It’s my second summer back at camp and I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. Kids are screaming, ice cream is melting and honestly, all I want to do is go back to bed. But, alas, here I am, with a smile on my face every morning at 7 a.m. Some things are different than they were last year, but quite a few are the same. So, If you’re in charge of kids of any age this summer, I’m sure you can relate to a few of the following things.

1. There is no limit to the amount of ice cream kids can eat.

Honestly, they would probably eat it for breakfast if they could. Their cones are three stories high and I can’t wait to clean up puke in about an hour. Don’t look at me like I’m crazy when I cut you off. There’s no way your stomach can handle all of that sugar.

2. Lights out is the best time of the day.

Ah, lights out. I get to yell at kids and they have to retreat to their rooms. While campers are dragging their feet to bed, I’m jumping up and down. See you in the morning!

3. I refuse to call the nurse for your broken nail or paper cut.

You’re not going to bleed out and you’re not going to die. You’re honestly fine; suck it up. If you’re still complaining about it in an hour then I guess we’ll take you to the emergency room.

4. I hate sleeping in a dorm with no AC.

I hate being sweaty and hot and sleeping without a blanket is so uncomfortable. I have a ridiculous amount of fans in my room already…nothing can fix this. Can I sleep in the cold shower?

5. Trying to pretend I like all the art everyone shows me is difficult.

Wait, that’s a beach? It looks like my mom’s basement and a horse. Where did you even come up with that? But yeah, no, it looks awesome! Your mom is totally going to hang it on the fridge when you get home.

6. Homesick campers are only cute the first night.

Being away from home is difficult, I understand. Even I still get sad when I’m away from my family! But if you’re still crying in the middle of the week, we need to do something about that. Wipe those tears, camper. You’re going home soon. (That means I am too.)

7. The food here is terrible.

My options for every meal are pizza, grilled cheese or burgers. I was eating so well before I came here and now I’ve gained five pounds. I could try to be healthy, but then I’m hungry and that’s just as bad as being tired.

8. Coffee (or any form of caffeine) is my best friend.

How else do you expect me to survive a 17 hour work day on only six hours of sleep?

9. But, at the end of the day, I'm happy I'm here.

All in all though, camp is such a great experience. I can complain all I want, but I’m so glad that I’m here. The campers grow on you and I may even be a little sad when I have to leave.