I've been a camp counselor at a summer camp for five years now. Before I went to college, I worked with the same woman at an elementary school's after school program during the school year as well. Through experience, I can say that working with children certainly isn't for everyone and though it's not what I want in a career, it is something I genuinely enjoy. Kid's Club (our summer camp) is my favorite part of every summer. For seven weeks, my friends and I work 8-3 trying our hardest to keep kids safe and keep ourselves from going crazy while simultaneously bringing energy, positivity and fun to our campers' days. If you haven't gotten the point: I love my job, but that doesn't mean it's easy. With that being said, here are just a few thoughts anyone who works with kids can identify with.
1. Where do you get all this energy?
Kids are constantly running around. One hour into the day, my coffee already feels like it's wearing off and I need to take a seat or at least stop chasing children, yet they're still at high speed. It feels like I'm constantly getting questions like, "What are we doing next?" and "When are we going to the gym or outside?" when I honestly would have already taken two naps if I wasn't at work. Children have an endless supply of energy that I, for one, simply cannot comprehend.
2. No, you did not dislocate your elbow and I'm not sure I understand why you think you did because you just fell and scraped your knee. That is clearly your only injury.
The drama surrounding injury is unreal for kids. Yes, you have a tiny cut on your hand. That's what happens when you run on the gravel after I told you 50 times not to run on the gravel. No, you aren't going to die. No, you don't need a Band-Aid; you aren't even bleeding. Don't even ask about putting ice on it because that won't help either.
3. Oh no, my poor sweetie pie munchkin face! Do you need a Band-Aid? Ice-cream? A pony?
Then there are those rare times when a kid actually does get hurt on your watch, and you want to pick them up, squish them forever and promise them anything they want in the world.
4. I don't get paid enough.
Last week I went to Wingaersheek Beach in Gloucester with over 100 kids. It was 97 degrees. Two minutes after walking into the water, fully clothed, I was table topped 12 times, soaking wet, with approximately two children hanging onto each limb of my body. I love my job, but sometimes it's a bit much.
5. Wow, you're so smart and intuitive and fearless.
People often underestimate youngsters. They aren't stupid by any means. I know some brilliant eight-year olds and I've definitely met more kids with kind hearts and open minds than I've met adults like that (unfortunately).
6. I don't care. At all.
Why is it that kids are so damn interested in things that literally don't matter to me at all? Sometimes I have a great time with them and then other times, I spend an hour listening to a nine-year-old talk about how one time she found a broken shell on the beach and it was white with blue dots on it, but actually the dots were kind of green-ish. I don't care at all, but I'll fake it if it keeps them happy.
7. In what world would that ever have been an OK thing to do?
There are small mistakes kids make that are completely understandable. If you aren't keeping your bag organized or you left the room to get a drink of water and didn't tell me, that's OK. I feel you; people make mistakes. But, if you pick up a giant rock and throw it inches from a five-year-old's head, what the actual f*ck are you thinking? Come on, common sense buddy.
8. I want my future child to be just like (fill in the name of favorite camper).
You're perfect. I'm stealing you. You will be mine.
9. Lights are on but nobody's home in that one.
Some kids are so freaking spacey. Yoo-hoo, over here, small child! We've all been doing something for 10 minutes while you've awkwardly stared at the ceiling thinking about god only knows what. Where is your head at, homie?
10. Wow, I work with such wonderful people.
You really learn to lean on the rest of the staff when you work with kids. Children can be frustrating, so it's worth it to have friends to laugh with about the craziness that goes on at camp. I love my co-workers and I am beyond thankful for them.
11. I'm getting paid to do nothing.
I've literally been playing card games, coloring, watching a movie, etc. for the past two hours and have been getting paid for it. That's ~lit~!
12. I hope they remember me.
I want to be making a huge impression on these kids. Some of them I've had for years and I just want them to remember all the fun times we've shared. I've seen kids lose their first teeth, figure out they have a new little brother and I've helped them through panic attacks, sickness and injury. We've laughed and cried together, made up games and told stories for hours. I just hope they don't forget about me. I'll certainly never forget about them.
