I never in my 19 years of life thought I would ever be a summer camp counselor, but stranger things have happened in my life. Never did I ever think that I would be in charge of small groups of children or that I would even like it, but here we are.
I've worked with children since I was 12 years old and my mother would bring me to school with her to help with kids on the spectrum. Since then, I've worked at a children's museum, daycare, and a church but never did I think I would get the opportunity or even apply to be a summer camp counselor, but here we are.
Being a summer camp counselor is actually the most exhausting job I have ever had. For those of you who don't know, camp counselors work full time, 40 hours a week, with their own group of children usually around 15-20 ish kids per group, and most of the time we are in the sun, playing games with them or on field trips. It is extremely exhausting and definitely not for everyone. If you somewhat tolerate kids but don't really love them, then this is for sure not the job for you. It's hard, but from my four weeks of working here so far I've learned that it's extremely rewarding.
There is literally NOTHING better than feeling like you're getting through to a child and gaining not only their respect but their love. Children are special and while they can be pains, they are still learning the ways of life and need your guidance. No, as a camp counselor you aren't their teacher, but you can still teach them some valuable life lessons without even knowing that you're impacting them.
I have learned SOOO many games thanks to working as a camp counselor. Did you know that tic-tac-toe can also be played as a hand game like patty cake? Back in my day, it was only on paper so thanks to my group for teaching me this. If it weren't for camp, I wouldn't even know about Paw Patrol, which is a HUGE thing for kids nowadays. Back when I was young, Bratz was a thing but now they have LOL dolls and trading to get all of them is a must for these kids.
So fellow camp counselors, I understand if you're frustrated from the long days and hours but remember that it's only for the summer. After the summer, you can go back to your days of school work, sitting at home and relaxing, tanning, etc. Just remember that whatever you do or say to these kids really impacts their lives, so please leave a positive impact on them. Children are a handful, trust me I've had many days where I've come home with the worst migraines, but while they are learning from you, you are also learning from them too believe it or not.
