When it comes to applying for a summer job, some of us choose a restaurant, others opt to work in retail, and some find themselves answering phones at their mom's office. But a select group of us just trying to make a few bucks while we're home from college are called to serve.
By that of course I mean serve pizza. And open juice boxes. That's right, I'm talking about the lucky few of us who get to bare the title of day camp counselor. It might not be the most glamorous of summer jobs, but we're ready to take on the challenges and lead our campers into the great unknown. With our enthusiasm levels at an all time high, a typical day looks a little something like this.
It's 8 a.m., as your alarm clock so thoughtfully reminded you on full volume. No time to waste, camp starts at 9!
First things first. You grab your clipboard and before you know it, the first camper in your group arrives. Hopefully that coffee is starting to kick in because you see the influx of mini vans starting to circle around the car pool lane. Game faces, people.
Once all of your campers have arrived, it's time to start the day. Like a well-rehearsed actor, you say something along the lines of, "Put your fingers on your lips and go like this go shhhhhhh." You know full well that that won't be enough to quiet the crowd, so this is usually followed by a "ALRIGHT EVERYBODY LISTEN UP!!!"
You then go on to tell your campers what is on the agenda for today. The possibilities are endless, with anything between arts and crafts and dodgeball listed on the schedule. We can't forget to mention the magic words "free time," because for the campers, that is music to their ears.
Sometimes we pack up our campers and board the big yellow school bus to take a field trip. All camp counselors have a love/hate relationship with field trip days. Love: seeing how excited your campers are to see the animals at the zoo, ride the slides at the water park, or build a sandcastle at the beach. Don't really love: stressing out about keeping your eyes on 37 kids running wild... and making sure none of them go home with a sunburn.
No matter where we go, camp counselors are always prepared for anything that may be thrown at them. They've got band-aids, snacks, water, ice packs, and an endless supply of candy to pass out as a reward for good behavior. Works like a charm.
You love all your campers equally, but there will always be that one that wants to sit with you on the bus, hold your hand in line, braid your hair, and help you pass out napkins. How can you not have a sweet spot for the counselor's pet? On the other hand, every group has that one camper who has made it their sole mission to do the opposite of whatever you say.
After a long day of a long list of activities, finally the last mom walks through the doors of aftercare to pick up the last camper. You try to hide your excitement. Kinda.
You and your camp counselor friends talk about getting together later, and as much as you want to, you all know that this is what's really gonna happen as soon as you all get home.
After all, your alarm is set for 8 a.m. for camp in the morning!
