I have been sponsoring at camps ever since I was in the 9th grade. It quickly became something that I loved spending my summers doing. Here are five reasons I would recommend being a camp sponsor to anyone.

1. The friendships

Going to camps as a sponsor, as well as a camper, has helped me to make some of the greatest friendships I have had.

2. The memories

Yes, they aren't all great memories. Like when a camper feels homesick and you have to try to convince them they'll be okay or kids having allergic reactions to a bug. But there are also great memories. Some of mine are playing spoons, running in races, and going to see the springs.

3. The crafts

Not all camps have this, but I wouldn't want to know how to make a hacky sac out of a needle, plate washers, and feathers any other way.

4. Your small groups become family

The group you meet with to talk to at the end of the day become like a second family. As a camper, and sponsor, I always remember hanging out with those people majority of the day and becoming closer to them than anyone else.

5. The kids

Not only are you getting to just spend the day with kids and teach them. They're teaching you. I cannot tell you how many times kids have made me look at things in a different perspective. If you're willing to listen, you will learn so much from them.

If you have been considering working at a summer camp at all, please do it. It won't only change the lives of the kids you meet, but it will change yours too.