If you would've told my high school self that in college I would go to New York for eight weeks and work at a summer camp I would've told you that you were nuts. But the truth is that it was the best summer and best job I have ever had. Here's why:
The people you meet.
I still remember getting on the plane scared to death thinking that I wouldn't meet anyone I liked or that people wouldn't like me, but I can honestly say that I met some of the greatest people I will ever meet at camp. You meet so many people from all over the world that you never would've met if it wasn't for camp. Not only are the counselors awesome people, but you also get blessed with 26-plus amazing campers. Going into camp everyone expected me to say I wanted to work in lower camp (elementary age), but I decided to say that I didn't care. Little did I know that was one of the best decisions I ever made. Because of that choice, I got put with the girls who were 15, and they truly made my summer great. I couldn't imagine my summer without the little sleep I got trying to keep them in bunks or being woken up from their shenanigans.
The places you travel.
Not only do you get to spend your summer in an amazing state, but it is also likely that you will get days off to go other places too. While experiencing Copake and all it has to offer, aka the views, the deli, and, of course, the wayside, I also got to travel to NYC and even Boston. I did so many things that I never would have been able to do if I didn't go to camp.
Color war.
I guarantee if you ask anyone that has worked at an overnight camp what the best part of their summer was they will say color war. No one can truly explain the experience, but trust me it's the best. Between the anticipation of break out down to all the events throughout the week and the bittersweet end, it will always be something that I remember in my lifetime.
You are in your own little world for the summer.
You would think that no one could like being in a tiny, little town with no service ever, but there is actually nothing better. Disconnecting from the world for the majority of those eight weeks was the best thing that has ever happened to me. You have nothing to worry about besides what is happening at camp, which usually just extends to what the dining hall is serving or what your campers are doing. And maybe if you are like me whether or not you have coach for that period.
Overall, if you have worked at a camp you know exactly what I am talking about, and if you haven't all I can say is that I strongly encourage that you do because I promise there is nothing better.
