Spending the summer with young kids in the scorching sun can sometimes be unbearable. The 8 hour days seem to always slowly tick by, but the 8 weeks there go even slower. Although these 8 weeks may seem equal to hell, they are 8 weeks that I wouldn't trade for the world.
Here are some things that you may believe to be easy, but in reality you should expect to be much more difficult than you anticipated if you are working at a summer camp...
1) It's Not 'Easy Money'
If you think that this is easy money, you are most definitely wrong. Although following a group of 20+ kids around all day to different activities seems easy, it is much more work than you could imagine. Between random cuts, bruises and bee stings these children can give you a never ending headache.
2) You'll Stain Your Clothes, Accept It
Sweat stains become a part of your daily outfit. Be prepared to sweat, a lot. From 9 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, the sun is always out and shining!
3) You Must Embrace Tan Lines
Tan lines are worn loudly and proudly. Regardless of any method that you try, those monsters will always haunt you.You and your one piece will get to know each other very well. Just so that there are no scandalous accidents in the pool, but those tan lines will be evidence that you spent your whole summer at camp and not the beach.
4) Pools ... Don't Trust Them
The pool will become your best and worst friend. Cooling down on an extremely hot day is always something to look forward to, except for when it's in a pool filled with children's pee. The warmth will surround you like a molten lava, but that's all part of the job!
5) The Best is Last
Dismissal will most definitely be your favorite part of the day. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a child go home with a smile on their face because of you
6) Get Ready for Tears
Lastly, complaining is all a part of the love that you have for your summer camp. Although sometimes all you want to do is crawl in a hole and cry, you will cry when it's over. The relationships built with not only the kids, but also your fellow counselors will leave you with a lasting impression that will follow you all throughout the year until you are back at camp again for next summer!
