Working at a summer camp has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my early adult life. Not only have I gained insight and knowledge, but I have also been able to meet incredible people and have fun at my job every single day during the summer months.

You learn to let go

You develop the ability to truly put the needs of others before your own

You get to channel your creativity and childish energy into something productive

You learn to care much, MUCH less about superficial things

You learn to let your guard down much quicker

Your ego will receive a huge boost from the kids you spend the most time around

On the other hand, you will also have your biggest insecurities pointed out to you countless times…kids don’t know how to be anything but honest

You learn to open yourself up to new people and experiences

Camp songs become a part of your musical repertoire

You get paid to totally make a fool of yourself...and you love it

You have a reason to act completely ridiculous, which is often the most therapeutic thing in the world

You learn to carry around a water bottle and sunscreen everywhere you go, because you just never know

You develop the most attractive farmers tan

You've probably broken at least two pairs of sunglasses

...and misplaced some hats too

You get close to people that you may not have outside of camp

You bond with people on a much deeper level than you do at other jobs

You become a part of something bigger than yourself, and it changes you for the better