If I had to point out one downside of the summertime, it is the lack of money in my bank account. Like most “young, dumb, and broke" college students, I have found a summer job. I am a recreations leader in my town's youth camp. The itinerary involves beach days, field trips, and multiple rounds of dodgeball. I have just concluded my first week on the job and the following are observations I have made.
1. Sunscreen Will Not Save You
At my camp, we apply sunscreen at the beginning of every hour. It is my job to watch that kids put it on correctly. I applied every time we were scheduled to, yet I could not save my skin from the sun. Survival tip 1: shade is your best friend. Whether that means bringing an umbrella or wearing a floppy hat, you must have some other form of protection besides sunblock.
2. Kids Love Kindness
This may seem obvious, but I think it's a good reminder. For some kids, the departure from mom and dad is a little overwhelming; especially when they leave for 8 hours a day. It is our job as counselors to make the kids feel welcomed. Being kind can take many forms: listening to the kids talk or playing a game.
3. Kids Are Injury-Prone, But Resilient
The amount of band-aid reports I filled out within the first week is surprising. Scraped knees, bloody noses, black eyes, I have seen it all. Luckily, majority of the injuries are nothing serious. Most kids are fine within a matter of minutes and run along to get injured again.
4. Who Needs A Gym Membership When You Have Dodgeball
I am definitely rusty, but at least I'm getting my exercise in. Chasing after kids all summer definitely will definitely burn some calories, but also lead to dehydration. A cooler full of Gatorade and water is essential for surviving the summer.
