If you've ever had the privilege of being a camp counselor for even one summer, then you are quite familiar with the typical situations you and your fellow counselor friends go through on a daily basis. For those of you who can't even begin to imagine what it's like to take care of up to nine children that are not your own, literally 24/7 for a week, at a summer camp, then here's what it's like...
We wake up early in the morning, early enough to watch the morning fog start to disappear and to hear the birds begin their chirping. It's several weeks into summer and there's a distinct smell of sweat, bug spray and lake water wherever you go.
Getting Ready In The Morning
*Alarm goes off* What! I'm pretty sure I only got an hour of sleep.
Nah, I actually got a full 5 hours.
Hurry...gotta get to the showers fast.
No, no, no…some of the campers beat me to the showers. Again.
I hope there’s still hot water…
Oh, finally a shower is open!
That’s a big spider on the wall. *Splashes water on it* Stay away Mr. Spider.
Wow I'm tan! Oh wait, that's dirt.
I wonder what time it is. I’ve already been in here too long.
I bet my campers are pranking my stuff! My bed is probably floating on the lake already...
*Gets out and checks watch* I was only in there for 3 minutes…wow I’m good!
*Greeting campers that are already waiting in line for the showers* It’s so early, why are you all awake?!
Personal devotion time before waking up your campers, such a peaceful…
*And they woke up on their own* Lord, help me get through this day in one piece.
Alright, camp isn’t a fashion show ladies...
“No, you can’t wear that.”
“Is that sleeve 3 fingers wide?”
“Hold your arms down. No, don’t bend them. Yeah, your shorts are too short.”
Hardest part of the day is over!
Morning Routine and Breakfast
*Standing around the American flag* I can’t see a thing. The sun is so bright!
I think I’m already sweating.
Did I put deodorant on?
Oh, yeah I did.
*Finishing up the Pledge of Allegiance* I can smell breakfast.
Bacon?
Am I smelling bacon?
I’m pretty sure that’s bacon.
*Getting to the dining hall* “Bacon!” I called it.
I love that my campers are as excited for bacon as I am. Proud "mom" moment.
Alright campers, this is a single-file line. One person in front of the other…unless you’re a counselor.
Just kidding…I can’t cut in line.
I'm supposed to be setting the example here.
“Everyone’s drinking water before they even look at the juice!”
Game Time Outside
Better make sure we all wear sunscreen. Good thing I bought extra. SPF 50, because no one is going home to their parents sunburn after a week with me.
“I don’t need sunscreen. I never get a sunburn” –Camper. Famous last words.
“Yes, you need to wear tennis shoes.”
“Yes, I have your inhaler in my backpack.”
Are they really putting on perfume/cologne?
"Alright cabin, let’s go!”
Water, must get them to water first. If they don’t have enough water they will be dehydrated, they will pass out, they will…
Oh good, the water in the fountain is drinkable and not scalding hot.
My campers shall live another day.
Chapel Time
“Make sure you bring your Bibles!”
*Getting to chapel* “I left my Bible in the cabin!”–Camper.
*Hands her Bible to her* Feel free to call me the best counselor ever.
Thank you, backpack, which is basically a camp version of Mary Poppins' carpet bag.
God, I pray these campers can understand and take to heart all that is said in chapel during this hour.
*Sees campers whispering while the speaker is talking*
*Give them the look*
*They continue to whisper* And this is why I sit in the middle of the row. Counselor mode, activate!
“Girls, you need to be quiet.”
“I’m just explaining a verse to her. She didn’t understand it.”
I’m a horrible counselor for interfering.
Keep working despite me, God.
Nap/Rest Time
Time to sleep for 30 whole minutes!
*Turning on quiet music*
"Can I go outside?" –Camper
"No...it's rest time. You may lay in your bed, but you cannot get up."
"Can I play with this frog?" –Camper
*A frog is then shoved in your face*
"Nooo, and go put the frog back outside."
"What time is it?" –Camper
"It is..." *looking at watch*
*Bell rings for nap time to be over*
Well, there goes that.
Night Hikes
Time for a bug spray bath.
Ew, I just walked into a cloud of bug spray.
All I can taste is bug spray.
Bug spray dance with the campers. Haha they love it.
Oh no, it looks like I'm the one to bring up the rear tonight for the night hike.
I hope nothing grabs me from behind...
*Holds hands with a camper* I wouldn't want them to be scared...
Bedtime
What. A. Day.
I am emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausted.
How are my campers still running around the cabin?!
"Alright everyone, time to settle down."
I don't think anyone heard me.
"Let's start getting into bed now."
*Someone knocks on the cabin door* "Lights out girls!"
*Everyone hurries into bed*
Perfect timing, night guard.
Thank you, God, for another day to serve you by loving on my campers.
*Completely asleep in 0.3 seconds*
So there you have it. It's challenging and rewarding. Fun and overwhelming. Scary and exciting. And I wouldn't trade a single second of it.
To all of my past and future campers, I love you all, and I am looking forward to another summer with you!
