If you are a resident camp counselor or a day camp counselor, you probably can relate to all of these. It can be a lot of work at times, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences.
1. You're TOO pumped for the first day of summer camp
You can't sleep the night right before summer camp starts (even though you know you're going to need it) because you're so excited to sing songs, make bracelets and make new little friends.
2. You sing all of the songs in your sleep.
You have been singing all of the songs to your campers "hand-clapping" game all day long and when you go to close your eyes at night first there is a nice, relaxing peace that is there and then you hear the song all over again.
3. When you aren't at camp, you are thinking about it.
You can't seem to shut your mind off. You replay the days events, try to plan more activities, or find yourself telling your family and friends a lot of random stories that you realize soon after 30 minutes of talking mean nothing to them.
4. You aren't afraid to do goofy things.
You are talking in your high-pitched voice and frolicking around like the animal that your campers are wanting you to pretend to be, then you pause for a second and you think to yourself, "What the heck am I doing?? If my friends saw this...oh, no". You continue to do it anyway. No fear.
5. Your co-workers quickly become your closest friends because you can talk "camp."
The "outside" people just can't understand. They don't know who little Sally is or how wild that reckless Robby can get. Your stories MATTER to your co-workers. They know your joy and your pain all at the same time.
6. You dress-up game is on point because of all of the themed weeks.
You never have to worry again that you're going to disappoint at a costume party because camp has prepared you.
7. You have 10 million notes or pictures you've collected over the whole summer from your campers.
You have sketched pictures of you looking a little more round than normal or your head is disproportionate to your body, but it is okay because nothing can replace the thought that went into them trying to get your outfit just right and spelling your name at the top of the paper in big letters.
8. You hear Ms. _________ or Mr. _________ being called in your dreams.
You are the most needed person around while at camp so it would only make sense that there are always campers calling your name who need your attention. It is beautiful to be needed so much... until you start hearing chants of your name while you're dreaming at night.
9. At some point in the day, you are in desperate need of just 5 seconds to breathe to you can try to amount to having all of the energy your campers have.
You come into the day full force but then midday you just need a second because you can't let their energy level beat you. You must rise above it. You must do more than maintain. You have to keep pressing on!
10. You can do no wrong in the eyes of your campers.
You could be wearing the most ridiculous thing and be doing a crazy dance while singing horribly at the top of your lungs and they will still be screaming "YOU ROCK". There is no such thing as embarrassing moments around your campers. You're a rockstar dude.
11. Your hair has probably been "braided" into a few knots by some sticky-handed little girl.
If you have a group full of girls the chance are at some point they are going to want to do their counselor's hair. It is so sweet until they are done and say "look" and you notice the knot that is now on the side of your head.
12. Dancing all of the time.
Song on or not, you are always expected to bring your best dance moves. It is an easy way to make everyone's day a little brighter
13. Your life is changed forever.
All jokes aside, your camp experience is unforgettable. You hung out with awesome kids all summer and made memories that mean the whole world to you. You walk into a new semester feeling sad that you won't get to do all of those 12 things again until a whole year. So, for now, we just impatiently wait to do it all over again.
