By the end of this week I will have completed my first summer as a full-time camp counselor. Choosing this job at the beginning of the summer was easy: it was connected to my part-time job during the school year, I did not need to apply to get it and for the most part I knew the people I would be working with. It was an easy decision but little did I know that it was also the best way to spend my summer. Here's my five main reasons why:
1. You get to spend the summer outside
Who wouldn't want to work outside in the summer? Though part of our day takes place inside to give kids a break, a good portion of time is spent outdoors between athletics time, lunch and hours spent at the pool. Fresh air, blue skies, sun-kissed skin. What more could a girl ask for?
2. You're being paid to play
Three months after starting this job I can look back and realize 90% of my time was spent playing with my campers. Yes, we have to be responsible and watchful, but you learn to be good at multitasking. I've become a pro at Mancala, Gaga Ball, Four Square, Mario Kart and many other games throughout my time as a camp counselor. Not to mention all the time spent playing team sports and pool games. For a whole summer you have the chance to be a big kid and have fun while you work.
3. Smiles and laughter are a part of the dress code
How many people do you know that come home with a never ending amount of funny stories from their day at work? As a camp counselor you are always seeing or hearing something that will make you chuckle. Kids are kids. They don't always realize what they're saying or doing and most of the time it's cute but also down-right hilarious. I wish I had written down all the funny things I witnessed this summer but I know I'll remember the best ones for years to come. And that doesn't even include the intentional things campers say and do. Even on those rough days (Thursdays anyone??) your campers will always know how to best lift your spirits.
4. Camp becomes a family
Before my summer began at Camp Universal I already knew a good portion of the counselors I would be working alongside, but even then I can't say we were all close. As the summer is winding down, I can now safely say we have bonded pretty well. Over the past two weeks some of my co-workers have left for college and that gap has been felt. We've all become one unit and it's a sad occasion when we have to say goodbye to one of our members. Not only are the counselors close but you become close to the kids by spending so much time together. Every counselor has their favorites, and every one of us has those few kids who we constantly struggle with, but at the end of the day we are a family. It's never easy when a week finishes and you know which kids won't be returning for the rest of the summer, especially when they're one you have a strong relationship with. I can even admit to missing my campers, my co-workers and the camp itself while I spent time away on vacation during the summer. We are one big happy yet dysfunctional family and saying goodbye at the end of this week (which marks the end of the summer) is unfathomable.
5. The impact is well-worth the time put in
Sometimes it's hard. I've had days where I haven't wanted to get up to go in. I've complained to my co-workers, wanted to pull my hair out at times and cried as soon as I made it home after rough days. But it's worth it when you show up and hear all the kids shout your name as you walk in from the parking lot. And it's certainly worth it when the end of the summer hits and many of the kids are sad to see you go. This impact goes both ways, though. I can't even put into words how my life has changed this summer because of my job at Camp Universal. In just three weeks I will begin my time as a student-teacher and this summer was the perfect pre-requisite I did not realize I needed in order to feel more prepared. Spending everyday with my campers has also changed my heart. I've become more patient, more loving, kinder, and more carefree (though still watchful). And most importantly, I have learned how to love all my campers, even those who do not make it easy.
For any of you who will be looking and applying for summer jobs in the coming months for the 2017 season I strongly recommend becoming a camp counselor. It is flexible, it is enjoyable and it is a decision that you will not regret. To my Camp Universal family: thank you for changing my life and making this summer one of the best yet.
