It’s that time of year… we’re done with another year of college, the kids are finishing up another year of school and summer camp is right around the corner! For me, summer camp is the highlight of my year. It’s definitely not as easy as people think, though. For all the fun in the sun, there are also homesick children, bee stings and worried parents to take care of.
“Yes! Summer camp is finally here!”
Like I said, summer camp is the highlight of my year. Think 40 paid hours a week playing and learning outside.
“I cannot wait for all my favorite camp games and songs!”
Because I have no acceptable place to play sharks and minnows or dance like a penguin during the school year.
“We literally just went to the bathroom.”
There’s nothing like a kid who has to pee when you’re in the middle of an activity, especially when you made a bathroom stop right before.
“There has to be something I can do with feathers, construction paper and pipe cleaners…”
Pinterest is a camp counselor’s best friend. Period. Never doubt the ability to make a craft with the supplies you have!
“Yes, we can play games for another hour!”
When all your campers want to do is play games, it’s less planning for you and you get your workout in for the day trying not to get tagged!
“Oh no, not a Thursday.”
Let’s face it - by Thursday everyone is exhausted and you’ve played every game in the book by now. They know all the songs, they’re tired of crafts and they don’t want to listen. One more day until Friday, folks!
“You want me to go out? It better be before 8:00. That’s bedtime!”
Being outside all day is exhausting. There’s no way I’ll be up past eight or nine o’clock!
“I’m so lucky, because I have the best job in the world!”
At the end of the day, I can’t think of a better summer job. I love my campers. I learn so much from them, and occasionally I think they learn a little from me too.
“Only 44 more weeks until camp starts again!”
Despite the challenges, constant exhaustion and having camp songs stuck in your head for all eternity, summer wouldn’t be the same without camp, and I look forward to the rest of the year!
