Finding a summer job when you come home for the summer is not an easy task for most college students. It is difficult to come up with a job that is both entertaining as well as rewarding. However, when I think back to what I loved about summer as a kid, I always come up camp. Summer camp was always the best part about summer so why not continue that into adulthood as a camp counselor! Although the job is both entertaining and rewarding, it is very trying at times and if you've ever worked in a summer camp you probably understand what I mean!
1. The first day of camp struggles.
Who is allergic to what, who can be signed out by who, remembering all the campers names, and trying to remove crying campers clung onto their parents are all normal occurrences on the first day of the summer camp season. You are probably running around from place to place trying to run a smooth first day but let's be real there is no such thing as a problem-free first day of camp.
2. The Mess of Arts & Crafts.
Trying to find a craft that all ages will participate in is a hard task in and of itself but, proven even more difficult is cleaning it all up. From feathers to glue globs, the room you were just crafting in has forever been branded by whatever arts and crafts project you just did. That room will never be the same, especially if you used glitter. Don't even get me started on glitter.
3. The stress of talking to a parent about an incident that happened at camp.
Whether a camper was injured or just misbehaving it is always scary trying to talk to the parents. In your head you come up with ways to phrase the issue in order to not upset the parents who think their kids can do no wrong. However, usually the parent's don't even care and are happy you brought the problem to their attention.
4. The feeling at the end of the day when all your campers have been picked up.
You're exhausted, hungry, sweaty, and feeling like all you want is a nap and a snack.( I guess we can really relate to campers on this level.) Although, through all of this you feel relieved that you made it through another day of camp and you are one day closer to the weekend.
5. The reward when campers come running up to you the next day with smiles and open arms ready for another day of camp.
Nothing feels better than having a camper tell you how much they love camp and like being with you. It is amazing to think that you have been a part of their childhood made an impact on their life no matter how big or small. There will always be those moments of being a camp counselor that will stick with you forever. This is why we love our job!
