Being a counselor is a tough job, but it is really fun and rewarding at the same time. Sometimes, many of us go into being a camp counselor because we need a summer job, but some of us do it for the rewarding experience. A lot of us go into careers working with kids or other individuals because our jobs as counselors inspire us to make a difference in someone else's life. Here's how to do that.

1. Know your campers' names.

Don't go in by calling "Hey, you!" or "You with the pink hat on!"

2. Get to know more than their name.

God, come on. Good job knowing their name, but get to know what they like to do, too.

3. Go all out.

Kids love it when you're silly! It makes them comfortable being silly, as well.

4. Dress up on dress up days.

Why would you not want to go all out?!

5. Establish respect between camper and counselor.

They'll see you as a friend, but there has to be that respect between the two of you.

6. Make camp enjoyable for them.

Don't be sitting around or strict all the time; they won't like that.

7. Make them feel like they matter.

Some kids coming into camp feel as though they shouldn't be at camp, so make them feel important and wanted.

8. Always have a smile on, even if you're feeling down in the gutter.

Don't let kids sense you're upset about something; leave it at the door. Once you enter camp, that problem doesn't exist.

9. Be goofy.

Kids don't want someone who is stiff and strict; be goofy when doing things like lining up and getting ready.

10. Be a tad bit mysterious.

Don't tell them your name or age and whatnot; let them brew over what your name is. It creates a surprise when you tell them at the end of camp.

11. Get to know the parents.

That gives you the parents trust because they know you just as well as you know their child.

12. Encourage every form of good behavior.

Don't constantly poo-poo them when they make the wrong choice; if they know what they're doing is good, then they will make more good choices.

13. Be the role model some of them need.

Don't do things your mom would scold you for doing; act as a model for them to grow into. Think of it as you wanting them to be like you when they grow up. Demonstrate all the values.