With summer comes camp season: the time of swimming, ridiculous songs, arts and crafts, and days spent outdoors. When you are no longer able to be a camper, it only makes sense that you can continue that camp life by becoming a counselor or lifeguard. Except now, you are leading the songs and are responsible for the safety and well-being of your campers. Whether you've been a counselor for a while or are returning for a second year, there are some things that all camp counselors just know to be true. With summer comes camp season- the time of swimming, ridiculous songs, arts and crafts, and days spent outdoors.
1. The weather is never predictable…
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...so pack accordingly. When you show up at camp in the morning, it may be an absolutely gorgeous day with temperatures in the 70s with a cloudless sky. An hour or so later, it could be a downpour in the 50s, especially if you are in Cleveland. So packing extra socks and a sweatshirt/light raincoat is a necessity.
2. You carry your life on your back
I always end up carrying a backpack with me around camp on the daily. Generally it’s full of water, Band-aids, extra sunglasses, an excessive amount of sunscreen, even my hopes and dreams (okay maybe not that). You never know when a camper might fall and skin her knee or when you might want that extra, dry swimsuit when it is far too chilly to go swimming twice in one day. Better prepared than not, right? Though warning: sometimes that pack can be quite heavy.
3. You may lose your voice…
...but you’ll keep singing anyways. We all know that there are enough camp songs out there to fill several books, and chances are you know them all...and the dance moves to go with them! But all of that singing and chanting is enough to wreak a little havoc on your vocal chords. I once lost my voice for two weeks as a camp counselor, but giving up on singing “Let it Go” for my young campers was not an option. It’s a part of the job, and even if you say otherwise, you probably love it.
4. The pool/beach is the main event:
For the most part, campers love swimming. Like really love it. You’ll probably spend hours upon hours a week in the water. But it’s hard to complain, even if watching the campers is a bit more tricky with all the splashing water. You love it anyway! Just make sure you and the campers are safe.
5. Lunch/cook-outs are the best:
These hours of the day are the best time to just relax a bit between running from specialist activities to the next program. This time is prime time to get to know your campers when you are all eating and catching your breath. And goodness knows, the newfound energy from some food is always a plus.
6. Free times are awesome:
You and your campers can decide how you want to spend the time. With young campers, much of this time was spent coloring and reading picture books or running around the fields. I’m hoping this summer might include some cool hikes or creek walks. Whatever activity's chosen, it’s a new experience every time, and that is pretty darn fun.
7. Pick-Up/Drop-Off can be hectic:
Whether you are a resident counselor or a day counselor, pick-up and drop-off times for the campers can be a bit chaotic. For the parents and the campers, it is like a reunion, and for the counselors, it may be the first/last time you’ll see your campers. Whatever the situation, people are grabbing their stuff and running around. But despite the extra vigilant supervision to make sure nobody is running between cars, I actually love this time during day camp. It is so cool to see your group in the morning and hype them up for a great day. Plus, you can get to know some great parents and new campers.
8. Sunscreen
One of the main defenses against the hot summer sun. Applications of sunscreen become so important not only for the campers but for the counselors, especially if you are pale and prone to turning into a lobster in the sun like me. Nobody wants to send home a rosy camper when it could’ve been avoided. Thankfully most parents send plenty of sunscreen to camp with their children. That being said, even with all the sunscreen though, tan lines are pretty much unavoidable.
9. Water breaks are mandatory:
Honestly, I never drink as much water as I do when I’m out in the sun at camp. Preventing heat exhaustion is so important, and nothing feels better than drinking a cup of cold water when the temps are in the upper 80s℉ and the humidity is making your hair stick to your skin. There is always time for you and your campers to stop at an Igloo cooler or a water fountain.
10. Handmade bracelets galore
Chances are, by the end of camp, you’ll probably have made or been given some form of handmade paracord, string, braided, or beaded bracelet. You may hang it off of a zipper on your backpack or you may just end up with a wrist full of bracelets that have been tied on...so there is no way to get them off except cut them free. They can be fun to make and exchange but there is a point from which there is no return, usually when you find yourself spending any free time making more. It just becomes second nature.
11. You love your campers
Even if you are paired with one camper that is a bit challenging, generally you love getting to know your campers. You are the adult and responsible for their safety and making sure that they have fun, but those campers can teach you a lot about life and yourself in return. They may encourage you to be more outgoing or show you a new way to have some fun. Every one of them is different, and every one of them brings something to camp that makes your job experience even more worthwhile.
12. You may find yourself being paired up with another counselor
Campers tend to love asking if you are dating and if the person is that counselor to whom you were just talking. Whether you are or aren’t, shipping counselors at camps seems to be quite common. After a while, you’ll become an expert at changing the topic from anything too personal.
13. Theme days are picture worthy
Many camps incorporate theme days where they encourage the campers and counselors to come dressed according to the theme whether it be Sport's Day, Color Wars, or whatnot. Dressing up and seeing your campers and counselors decked out can be hilarious and highly entertaining. Make sure you have a camera! Oh, and there may be face paint! Just embrace it.
14. Camp family
At camp, you not only become friends with the other counselors, but you all rely on each other. Whether you need a break to run to the bathroom or whether you pair up with another group, you have each other’s backs.
15. You love camp
If you are working as a counselor, it is highly likely that you just generally love camp. Maybe you were a camper when you were younger, or maybe you just love the ridiculously entertaining songs and camaraderie. Whatever your background experience includes, camp counselors are never too afraid to act a little silly, dress up in silly costumes, sing at the top of their lungs, or put themselves out there and try something new. The experience of being at camp, whether as a camper or a counselor is so worthwhile. Chances are, you’ll remember the experience forever.
