Why I Can't Seem To Leave Summer Camp
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

7 Reasons I Can't Seem To Leave Summer Camp

The littlest things can have the biggest impact on our lives.

135
7 Reasons I Can't Seem To Leave Summer Camp
Lauren Muller

Summer camp is a very unique place. It's almost like a little bubble separated from the rest of the world. It's a place where you can be completely, unapologetically yourself, without any fear of judgment. I never realized that a camp could affect me in the way that it has, but now I can't seem to leave summer camp behind.

1. For old times' sake.

Working at the camp that I've been coming to since I was a kid makes the job that much more special. I remember thinking my counselors had the coolest job ever, and I dreamed about being in their shoes one day. Now that I am those counselors that I looked up to, I get to experience the other side of this familiar place.

2. Paying it forward.

My camp counselors were one of the main reasons that camp left such a mark on me. They did everything in their power to make sure we had the best time at camp. Some of my best memories include experiences I had with my counselors, like making a slip-n-slide in the bathhouse with our entire cabin, having a dance party instead of cleaning our bunks, and staying up until 3 a.m. talking with our counselors about everything. Now, I get the opportunity to give campers that same experience that I had. I have a chance to make camp feel like home for them, just as my counselors did for me. Camp is such a special place, and I love being able to impact kids the way that I was impacted.

3. It's not an everyday job.

There is no other job where I would get to kayak, sing songs, and play capture the flag with flour bombs all in the same day. It is such a fun and different job, and I think it's pretty cool that I get to call a beautiful lake my office.

4. Life skills.

Being a camp counselor has given me a wide range of skills that I couldn't get anywhere else. I have improved my communication skills, I know how to give CPR, I can calm down any crying child, and I am now disciplined to run on little to no sleep while acting like I have never had more energy. Camp has given me a strong work ethic, because staying up until 1 in the morning cleaning the kitchen eventually becomes second nature. Plus, I can make any kind of friendship bracelet your heart desires.

5. Family.

The relationships that are made at camp cannot be found anywhere else. You live with the same group of people for three months and experience many highs and lows together. Through all of the laughter, tears, and stress, you form an unbreakable bond. Out of all the other friend groups I have experienced throughout my life (high school, Greek life, etc.), no relationships have ever compared to the family that is formed at camp over the summer.

6. The kids.

Nothing compares to seeing a child's happiness at camp. All of the campers hold camp in such a special place in their hearts, and it is amazing to be a part of their experience. Seeing a child go from being terrified to leave their parents to never wanting to leave camp is one of the best feelings a counselor can have. Both the campers that I have watched grow up and the ones that I haven't even met yet are the reason I love my job. Bringing a kid the joy of camp is one of my favorite things to do. Their happiness equals mine.

7. It is, and always will be, home.

No matter what is going on in my everyday life, I can take comfort in knowing that I will always have a place to call home. Camp is a place where you can feel safe and be unapologetically yourself, and you will still be loved by everyone. Even when the world around me seems to be at its darkest, camp will always provide me a light.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

93491
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments