I'm a photographer at a summer camp near my home town and I have to be honest, it's the best summer job I could have asked for. I get to spend my days running around outside with a camera and a bunch of happy kids while most of my friends sit in offices or stand at cash registers.
I actually get paid to take pictures, play street hockey, sing songs, go paddleboarding, run through sprinklers and so many other fun summer activities. I am so lucky.
Summer camp can be a lot of work though and there are a few thoughts that run through every counselor's head as they get excited for the upcoming season.
1. How many days of freedom do I have left before camp starts?
Most counselors love working at camp, but those few weeks between the end of the semester and the start of camp is the time to capitalize on summer break activities. Once camp starts it eats up all of your energy.
2. I really hope I don't get (insert camper name) in my group again.
There's always one or two campers that drive you crazy. All you can do is hope that they'll be another counselor's problem this summer.
3. I'm so excited to catch up with all of the counselors.
So much happens between September and June. When you walk into camp for training the whole room will be buzzing and everyone will fall right back into place.
4. I wonder who all of the new people will be.
There are always new counselors to meet and they will absolutely need help learning the ropes. Every year you get to meet new counselors and make new friends.
5. I can't wait to spend time outside in the sun.
All day, every day. Especially if you're from New England, you spend so many months inside a cave of textbooks and computer screens. You're lucky enough that you don't have to spend the summer in an office, enjoy being outside.
6. Maybe I'll actually learn all of the camp songs and cheers this year.
Most summer camps have years and years of tradition. You get to pick up a few new songs every summer. Who knows, maybe this summer will be the one when you learn the songs well enough to lead them.
7. I wonder which counselors I'll be paired with.
Everyone has their favorite counselors at camp, and there's nothing like getting placed with your camp bestie. Just makes sure to stay focused, you are at work after all.
8. I definitely need to go on a shopping spree.
Shorts and swimsuits are everything, but of course, you don't have enough to make it through a sweaty camp week. Not to mention the snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray you'll need to make it through relatively unscathed. Time to go shopping! Don't forget those Nikes and Crocs to get you and your campers to activities on time.
9. I miss the counselors that didn't come back.
You're a family and you all lean on each other. When some of your favorite counselors take the summer off or are working somewhere else, something just doesn't feel right.
10. I wonder what the special events will be.
Every summer camp is full of surprises and spirit days. If they're anything like the camp I work at, they change every year. Nothing will ever top our Harry Potter day. Seriously, we played Quidditch.
11. Hopefully, there's no parent drama this year.
You know how parents are. There are always a few that like to make a stink.
12. I wonder who the camp couples will be this year.
Every summer there is bound to be at least two or three couples who start dating during the camp weeks. Everyone will know who they are, even when they try to hide it.
13. I need this money so badly.
Ok, so being a camp counselor doesn't pay as well as most retail jobs do, but it's still money, right? I'd rather be boating, climbing ropes courses, and playing soccer than tapping buttons on a cash register. Plus, you're earning more than money, you're earning relationships, experiences, and lots of vitamin D.
I'm definitely going to squeeze as much summer as possible in the next few weeks, but I can't wait to be back at camp!
