As a camp counselor for two years, you begin to learn the ins and outs of child rearing.
Just kidding; you just pick up some killer tips. The following are some of my favorites.
1. Parents will trust their 5-year-old more than you.
We had several parents come charging in during pick up or drop off accusing other kids of doing something to their own. Rather than hearing out the counselors who are the adults in charge and over the age of five, moms and dads, many protective, took their child's side even if it was wrong or not 100 percent accurate.
2. The fair is a camp's worst nightmare.
The first summer field trip we got to take the kiddos on was the County Fair in Del Mar. Don't get me wrong, I love the fair, but being in charge of 60 kids as young as 5 is crazy. To begin, it is insanely crowded, making it easy to lose a kid for a few seconds. Also, the 10- to 12-year-olds are at that awkward age where they want to go off and do their own thing but can't be left unsupervised.
3. Don't make judgments on child's leashes.
After going on field trips to the county fair or the zoo, I now have respect for parents who have two or more kids under the age of 8. Considering how busy the crowds are and how curious younger kids are, it's no wonder some parents use child leashes. Don't judge the parent; it's better than their kid is safe and by their side than wandering around alone and lost.
4. Fuse beads are the best.
Thank goodness for fuse beads! These little trinkets kept me sane as a counselor. After busy days of constant running around and shouting from across the playground, fuse beads was an activity that kept the kids occupied for more than 15 minutes.
5. Parents think their kids are allergic to everything.
Granted, you do have the serious allergies like food and bee stings, but some parents go above what is considered an allergy or health concern. The number of EpiPens, specific snacks and sunscreen we had to lug around was crazy. We had one parent come and complain to us that her daughter came home with a horrendous sunburn with blisters after a beach day.
In reality, her cheeks were a little flushed after running around on the playground. Being protective is understandable, but parents need to trust the counselors have the kids' health and safety constantly in check during camp hours. Complaining and causing a scene about minor issues instead of just bringing it to our attention is unnecessary.
6. Kids can be manipulative.
Yes, that's right. Kids know they're cute and use it to their advantage. The most adorable ones are always most manipulative. They know if they cry or look a certain way they can get away with not getting into trouble or get what they want. Some kids are polite and good, but others can really milk the tears to make things go a certain way.
Though this article seems as though I strongly dislike children, that is not the case. I loved my job as a counselor and had the best time. In fact, to this day it has probably been one of my favorite summer jobs. However, day camps aren't always all fun and games. There are still some tough parts that go along with the counseling.