Working at a summer camp has been one of the best experiences of my life. Sure, it's not an internship or extra classes that will further my major or something that will make me a ton of money. It's not something that will necessarily help me get a job in my desired field in the future and it isn't something that will increase my chances of getting into the graduate program I desire. It may not be something academically enticing, or something that is career-enhancement oriented, but that's one of the best things about it. Throughout the school year I spend my time studying for classes and participating in clubs and activities that are academically based. While I do genuinely enjoy most of the classes that I take, and I do enjoy the clubs and activities I partake in during the school year, I need the summer to take a break from tests and papers, and become engaged in activities that do not have a clear career based goal. I need time to focus on the most important aspect of wellbeing: happiness.
Many things have kept me coming back to my job as a summer camp counselor. While many of my friends are participating in prestigious internships, above minimum wage jobs, and getting ahead in their academic studies, these are the important things that I am gaining:
1. Learning how to make a fool out of myself
Whether it be dressing up in tutus and face paint for color war or Marvel shirts for "Marvel Monday," Leading cheers and songs in the dining hall or creating silly dances and stories to entertain my campers, I have certainly learned the importance of making a fool out of myself. More so, I have learned the importance of bursting out of my comfort zone, having fun, being myself and encouraging children to do the same.
2. Taking responsibility for people other than myself
The truth is, as a college student, I don't have too many responsibilities other than going to class, studying and keeping up with my extra curriculars. Everything that I am responsible revolves around me. When I work at camp, I find myself responsible for an abundance of tiny humans, and that responsibility leads to vital life skills. My responsibility for my campers teaches me sympathy, patience, calmness and obviously: responsibility.
3. Having fun without spending money, going to a frat party or using technology such as Netflix/TV
As a college student, a lot of the "fun" things I participate in either cost money or involve going to a party of some kind. Working at camp, I have learned that I don't actually need these things to have fun. I have gotten to experience fun through genuine human interaction whether it be during camp, on a night off or on a day off. I don't go out to eat all of the time, and I am not attached to my phone like I am the rest of the year –– and something about that is liberating.
4. Receiving genuine gratitude through words and actions as opposed to money
As a camp counselor, I do not get a monetary tip when I do a good job. I am "tipped" when a camper trusts me and listens to my advice. I am "tipped" when a camper runs up to me after a day off and tells me all about what I missed the day before because they don't want me to miss out. I am "tipped" when a camper tells me that they look up to me for one or more of my genuine qualities as a human being.
5. Learning how to work with and get along with people who have very little in common with me
Only at camp will you find people of all nationalities, all educational backgrounds and all ages working at the same job. Working at a summer camp I have had the opportunity to work with people from all over the world, with different dreams for the future. I have learned to work with people whom I have very little in common with, and I have loved every second.
6. Having the absolute time of my life
Working as a summer camp counselor is an absolute blast. It truly brings me back to the simple things that I enjoyed as a child. There is nothing better than spending a summer day swimming in the pool, having your meals made for you and playing on a giant ropes course –– except perhaps doing all of these things with overexcited, loving, wonderful children. I have my best friends who have come back year after year by my side, and over the course of eight weeks, I make even more amazing friends. Great people, great fun and a great place. What else could I want for my summer?
