Very shortly, I am going to be a camp counselor. It is wonderfully ironic to think that I told myself I would never go camping of any kind when I was a child. Room and board are free, the payment is wonderful and I get to work with all types of kids from different backgrounds and grade levels!

Last semester, a whole bunch of summer camps came to my college to recruit new camp counselors. Luckily, I decided to scope it out. Last year, I wanted to apply to be a camp counselor, but I never got around to filling out the application and decided to do something else. This year, I was determined to sit down and look at each application that was handed to me. Four summer camps peaked my interest, but that wasn't going to help me at all. I wanted something more than just money.

Then, my last visitation was with Hannah Schwab, one of the recruiters for Lakeview Camp in Pella, IA. It wasn't about the payment and location that got to me, but the fact we spoke for about an hour was thrilling. It was personal, informational and persuasive. Lakeview works with a group of kids who have parents in prison called "Angel Tree" children who come from all over the Midwest. Mainly Waterloo, Des Moines, maybe even Chicago, but these kids need love and attention. Those were one of the qualities that struck me most. I left not knowing what I was going to do over the summer. I prayed about which camp would be beneficial to be a part of, but Lakeview kept coming across my mind. The next day in my mailbox I found a small note from Hannah Schwab about our talk yesterday. She thanked me for being her last visitor and making her day a lot better then what it was before. At that moment my decision was set and ready to be made, I would be a camp counselor at Lakeview. I had my interview and got the job on the spot, and I become more excited each day for what is to come over the summer.

There is only one thing that worries me—I will have to learn to be a lover of the outdoors. Most of you are thinking, wait if you are a camp counselor over the summer, doesn't that involve being outside? Well, yes, and that Is why I say everyone must conqueror their fears at the right moment. My mom and brother helped me get all of my camping supplies, I am just waiting for the day when training starts for me to meet my new coworkers. I am a little nervous considering this is my first time, but challenges in life are good when they are unexpected.