Summer has officially begun, and many of us have procured summer jobs to pad our wallets and save for the fall semester. Many young adults work as camp counselors, which is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, be around energetic children and foster friendships with coworkers. Now that I am approaching my fourth summer at the same summer camp, I have decided to be mindful about what wisdom this job can teach me about daily life. Here are seven lessons that this job has taught me.
1. Give your best in all you do, even when nobody is watching
If you’re not being supervised, it’s tempting to let yourself slide and do the bare minimum. Through several years on the job, I’ve learned that it’s much more rewarding to know that I’ve done all I can to give my campers a great experience. I can be proud of the work I’ve done, because I’ve put effort into being present and engaged with the kids, even when I am the only one holding myself accountable.
2. Chronos vs Kairos: have a plan but roll with the tides
"What time is it?" vs. "what is it time for?" It’s more important to be in tune not with a strict schedule, but with your surroundings and needs. At camp, even when I have a plan to hike to certain places and do certain activities, almost every day I end up having to change my plan because of how unpredictable children can be. I notice when my campers are getting kind of rowdy and need a structured game to channel that energy into without hurting each other. On the flip side, when I see that they are tired, I choose to lead a calming activity, such as reading a book, to get them centered again. In life, it’s good to be flexible and roll with the punches. It helps to be aware of how you are feeling in a given moment when deciding how to most effectively spend your time.
3. Reflection breeds growth: Learn from your mistakes
At the end of every week of camp I reflect on what I struggled with and how I can improve in the future. Sometimes a specific camper or group sets a new precedent with being particularly challenging, and I brainstorm how I could have dealt with it better. This leads to my next lesson…
4. Learn from others
There is always someone who knows more about a topic that you do. Find those role models in your life, and take their advice to heart. Older, more experienced staff members have guided me when I am facing a difficult child. They don’t even have to be experts in the area; in fact, I believe that people who bring fresh perspectives can help me approach a problem in a new way.
5. Assert yourself
Being a non-confrontational person, I do not enjoy having to assert myself more than necessary. However, I had to learn the hard way that if I do not assert myself when someone is overstepping their bounds, the situation may end poorly, and no one benefits from it. But when you communicate your needs and feelings with people, they may actually understand and attempt to accommodate you more.
6. Mentor others to reach their goals
It’s a strange sensation, transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Along with that transition sometimes comes valuable experience that others may look up to. While I’m aware that I have much to improve on, I also like helping my assistant staff step out of their comfort zone and develop new skills in child management. I do that by stepping back and letting them take the reigns, and giving them pointers when necessary. It is commonly said that the best way to learn is by doing.7. Don’t stay stagnant
Now that I am on my fourth year with virtually the same job, give or take a couple promotions, I constantly remind myself that with reflection and effort, I can continue to grow within the job rather than getting stuck in a routine. By setting goals, seeking challenges and extra responsibility, and ultimately being creative, you can milk an experience for all its worth. College is a great example of a time in your life where you may feel stuck and motionless, but in reality there are always new avenues to explore.
