An Ode to Summer Camp: From a Counselor’s Eyes

Each community has a unique culture, as does every summer camp. Having the privilege to work in various camp environments, I’ve been exposed to colorful cultures expressing love for summer learning and of course, fun.

As I’ve experienced, counselors have the interesting vantage point of learning about others and life all the while encouraging youth to be who they want to become.

We get to talk one on one, fostering relationships with each camper in a relaxed setting that allows trust to grow like the ivy along the paths. We have the privilege to hear about every scrape and tumble that our campers may experience and treat the tribulation, validating feelings. We often hear words of love, and words of hate out of frustrations; but we respond with patience and kindness regardless, as we care as deep as the lakes beside our cabins.

I’ve learned to lead from within, to be my very best each day. My camp counselor friends and I worked to create a culture that is honest and wholesome. I’ve witnessed growth in the light of empowerment.

As a counselor, I have learned strong leadership in a real-life context~ something you can’t gain from sitting in class all day! I have learned creativity, collaboration, and communication. I have had wonderful networking opportunities with staff and camp families alike. I have made lasting friendships with people from around the globe and together we have created cherished memories. I have stories from camp that share my strengths and share my weaknesses, both just as important as the other.

I feel most full of life when I am surrounded by campers, excitedly chatting, lacing up their shoes for a day of adventure and fun, or hopping off a horse after their first-time riding with a grin as wide as can be. I know I have made an impact when campers ask me for advice and tell me stories. I know I have made an impact; like that one time a half-day four-year-old camper asked me how to pray. The countless times encouraging young campers to climb the rock wall, showing them how capable they are if they have faith and try their best.

I feel alive when I am at camp, and I’m beyond grateful to have had these experiences and excited to continue to have more.

My passion for camp reaches to the high peaks of the Adirondacks and to the depths of Superior. Through breathing in the fresh air and learning to respect mother Earth, together campers and counselors lift a community to higher standards.

My love for nature and youthful energy collide during the summertime, painting a sunset of possibility. To me, there is no better way to spend a summer than with the camp community.

The bonds formed over a summer are lasting and loving, making the goodbyes mostly bitter, less sweet.

Had I not taken the leap to work at Wildwood Ranch Day Camps, I would not have learned that spending time as a camp counselor can teach so many important messages regarding communication, safety, encouragement, flexibility, and community.

This summer, although camp might not be happening in the physical sense, I will continue my enthusiasm for learning and growing in nature. I am praying that camp continues in the future and in many ways that the spirit of camp is alive throughout these trying times as well, so that children and staff alike can come together in a time where community is so important.

Check out the original post here:

http://allovercreation.travel.blog/2020/05/08/an-ode-to-summer-camp/