1. It's never boring.

Working camp is the actual definition of busy. You are always going. You have a purpose. Everyone there has a common goal. There’s always something to do, somewhere to be, or someone to talk to.

2. You get to hang out with some of the coolest people you’ll ever meet.

Camp friends are some of the best friends you will ever make. You live together all summer. You are all up in each other’s business all the time. You all match, at least 5 days a week. You form relationships together, because you are all here for the same reasons even though you have arrived by different paths. You love each other, and the inside jokes are endless.

3. You learn more than you teach.

It’s incredible the things that can be learned by listening to children and youth. They may have no idea the gravity of their words, but they can understand truth better than many adults can. Even as you are trying to teach kids, they will teach you and give you things to think about that you might never have pondered before.

4. You will be inspired by all kinds of people that you come in contact with.

Inspiration is everywhere. I find inspiration and awe just by staring up at the clouds in the sky. The people that you meet at camp all come with some kind of baggage. But here they are anyways, looking for something new. Whether it’s an adult chaperone who’s struggling with the loss of a family member to a child who’s parents are going through a divorce, there is pain everywhere. But through their struggles, life goes on. Camp happens. And you get to be a part of making sure they have the best experience possible.

5. It’s not your typical fast food or retail job that lots of college kids get stuck with.

Nobody wants to flip burgers all summer. Enough said.

6. You don't have to stay home all summer.

I love my family a lot, but after being away at college, being at home all summer just doesn’t have the same appeal that it once did. Will you miss your dog? Yes. Who knows, maybe your camp will have a sweet pup that you can love on for the summer.

7. You make a little bit of money.

As a typical “broke college student,” I know that money is an important factor when it comes to choosing a summer job. While the money should not be the reason that you choose to work camp, it’s definitely a perk.

8. What you are doing makes an impact on other people's lives.

I worked at CentriKid Camps this past summer. At CK, we have intentional conversations with kids. We want to help them learn about the gospel, and teach them more about Jesus. We also give them a crazy fun time while doing this. This intentionality has an impact on the lives of these campers, and their adult chaperones. People can see the hard work you are putting in, and whether you see the fruit of that work or not, you have planted and watered seeds. This is a crucial step in the life of a child. Knowing someone cares to listen to what they have to say can completely change their lives.

9. You learn a lot about yourself.

I personally learned so much about myself while working as a camp staffer. I grew closer to Jesus while helping kids to learn more about him and what he has done for all of us, you and me included. I learned that I can carry really heavy boxes and load trucks and make do with what I’ve got. I learned how to get the maximum amount of sleep and still be on time. I learned the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated. I learned how much I loved and missed friends and family.

10. It's the BEST JOB EVER and so much fun!

Camp as a staffer is just as much fun (if not more) as it is for the campers! Your job is to help these kids or youth have the time of their lives for a short period of time. You get to lead them and be a role model. You get to wear crazy clothes and sing silly songs and dance to songs that you would have never imagined yourself dancing to. You get to be a “cool camp counselor” that these kids will remember for years to come. You get to make a difference.