Nervously, I waited for the phone to ring as I was about to have my first interview for a position at Camp Matoaka. After two successful teleconferences, I was an official camp counselor! Little did I know that I was about to learn the four most important lessons of my life:
1. Patience is not only a virtue, but it is everything.
When dealing with and sharing a bunk with fourteen teenage girls, patience is everything! If you have to wait thirty minutes to shower, so be it! If you think you are going to be the first in the line for Chili Bread Bowl Day, keep dreaming! But the beauty of patience is it teaches you to be happy through other people's joy. Seeing my campers happy means more to me than the extra time I could have had singing in the shower or finishing my food first.
2. If it rains, DANCE!
When I think of Maine, I think of rain! There have been several times where an outdoor activity has been ruined by the rain. But instead of giving up and calling it a day, Camp Matoaka persevered! Rainy days are some of the most cherished moments at camp because it means playing fun indoor games that we otherwise would not be able to do. These rainy days have taught me adversity is the key to happiness.Obstacles will appear in the road of life, so you might as well embrace them because complaining about them will only waste your time.
3. What you put into life is what you get out of it.
A cheer is only as loud as the number of people screaming. As a camp counselor it is imperative that we invest our time in the camp experience. I know if I am enthusiastic and genuinely excited about things then my campers will be too, which shows how infectious our attitudes and body language are.
4. You are not the center of the universe.
I am not one to be egotistical, but like most people I tend to put my needs first. When I came to camp I only ever thought about the fun adventures and activities I would get to do. Now on almost my second to last week, I have realized that my summer has been much greater living it through others. When one of my campers accomplishes something or receives a campfire award, my heart is filled with more joy than if I were to focus on my own triumphs.
