Things I wish I knew then

No matter how much you try to prepare yourself for your first summer as a camp counsellor, you will always be surprised when you arrive. I never thought I would get to experience half of the things I was able to at camp. I believe that the best thing to do is to leave all expectations at home and take on your adventure as it comes. However, these small insights might help you to approach your first summer.

This job will be challenging, but rewarding. 

Granted, you are going to be exhausted and have absolutely no alone time. But, you have the opportunity to impact so many lives. To campers you are what makes camp and you are the reason they keep coming back every year. It is important to remember that such a demanding job has so much to give in return.  

This may be the only job you have where you get to embrace the great outdoors 24/7.

You are surrounded by nature that is stunning even through the darkest storms. I was lucky enough to get to be out on the water every day as a sailor and I saw fish, dolphins and even a giant turtle! I witnessed so many stunning sunsets which never failed to take my breath away. I will never forget seeing the most spectacular shooting stars and sheltering from the most terrifying storms. Cherish these elements before you find yourself back home. In my case, in rainy Scotland. 

Cherish every moment at camp. 

When you are exhausted and your patience has been tested one too many times, it is easy to lose sight of the magic of camp. Before you know it your summer will be over and you will be tearing up, gazing out the plane window as you travel back home. So make the most of every plate of chicken nuggets, every ice cream social and every sunset. 

Always empower one another.

It is so important to look out for every single one of your fellow counsellors and campers. Many of your campers will have been through so much more than you had at their age. For many campers, camp might even be their ‘escape’ from the challenges at home. Look out for each of your campers and make sure they are always included. Work hard to show each of them their value and show them just how powerful and unstoppable they are. 

Remember to always have fun 

It is literally your job to dance like an idiot, sing as loud as you can, dress up and have fun! No matter how stressed you get, never lose sight of why you are at camp.

You should never be afraid to be yourself

Everyone fits in at camp, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. You might even surprise yourself and find that camp changes you. Regardless, camp needs all of its butterflies and wallflowers. 

Leave all expectations at home. No matter what, your role as a camp counsellor will always be more exhausting, demanding and amazing than you ever expected! It will be filled with more laughter and ever-lasting memories than you could have imagined. Always be willing to try new things and be prepared to surprise yourself.