Just a Camp Counselor Life

Professional Chaos Manager. Current Girl Scout staff. Six year Girl Scout camp staff, including camp director, former CIT, and lifetime Girl Scout. This blog is to express all my feels about camp, youthwork, and Girl Scouts. She/her or they/them.

[camp-counselor-life]

Ok, so, there is a big difference between a Girl Scout crisis (very rarely really a thing) and a mental health nonprofit crisis.

That is what I learned today.

[camp-counselor-life]

I feel like a big difference between Girl Scouts and my new job in terms of volunteer conversations is that Girl Scouts was "private" and new job is "confidential."

Is that splitting hairs? Maybe. But does it sure feel different? Ohhhhh yes.

[camp-counselor-life]

I went to the big university in [state] (or actually it's just the fancy public one) for both my degrees and then I really do not go there anymore. Like, after I finished my thesis defense in 2018, I have been there maybe a dozen times.

I have developed an absolute hatred of driving there. I did not enjoy it as a student, but now I have a pretty significant aversion as I have become a more anxious driver in general (it's on the very long list of things to address with myself).

So today, when I had to go up there for a conference, I took the train. And yet, as I sat in a session, I found myself incredibly stressed about driving out of campus.

Despite my car being safely at my office. Where I left it to walk to the train. So that I wouldn't be anxious about driving on campus.

[camp-counselor-life]

I'm riding the high of shutting down an asshole at the HOA meeting. So empowering. Like, no sir, you will not treat our manager that way, we are moving on. Oh, you want to argue, say the same complaint over and over? I'm gonna keep shutting you down until you shut up.

[camp-counselor-life]

If you lived 1600 miles from your parents and they planned a trip to your state, are hoping you can join, but didn't tell you for 4 months, what would you think?

What the fuck

What the fuck x 2

This is a sitcom episode

Maybe they forgot?

Vanilla extract

Voting ended onJul 7

Context: my mom has been sulking for 5 months because I said I didn't like her telling me that I am unemployable if I disclose a disability at any point.

[camp-counselor-life]

I have an update on this. Now that I know the PTO situation, I was able to figure out what my balance will be for the rest of the year. I told my mom, hey, I won't have enough PTO to do both this visit (they'll be about 4 hours away and are coming during the week, not over a weekend, so I'd need 2+ workdays off) and also Christmas, but you could choose to fly into the airport by me (a major metro airport) and then you'll still get to see me twice.

My mom's response was "that's a possibility." At no point was any sort of disappointment or sadness expressed. I, of course, couldn't help myself in trying to convince her, and she has not responded.

It's a wonder I visit a whole once a year (sarcasm).

[camp-counselor-life]

Every time I get my boss' attention, she says, "greetings!" with a really drawn out r sound.

I love it.

[i-wanna-linger]

if i learned one thing at girl scout camp it's that you gotta be a little silly. it's good for the soul

[camp-counselor-life]

Week 1!

I did it, I started a new job! It's at a mental health nonprofit, which has some similarities to [council] and Girl Scouts but a loooooot of differences. Some similarities:

Both are federated national nonprofits that I work(ed) for that state organization of

Same health insurance and network (big deal)!

Hybrid: 3 days in office

Half day Fridays!

Small!

I am coming in as a past/current participant in programs

Differences

The half day Fridays are actually for a 36 hour week (still full time)

New org is small compared to the small staff at [council]. I am one of eight, and some of those eight are PT

Technology is a struggle. I cannot understate how technologically adept and knowledgeable I feel here.

I have so much freedom to do things some of which I have been looked at funny for asking permission for.

Not a lot of corporate vibes (if any) or structure to... much of anything. Boss says they are "living like hippie children"

The biggest difference though is how they treat me! Holy shit yall, I'm treated like a person with feelings and needs. I was told that we of course have to factor into our work flow that people will need time for their mental health. Unheard of! I have also been offered work tools, including ones that would be specific to me for sensory reasons or work from home, like things I definitely had to buy for myself at [council].

I have been told that my mental health and neurodivergence, including the not pretty parts, are an asset. Yes, they were extra excited to hire me as a person with lived experience. It is not something to be shamed, and my boss is so open to adjustments and support, it's wild.

It is really good though, and I think this is a nearly perfect place for me!

[i-wanna-linger]

do you wanna buy a duck is such a bizarre concept for a game and yet it works so well… like what do you mean you all stand in a line repeating the same script over and over again? and it’s actually a fun game? i love do you wanna buy a duck

[camp-counselor-life]

Special shout out to the part time job I applied for in April asking me to do an interview today.

[camp-counselor-life]

New job has no set hours/business hours, so everyone sets their own. I learned today that this is communicated on a shared outlook calendar where everyone's hours are put as recurring meetings. Yes, the same calendar.

I immediately went to the ED (my boss) and was like, hey, can I show you how to set your work hours in outlook? She loved it, so I think we'll be adopting that.

[camp-counselor-life]

First day at the new job! It's amazing, it will be full of growth, support, and so much more.

I am unfortunately filled with rage anytime I mentally compare even a day's treatment with my time at [council].

[camp-counselor-life]

My new boss texted me today at like 4 to be like, can't wait to see you Tuesday! Ma'am, you mean Monday??

She has not texted me back...

[camp-counselor-life]

Before you're like, ope, no job for you, it's not that. This is just what I'm coming to learn my job is going to be like.

[camp-counselor-life]

My new boss texted me today at like 4 to be like, can't wait to see you Tuesday! Ma'am, you mean Monday??

She has not texted me back...

[iero]

T-shirt that says "I'M SORRY FOR THE PERSON I BECOME WHEN I'M OVERHEATED"

[dragon-in-a-fez]

the thing about being "good with kids" is all it takes is literally just not trying to control and mould them with every interaction. it's just being a normal person and engaging with them through normal interactions like having conversations and playing games. it's just being genuine and friendly and not perceiving them as lumps of wet clay you are there to shape. "oh you're so good with kids" thanks it's because I think they are people

[camp-counselor-life]

If you lived 1600 miles from your parents and they planned a trip to your state, are hoping you can join, but didn't tell you for 4 months, what would you think?

What the fuck

What the fuck x 2

This is a sitcom episode

Maybe they forgot?

Vanilla extract

Voting ended onJul 7

Context: my mom has been sulking for 5 months because I said I didn't like her telling me that I am unemployable if I disclose a disability at any point.