Being a camp counselor this past summer has allowed me to be a mom, adventurer and child all at once, and I just can’t seem to shake these tendencies I developed at camp. But maybe that’s because I really don’t want to.
1. My Nalgene is on my person at all times.
It never leaves my side/backpack/arm's length distance, because you never know when you’re going to need 32 ounces of water. Headed to class? Take it. Going to dinner? Take it. Going to a friend’s place? Better bring it with you.
2. My backpack is my survival kit, and so is the survival kit in it.
Much like my Nalgene, the backpack is my saving grace, filled with snacks, first aid with bandages and ibuprofen, and small trinket games, it is an essential anytime I leave my place. No purse desired, because they can’t carry everything you will and will not need, like your belay knot and incident report papers.
3. I still sing camp songs when I hear a trigger word.
Did someone say “I have a repeat after me song”? No? Oh, well you said "red wagon," so therefore, I’m now going to, in my head, sing the full song “You Can’t Ride in My Little Red Wagon,” and probably make small, discreet dance moves to go along with it.
4. Handwritten letters still consume a dramatically large part of my time.
First, it was just letters to friends from home and college. Now it's to them and my camp counselor friends. Tough stuff, but hey, someone’s got to remind the mailmen that mailboxes are for more than just bills and adult mail. Plus, getting to color on the envelopes has become a fun talent.
5. The camp mentality of “the sillier and more mis-matched the outfit, the more fun you have” still applies to my life.
I seem to be the only one around here that has this mindset, though. I thoroughly enjoy throwing on the first pair of running shorts I see, and a silly shirt that has a honey badger or dog dancing with fireworks on it. It adds a little bit of fun to going to class, and will always go with my rainbow Chacos.
6. My obsession with narwhals has only grown since I left.
Our groups were identified as animals, and on a whim, I choose the majestic and iconic sea unicorn. I then proceeded, with the help of my groups, to milk any and every opportunity to sing "The Narwhal Song" and get my campers to run around with their hands above their heads. I may or may not be a proud owner of several narwhal paintings and a pair or narwhal slippers now.
7. Camp days started at 7 a.m. and kids were in bed by 10:30 p.m.
Now my days in college follow just about the same schedule. Up at 8 a.m. and bedtime is promptly at 11 p.m. these days. I am still by no means a night owl, and I enjoy being up with the sun. Bless the fact that I’m just in charge of getting myself ready.
8. What is makeup? Or a straightener, for that matter?
I fell even more in love with not wearing makeup and throwing my hair into a ponytail with a bandanna or fun headband, or on a good day, French braids. My morning routine consisted of applying generous amounts of sunscreen to my face and dousing myself in bug spray. And though I don’t drown in bug spray now, I still have a minimal routine before class.
9. I still take pride in the creative names we called everyone.
Why, yes, you are being a chicken nugget head, and your friend over there is quite a goon. People are more thrown off than offended when they hear these names.
10. Camp riddles have become my way to pass time and entertain friends and family, even when they don’t want to play, unlike my campers.
What do you mean you don’t know how many pink elephants are on that table? It’s simple and you need to listen, and seriously, why would you think the butler killed the wife? I now have several people who will no longer tolerate my games, I still play them, though.
I hope I never outgrow most of these tendencies and this lifestyle, because what fun will camp this summer be if I do?
