This past week, I had the privilege of starting my new job as a day camp counselor. Like many jobs, we began with staff training to help prepare new and returning members for the upcoming summer. As a first-year staff member, I didn't know what to expect. I was excited to meet everyone and start learning for this amazing job, but I was also nervous for the exact same reason. Camp staff training was a week long, and in total, 32 hours. In those 32 hours, I had a lot of different things running through my head, and I thought it would be nice to share with you.
1. "How on earth am I going to remember all this?"
It's no surprise, but when it comes to kids, there's plenty of safety procedures and tips to make their summer the best summer ever. As counselors, it's our job to keep the kids happy and safe, but I guarantee that those first few weeks my binder is going to be my best friend.
2. "Being the counselor feels like being the lead camper."
We are campers with responsibility. Despite being in charge, we still get to sing all the camp songs and go out and play with everyone. (I really enjoyed this realization.)
3. "So. Many. Activities."
It's quite obvious that camp is filled with games, songs, field trips and everything else under the sun. Walking into training, I thought I had a good understanding of that, but it wasn't until my binder of "tricks" was placed in front of me.
4. "Everyone here has to be an education major."
Makes sense, right? Kids, education — they go hand in hand. I walked in thinking that I would be the odd one out for not being a child related major.
5. "Everyone here is not an education major."
It truly amazed me hearing everyone's major and only having a hand full of people actually have a major that is child related.
6. "This is going to be an amazing summer."
I can't explain it, but having a day camp job doesn't seem to compare to a lot of jobs out there. Walking out of training, I knew I had made the right decision applying for this job. I wholeheartedly know that this summer will challenge me in new ways that I can learn and grow from. I am on the edge of my seat looking forward to these weeks of camp to come.
For years, people have told me that being a camp counselor is the best job you can have at a college age. There will always be something new to learn, people to meet and problems to solve. As one of my co-workers said, we are here to make this their best summer ever. I want to wish the best of luck to anyone else who is part of day camp staff, and I hope you all have a wonderful summer.
