When people return home from college during the summer, many spend their summers in different ways. Some people become involved in community service projects across the world, while others may participate in an internship that relates to their anticipated future. Those summers are typically looked up upon by others. Therefore, I continue to wonder why being a camp counselor has the stereotype of being a more "negative" or "less qualified" way to spend one's summer. This is exactly why.
1. Making a child smile is one of the most rewarding things you could do.
As difficult as it is to work with children, it is an incredibly rewarding feeling to be their backbone and support system. At the end of the day, you realize the difference that you continue to make in these children's lives, and how they will most likely remember you and the summer you provided them with years in the future. Being a counselor, therefore, provides much more meaningful self-satisfaction than watching Netflix at home.
2. Determination becomes the main focus.
While we may not be working with adults on a high-end project or filing legal documents during our summer, our main priority is to remain determined. Walking into camp at 8:00 am with a smile on your face is what keeps children feeling uplifted, motivated, and involved with their friends and activities. With younger children, it is especially difficult to involve a child in something that he or she may not want to be a part of, or even help them reestablish a friendship that they believe they have lost. An individual's determination and focus will surely evolve as they continue to work with children and learn how their thought process works and is what creates the smile on their face when they leave camp at the end of the day.
3. I feel a connection that I did not think was possible.
Who would have thought that one could feel such a strong connection to a four-year-old? "I'm hungry," "I'm tired," or "leave me alone," are all phrases that come out of my mouth at some (or many) different points throughout the day. On a real note, working with children helps individuals realize that they too, become fed up sometimes, and although it may be more difficult for children to express their emotions, they have the same feelings that we do
4. I've learn how to be patient.
Patience is crucial when working with children. Sometimes children are quick to rush to move to the next activity or are unwilling to apologize to a friend when they have done something wrong. I am certain that adults also struggle with self-restraint, and therefore, being a counselor provides individuals with the extra practice that we all need.
5. And finally, I have an immense amount of responsibility- more than you would think.
I believe that working as a camp counselor is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding jobs one can spend their time doing. Working with children teaches you how to associate better with others, especially those who are less qualified than you may be. This experience ultimately will benefit you later in the future, whether it is in the workplace, while on a professional phone call, or even when handling a personal situation with friends or family. It teaches you maturity, patience, and responsibility. And most importantly, I cannot emphasize how amazing the feeling is to help a crying child turn into one who is beaming with laughter.
