KT

Kate, 18, WCU 2020, volunteer camp counselor - 7 years

[thoughtfulcamper-blog]

WHY YOU SHOULD NOT BE A CAMP COUNSELOR....

DO NOT… UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES… become a camp counselor (especially at a volunteer based camp) unless you want to a) Spend a portion of your life with kids who come to love you and look up to you forever The first session of campers I ever had, are now seniors in high school, all of who are graduating this year. I still have my camp notebook from every year so for their graduation presents I’m writing them all letters that still have some part to do with camp. I have campers that I talk to still on a daily basis, who ask me for advice and help which I gladly share. b) Build great relationships with campers, co-counselors, staff, and critters on camp grounds. Relationships that stay and people that stay long after the camp session has ended Like I said before, I have campers that still talk to me on a daily basis, not to mention the dinner dates and coffee shop trips that we often get to take because we are still that close. Counselors I have worked with for years and who I look up to and admire, no matter where we are in life between college, jobs, moving, marriage and kids, we always still make time for each other. Having a strong support system of people who believe the same as you do is so important always, but especially when things go wrong. c) Bring joy to the face of a camper when they see you get on their level and enjoy something silly that they enjoy ( the one time I had an hour long conversation in the middle of the night with a camper who loved pokemon about pokemon go) d) See the look on a kids face the first time he/she hears the gospel, and being there to lead them straight to Jesus (having a kid who credits you with bringing them to Jesus is the most amazing feeling) Midnight cabin talks really make camp a homey place. My mom still writes me letters every day that I am gone to camp and midnight cabin talks seem to be the place where they are shared and loved. Many a conversation about Jesus and the Bible and “how do I get a faith like yours” are brought up during these and I absolutely love that kids are willing and ready to know Jesus. One of my favorite memories from camp involved sitting outside on the porch at 2:30 in the morning talking to a 10 year old who has lived through literal hell and helping her know the Ultimate Healer.

[thoughtfulcamper-blog]

SHINE

Since one of the major points of Camp GLOW was to shine, I figured some good starting points were in that word. Since day one of the meeting and planning and working on camp, the focus has been on how we are using what God has given us, in the form of money, prayers, donations, and volunteers. One of our main missions with the development of a new camp was to help campers, counselors and staff to understand their purpose in life, God’s plan for their life and how they can use that purpose to SHINE.  Since it was the first year of our new adventure we had no idea what to expect in form of the way we could run camp differently. We came up with these points To “Shine” “Serve” and “Stand” and decided they were going to be our main points of camp. This week at camp was devoted to teaching the youth of Henderson County, how to let God’s light shine through them.

[misatokatsuragisbongripcloud]

Your Ultimate Camp Counselor Guide

Having worked as a camp counselor for 2 going on 3 years now, i figured id make a guide to not only what you need as a counselor, but the types of counselors and campers. Here u go, nerds,

First off, what you NEED.

-sunscreen (spf 30 or above) -bandaids -tampons and/or pads (even if ur a boy) -hair ties (again, even the guys) -bug spray -deodorant -a hat with a brim (baseball cap, snapback, or bucket hat) -ziplock baggies (useful for keeping your phone dry and keeping wet clothes in) -sunglasses -water bottle -a backpack (drawstrings are my personal fav) to keep this shit in -tissues/napkins -a snack (beef jerky, nuts, dried fruit, or trail mix are best to keep ya energy up) -hand sanitizer (bc kids are disgusting, germy little creatures) -extra shorts/shirt/socks (in case someone pukes on u)

Things that you dont NEED but can come in handy:

-a deck of cards -friendship bracelet string -rubber bands -coloring book/crayons -safety pins -bobby pins -a sharpie -wet napkins

Okay kids now the fun part: Types of Counselors-

-the Boss: the one person who acts like they control everyone, kids and staff alike. Usually a junior counselor or CIT.

-the Stoner: literally how are they functioning?? How does their boss not notice?? Whatever, the kids love them and theyre really good at braiding hair.

-the Becky: super peppy, always smiling born-to-work-at-camp counselor, always making friendship bracelets and eats a salad every day for lunch. Can be male or female but usually a chick.

-the Dead Inside: took this job thinking it was easy, the children have stepped all over their soul. You could kill a man in front of them and theyd just sigh and fill out an accident report.

-the Gossip: talks shit, never wants to help clean up.

-the Un Athletic One: they can never seem to keep up with the kids, cant play kickball for shit, doesnt know how to keep the kids under control.

-the Lifer: theyre nearly 30, but theyve worked here every summer since they were 15, so its sort of their home.

-the Slacker: literally the worst. Doesnt do shit, lets the kids run wild, hates to clean, hates to move around.

-the Vet: different than the Lifer. Theyve been here a few years and They. Have. Seen. Some. Shit. Been puked on? Sure. Bled on? Yup. At this point, nothing will shock this counselor, and honestly dont piss them off, they could kill a man with their eyes.

-the Git ‘er Done: smokes half a pack, downs two red bulls, and pulls through the day like a well oiled machine. Doesnt take shit from anyone.

-the Joe: basic. Newbie, or hasnt been there too long. Knows the drill but isnt anything special. Pretty good at cleaning tables.

-the Germaphobe: literally why are you working with small children. Hates dirt. Bathes in hand sanitizer.

-the Jock: kids and counselors love em. Super athletic, hot, and nice. Usually a little older.

Types of Campers:

-the Cling: wont leave you alone, never does anything without asking their fav counselor for help.

-the Mudpie: why, child, must you bathe in dirt?

-the Magpie: steals anything they can get their grubby little paws on.

-the Diva: too good for summer camp, “my old camp was better.”

-the Blabber Mouth: you cuss ONE time when you cut your finger and the little bitch tattles.

-the Reader: doesnt play sports. Doesnt make friends. Reads all day. Weird. wears sweats year round.

-the Pube: any boy between age 10-12. Likes worms. Hits people. Ugh.

-the Gossip: same as their counselor counterpart, talks shit and never participates in group activities.

-the Tom Boy: we get it. You like sports. Hush child.

-Snot: NEVER BLOWS NOSE. ALWAYS COVERED IN BOOGERS.

-the Albino: we lathered you in 20 layers of sunscreen how are you still burnt??

-the Shark: beats all the counselors at cards.

Feel free to add anything i missed fam and enjoy the summer!