I started becoming a camp couselor a few weekends ago. I have learned so much from all of my kids. I work with neuro-behavioral disorders, children with social-economic problems, and military children. All these children are different yet they work together and treat each other equal and with respect. I get the privilege to see these children grow outside these comfort zone while encouraging their friends to do so also. It makes me grow as a person because I love seeing these children challenge themselves and make friends.
Sometimes children do not have a place to be happy and safe. Camp is that place where they can finally open up and get away from the real world and maybe have courage to stand up for themselves. I have had children who are so poor that they have a hole in their shoe so big the only part of the shoe holding in their foot is their laces. I had another child who is bullied every single day and depressed. I seen a smile on that child's face constantly at the end of the weekend. He did have a hard life due to being so poor he probably did not get enough meals throughout the day. He also used to be homeless and still working on seeing his parent without money.
Another part of my camp that opens up my eyes is all of the neuro-behavioral disorders. I see some children who are unable to express themselves and other children who cannot help but to let out their emotions in bad ways. The children cannot help how they were born yet can still be the nicest people you will ever meet. I have some kids with so rare of disorders that only one in 3 million have it. The disorder maybe painful but that child deals with it and never lets it bother them.
As a counselor I have had a wonderful experience because I have grown so much. I am able to help each child grow while they help me grow as a person. I am being taught so much through these children and they do not even know it. I will never forget my experience as a camp counselor.