Summer camp. It's amazing how those two words bring back so many memories for so many people. Summer camp of some type has been a part of so many people's lives. However, if you, like me, have worked or are working as a camp counselor, you have gotten more up close and personal with the whole summer camp experience than you would like to admit. Here are some signs that you are a camp counselor:
1. Your counting skills are on point.
At least up until around 25. The number of times you do head counts in one day makes your head spin. You have become a pro! Do a head count while all the kids are running around outside instead of getting in line? No sweat, you got this! Whoever heard of kids standing in line anyway?
2. You're always trying to come up with new attention grabbers.
You know, because "One, two, three, eyes on me" can get really old after the first thousand times you do it. And when you find one that actually works it's like the equivalent of discovering Narnia. Also, when you're in a crowded room and trying to get people's attention, you have to remind yourself that using one of these is not really appropriate outside of camp.
3. You constantly have camp songs stuck in your head.
Between the shark song, red wagon song, and the princess pat, you're amazed that your brain can think of anything else. What can make a hippopotamus smile? You know the answer to that one! And Herman the worm has a very peculiar diet. Besides actual camp songs, you have learned all the words to the Whip and Nae Nae. And, of course, you know all the Kidz Bop versions of songs.
4. You have become a pro at finding things.
Sunscreen, water bottles, goggles, swimsuits, towels, shoes -- you name it, a kid has lost it. And they need you to find it for them while they just watch you trying to find it. And they definitely cannot even tell you where they remember seeing it last because they forgot even though they last had it only two minutes ago. But when you do finally find something, the child gets so excited, and you kind of feel like a superhero.
5. Two words: tan lines.
Tan lines from your t-shirt, shorts, and socks. They are there and very noticeable. Luckily for five days out of the week, that doesn't really matter!
6. You have one of the best jobs in the world.
At the end of the day, you love your job and all its little quirks. Because while it can be extremely challenging and frustrating, you also get paid to hang out with some pretty awesome kids and learn so much from them. Plus, where else would you get paid to play on a slip 'n slide inflatable, color awesome coloring pages, or watch a movie?
