This past summer I worked at an all-girls summer camp in rural New Hampshire. It was the most rewarding summer of my life. Every morning for eight weeks, I awoke to the smell of pine trees and the noise of elementary aged girls chirping with laughter.
It felt insanely special to work at a place that prioritized both girlhood and diversity. Especially at a time where initiatives to attack women and marginalized communities are so prevalent. I got to connect with tons of women my age who I grew close with. The staff hailed from all around the world. Some were local to New Hampshire while others were from Australia. I was so curious to learn everyone’s backstories. I wanted to know about their lives at home. How their country was different from America. How their state was different from Kansas. I spent hours listening to everyone recount their lives.
I was also curious to know the campers. The majority of them were from the northeast. However, there were also girls from the west coast and even some from other countries. Watching them make deep connections to each other was beautiful. Their relationships to each other mirrored the ones I had built with my co-counselors. The girls themselves were spouts of personality. Each one was so full of life. They all loved different sports, singers, and movies. They did however have one thing in common, they were hilarious. I never stopped laughing. It was so enjoyable.
The girls had their own schedule where they would bounce from activity to activity. My activity area was cooking. I got to work with girls of all ages as they made cookies and navigated the kitchen alone for the first time. Even when my hands were dyed red from mixing frosting, I could not complain.Â
Between the laughs and pool parties, connections began to form. I became someone the girls could rely on, and that is the most special feeling. Knowing that you are making a positive impact on someone is unlike any other feeling. Not only did I impact my campers, they impacted me. My childlike wonder was reignited. I learned not to take things too seriously. That it is important to stop and smell the roses.
Even if your future career does not involve childcare, I still recommend working at a summer camp. It was truly transformative. In a world that is constantly evolving, it was nice to take a pause. To reconnect with nature. To hear stories I would have never heard. This summer was one of the hardest summers of my life, but I am a better person for it. The days were long but I cherished every second.
