When I think of summer, I think of camp. The summer camp I have been attending since I was little has played a huge role in my life. Every summer, I would go spend a week at Camp Hebron outside of Halifax, Pennsylvania. The week, full of fun activities, worship, nature, and close relationships with my cabinmates, was always the highlight of my year. The person that made those weeks the best was almost always my counselor. My counselor was someone whom I could look up to and learn from. They always seemed so cool and it was my dream to be a counselor. 

This summer, I got to fulfill my dream to work as a counselor at Camp Hebron. My summer was easily the best of my life. I spent nine weeks outside, running around, playing games, hanging out with some awesome kids, and making some of my closest friends. During the week I got to hang out with campers and hear their stories. I got to see them have fun, make close friends, and walk with them through their hardships. During the weekends, I made close connections with the staff as we prepared for the next week of campers. 

However, working at camp isn’t all fun and games. Well, the majority of it is, but there are hard parts too, and anyone thinking about working at a camp should know that. As a counselor, I didn’t get a lot of sleep because I had to stay up late to make sure the campers fell asleep and woke up before them. There were days when I was exhausted physically and emotionally but had to fight through it and do my job. There were weeks that I had a cabin that didn’t get along so I had to learn to mediate and navigate the conflict. There were nights that I stayed up for an hour after the other campers went to bed because one camper was homesick and couldn’t sleep. 

But here’s the thing: the hard parts of the job made it all worth it. I learned so much about myself, God, working with others, having overflowing amounts of compassion, and leading activities. Without the hard parts, I would not appreciate this summer as much as I do. 

Now, before you say anything, hear me out. You can work at a camp and not be a counselor. There are so many positions available that you can apply for whatever suits you: lifeguarding, music leading, craft/art instructor, program details, games leader, and more. Camps always need people and will take who they can get. Additionally, don’t feel obligated to work at a Christian camp if that’s not your jam. 

I want to close with a story. At the beginning of the summer I hosted the staff talent show as my “Queen of the Sea” character along with another staff member. I wore a grass skirt, cowboy hat, and fake leis, and even had a stick that looked like a trident to complete the ensemble. Throughout the summer, I would pull this character out, most notably for a horse grooming contest with our horse campers. My campers loved it as they got to see my silly side. The joy on their faces will be a memory that I cherish forever. 

Whether you think you would be good enough or not, apply to work at a camp. You will learn so much, have incredible fun, and make lifelong friends. If you need a place to start looking, check out Camp Hebron in Halifax, Pennsylvania.