever with you. Carry them wherever you go -- you never know when you’ll have to shoot an arrow, guide a bug out of the room or lead a group of bright young kids.
