Starting a new job can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first one. You may think being a camp counselor is a simple babysitting gig, but trust me when I say it’s a whole other beast. While I can confidently say that it was the most fun job I’ve ever had, it was also the most challenging.
Here are 10 things I wish I had known before becoming a camp counselor that you should share with your teen:
IT’S OKAY TO ASK QUESTIONS
Being a newcomer anywhere can be scary, but especially in an environment like summer camp where most employees are seasoned veterans. That’s why it’s so important to ask questions. I remember causing my group more issues because I was too scared to ask for help. So encourage your teen to ask away. As I gained more experience, I was happy to help newbies find their way, since I knew exactly how they felt.
NOT EVERY CO-WORKER IS GOING TO BE YOUR BEST FRIEND
Most TV shows and movies show camp counselors as BFFs, and while I’ve made lifelong friends at camp, I’ve also had my fair share of disagreements. And that’s okay! Not everyone your teen meets at camp will share their perspective, so manage expectations and make sure they’re ready to compromise.
WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING
It’s likely that your campers aren’t professional athletes, so don’t take games and activities too seriously. I’ve found it’s best not to keep score, or for the older kids, only keep score for one sport a day. This prevents fights between campers, and makes counselors’ jobs a lot easier.
EMBRACE THE GOOFINESS
When I was 16, the last thing I wanted to do was embarrass myself in front of an audience. Unfortunately, I found out that no one can escape summer camp without doing at least one silly dance or song. So encourage your teen to lean into it! Trust me, that embarrassment of wearing a Minion costume will fade, but the fun memory will remain with campers forever.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Being in charge of more than 20 kids can make you forget even the most basic things, like the need to drink water or reapply sunscreen. But, it’s essential to take care of yourself. If a counselor isn’t at their best, the group won’t be either. So, encourage your teen to take their breaks, drink water and wear sunscreen.
DON’T STRIVE FOR PERFECTION
There are really only two priorities to have as a counselor: keep the kids safe and let them have fun. Everything else comes second, so tell your teen not to stress if the group is a few minutes late to an activity. All that really matters is that the camper is going home safe and happy.
OPEN UP TO YOUR CAMPERS
When I first started as a counselor, I found it hard to command my group since I felt like a kid myself. I quickly realized that most kids can see through a fake persona, so I stopped trying to be a strict leader and instead focused on being friendly and relating to them. Most campers really just want someone to talk to, so tell your teen to be open and understanding. It will help them in the long run.
YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO CAREFUL
While counselors should be focused on having fun, it’s important to remember that parents are entrusting their children with you. So teens should be cautious. If a camper says her head hurts, it’s better to take her to the nurse rather than brush it off. She might be trying to get out of an activity, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Tell your teen to listen to the campers, and to pay attention to safety training. The more prepared they are, the better.
PREPARE TO BE MESSY
During my time as a camp counselor, I don’t think I had a single camper ever go home fully clean. Campers are messy, so tell your future counselor to wear something that they don’t care about. I can’t even count the number of lunches I’ve had to clean up off the floor, or dirty bathing suits I’ve had to pick up. There’s nothing you can do to avoid it, so it’s best to be as ready as you can be.
CAMP ISN’T JUST FOR CAMPERS
I was fortunate enough to work at a summer camp that heavily supports its staff with counselor parties and bonding activities, but no matter where they work, encourage your teen to find a way to connect with other counselors. I’ve made some of my best friends through being a counselor. After all, camp should be fun for everyone. I hope these tips help your teen as they get ready for their first day on the job. Remind them to have fun—everything else will come in time.
—Emma Rothman is a former camp counselor at Deerkill Day Camp in Rockland County, NY, and is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland.
