" You can leave camp, but camp never leaves you" — Unknown
I agree with this quote wholeheartedly.
Growing up, I had many fears of going to an away camp until I turned seventeen. I only wish that I would have gone sooner because it was the last year I was eligible as a camper, and I loved it. Camp has made a big impact on my life, and I am so thankful for it all. I learned many educational lessons and life skills. Since I enjoyed it so much I decided to come back as a camp counselor to inspire and motivate others just like my counselors did for me. What's so great about being a camp counselor you might ask? Well, it's every aspect of camp and all the lessons that come with it. Honestly, one of the best decisions I've ever made was becoming a camp counselor.
The Environment
I fell in love with camp the day I pulled into the parking lot. It's a beautiful place and the place I go to when I wanna get away from everything that is bothering me and clear my mind. From the lake to the beautiful open field, the surroundings are amazing. The environment, in general, is so welcoming, relaxing and a judgmental-free zone.
The Co-Counselors/Staff
There is never a dull moment at camp especially before and after campers arrive. I have the best co-workers ever, and they are awesome. They contribute to wanting to come back every summer. From the random whip and nae nae-ing to running through mud together, there is always something going on.
Campers
Without them there would be no camp! I know for sure they make an impact in our lives just as much as we do theirs. Their enthusiasm for learning something new and having fun is heartwarming. They always seem to cheer me up when I'm feeling frustrated or having a bad day.
What I've learned from being a Counselor:
To be understanding/good listener.
After a while campers tend to get close to you and trust you. They feel that they can trust to tell you about anything that is bothering them.
To be a role model.
We're close to their age and they look up to us. They watch how we react to other campers and authority as well as how we act towards trying new activities. Our campers look up to us and their attitude towards camp reflects ours.
Try new things.
I was always scared to kayak/canoe, but seeing my campers who are younger than I do it motivated me to get out there and try.
You make an impact on campers big or small.
Whether you know it or not as a counselor we make an impact on our campers' lives. We contribute to their experiences at camp, and we even form bonds with them that can last a long time. If we help them enjoy camp and encourage them to try new things it'll help them want to keep attending.
There are thousands of other things I've learned from my experience and I would definitely recommend anyone who has an interest in helping others, learning new things, developing leadership skills, and continuously exiting your comfort zone while having fun to apply to be a camp counselor or even volunteer. I promise you it will be one of the best jobs you'll ever have.
