Another year, another summer gone.
Or if you're like me, it’s another year you survived camp without too many bug bites. And as much as we complain about the heat and the screaming kids, somewhere deep down--like really deep down--we love our job because we keep coming back year after year, so here are 14 signs you love being a camp counselor.
1. You love to lead repeat-after-me songs
Everyone was tired of "Little Red Wagon" by the end of summer, but you loved screaming those childhood songs at the top of your lungs and having 20 little kids sing them back, somehow still not as loud as you though. Thankfully, you have about 10 other songs handy to switch things up a bit.
2. Your summer wardrobe is exclusively tie-dye
You know exactly when it’s Tie Dye Day, and although you already own 12 tie-dyed shirts, you can’t wait to make another spiral, hoping every one is better than the last.
3. You’re a master at friendship bracelets
Why are people so shocked that you did, in fact, make the bracelet you're wearing? How are you even capable of finishing a bracelet in 2 days? Years of practice. Everyone wants to be friends with you just so you can make them one and you take pride in showing them off.
4. You’re a master fire starter
All it takes is one match and a decent lint fire starter to get a roaring flame going. You could make a log cabin structure and sort tinder, kindling, and fuel with your eyes closed, too.
5. You lost your voice at least once
Maybe you were singing too loud or you were yelling at your kids so you could get them to arts and crafts on time, but your voice was hoarse and you couldn’t speak above a whisper at some point this summer.
6. You danced like no one was watching
The kids won’t participate if you don’t, right? You don’t care how funny you look when you shake your hips in an effort to dance and get the kids excited when they’d rather just sit in the shade. You probably had more fun with your friends at the dance party than the campers did.
7. You sustained injuries
Yes, we’ve all been there when a particularly difficult camper has had it and punched or kicked us. Don’t worry, they apologized after.
8. You got lost on a hike
Whoever thought taking 15 kids into the middle of the woods was a good idea was wrong. Honestly, it would have been fine if you hadn’t taken a wrong turn which took you off the path.
9. You've had walking tacos
After a rough sleepover, you were rewarded with the best camp meal ever! Taco meat doesn’t taste as good if it wasn’t cooked over a fire, and it’s just not the same when it’s not all crushed up in a Doritos bag.
10. You slept in a tent
Whether you wanted to or not, you had the courage to stay overnight in the middle of the woods, in a tent, on the hard, wood floor. You didn’t really sleep as the weird animal noises in the night and children kept you up. And if you did it all summer at a Residential camp, well then hats off to you!
P.S. Your tent probably didn't look that nice.
11. Your backpack is covered in things you made
Rainbow gimp lanyards, beaded animals, friendship bracelets in the process of being made--somehow you find enough zippers to hang it all from so you jingle as you walk around.
12. You’d go to any length for your kids
Whoever though you’d willingly sing “Let It Go” outside her bathroom stall just so a camper was comfortable enough to go to the bathroom? Maybe you didn’t actually serenade someone while they were peeing, but you know you’d do anything for your kids to make them comfortable at camp and have an unforgettable summer.
13. You made the best friends ever
You worked closely with you colleagues for 6 plus weeks straight, and they're no longer colleagues, but some of your best friends that you’ll never forget! You already can’t wait to see them next summer!
14. You never want summer to end
As the nights start to get colder, you know you’re going to have to leave the comforts of your camp and go back to the ‘real’ world and work on finding a ‘real’ job. You might have even cried on the last day, but once you leave, you’ve already started counting down the days until you can go back to being the best camp counselor ever!