Summertime means beaches, late nights out doing absolutely pointless things with your friends, "Netflix-ing" your heart out, and ... work.
We have a lot more time to make our bank accounts a little more healthy, and being a camp counselor is one of the best jobs you can have over the summer. Hundreds of camps go on nationwide, whether they're academic, enrichment, or a straight-up stay-in-a-cabin-and-sing-campfire-songs-type of set up. Regardless of the situation, what you can learn through this kind of job is invaluable.
You realize that compensation is more than just a paycheck.
Sure, we all wait for that notification about that direct deposit. But in this field, you get more than the big bucks. More often than not, your meals are paid for, your housing is paid for, and you don't have to pay the venues you visit. Hello, free trips to Disney World. So you're not only making money, you're saving money and having a hell of a good time while you're at it.
Patience and respect: the most important qualities you can have.
Your patience will be tested, especially depending on the age of the students you are dealing with. Sometimes, students will surprise you and not act their age AT ALL. You'll wonder what's happening to the generations as they grow and you'll lose faith in humanity a few odd times. But don't sweat it, you're not the only one. Your co-counselors are probably feeling the same way and you're all in the same boat. The best thing you can do is be patient and realize that you not only have to respect your supervisors but also those whom you are in charge of.
You should never forget you wear a name tag.
When you step outside in your company's shirt, or wear a name tag with your company's logo, you represent them. This is of utmost importance when you are out and about, dealing with students. The way you treat them reflects on whom you are representing. The way they behave reflects on the way things are run in the camp. Perspective is everything.
You will learn to appreciate cultural differences.
There are plenty of international camps in America, especially in different universities, which offer true American experiences to students from abroad. It is in these cases, especially, that you learn exactly how different some cultures can be. What is insensitive in one may not be insensitive in another. For example, if someone from South America tries to kiss you on the cheek, don't be alarmed; that's normal. However, cultural differences don't always mean seeing a Russian's point of view when you're American. It can also mean seeing a northerner's point of view when you're from the South, and understanding them when they say "coiffee."
You will learn just as much as the students.
The funny thing about being a camp counselor is that everything comes full circle. You may be there to guide students, protect them, offer them the best experience they can have - however, at the end of the day, you will learn just as much as them. You will see yourself in some of them and the way they act. You will learn about yourself and how you deal with varying degrees of situations. You will learn that age, culture, gender, race or any of those things which seem like obstacles are really not. Because you will become friends with everyone around in some way, shape or form.
The experience is time-consuming, tiring, and may even make you a zombie by the end of the camp, but it is the most rewarding summer experience one could hope to gain.
