In high school I worked as a lifeguard at our local pool and that was it. After I went to college, I swore I would never go back to the pool to work. So this summer when I came home, I was kinda at lost for a job. Long story short, I ended up working at horse camp. Here's why my summer was awesome:
1. Only co-workers know what you've gone through.
There's nothing like trying to tell your non-camp friends about something that happened at camp and they just look at you with an odd look. But when you tell your co-workers the same thing, they can laugh or gasp along with you. There's nothing like swapping camp stories with counsellors about silly campers.
2. Camp is really your second home.
Working nights literally means 14-hours through the week and 19-hours on Sundays means that I basically live at the ranch. But I think I secretly love it. I get so many books read and studying done. Plus I get paid to sleep and just kinda hang out with some pretty cool kids.
3. Camp food hurts your soul.
I will never again complain about cafeteria food ever again. Camp food is decent, but it is literally the same thing over and over and over again. Plus it's like sloppy joe's and other food I just don't eat. Whenever my parents would save me dinner, I would literally hug them and celebrate. Because food it literally life.
4. Steamy summer romances.
This is for real a thing. I thought it was one of those "just in movies" things, but boy was I wrong. For the record, I did not go to camp to look for a boy. I just stumbled upon him while I was there. And I wasn't the only one. I mean we're basically living together for an entire summer, something is bound to happen.
5. What's a uniform?
At the pool, we had to wear our lifeguard suits and shirts and plain shorts and flip flops. Totally dull. Summer camp doesn't have a uniform! During the week I wear running shorts, cut-offs, flip-flops and t-shirts and then on dance night I get to wear a dress! I've never thought so little about my clothing.
6. The kids.
It wouldn't even be camp without the kids, but the kids are truly the best part. All the staff have favorites, but almost every kid effects you in some amazing way that makes you smile. Kids are amazing people and this summer has reinforced my faith in the upcoming generation.
My only regret from this summer is not coming to camp before. Now that this is the last week and then I return for college for my final year; I'm bummed I have to get a "big girl job" next summer and can't hang out with the horses and kids.
