Camp. Rocks.
My parents sent me to a YMCA camp for the first time when I was six years old. I was terrified. But when I got there, I had the best week of my life. I’ve been going to camp ever since and now have worked at the same camp as a counselor for three years. I think working at a camp is something everybody should experience so I’m going to give you five reasons why camp ROCKS.
1. KIDS!
You get to work with the sweetest and most adorable kids. And if you’re not into kids, most camps have older cabins as well! My camp is for kids ages 7-16 so I’m sure you’d be able to find an age group you like. Kids are the best and working with them has taught me so many things.
2. You get paid (to literally have fun)
Though I don’t get paid a lot, my bank account looks pretty nice after the summer. Plus, the experience is worth it. For the kids, right? And, you save a lot of money because you aren’t eating out or shopping every single day. We do everything from having ice cream fights to dancing on tables and ziplining. It’s tiring, but it’s a blast.
3. You will make the BEST friends
People say camp friends are the best friends and it’s true. I’ve met the most genuine, kind, God-loving people from all across the state and made some of the best memories. You get super close with almost everybody on staff and have a group of best friends that love and care about you no matter what.
4. It looks great on a resume
What business doesn’t want somebody who has excellent leadership skills (after working with 18 kids for a week), is CPR/First Aid Certified, knows how to solve problems (trust me, you’ll learn patience), and spends their summers investing in children? My boss has written countless letters of recommendation for me and has helped me get other positions I applied for.
5. You will make memories you’ll never forget
Working as a counselor is exhausting but has impacted my life in countless ways. I’ve laughed until I’ve cried and learned to see aspects of the world from a child’s perspective. Kids will say and do the funniest things. Also, I get to work on a ropes course every day (and I get tan)! Summer camp is truly an amazing place to be.