Why Summer Camp Was The Best Choice I Ever Made

So as you may know this past summer I went to America. I spoke previously about how I was going to be a camp counsellor, this is essentially the role of being a mentor for the kids I looked after whilst they were at camp. The experience in itself was absolutley amazing for so many different reasons; it taught me so much about myself, about others, about different places and cultures. I can safely say that going to camp was one of the best and most worthwhile decisions I've ever made and I would encourage anyone who is considering going, to just go for it. 

If you're interested in travelling, seeing new places, meeting new people and being open to opportunities then camp is one hell of a way to do these things! I could rave about the joys and pleasures of camp all day long but I don't want to bore you so I'm just going to tell you the top things that camp taught me:

1. That I am a very patient person. Despite what I previously thought, camp taught me that when it comes down to it I can be very patient. Whether this is with a homesick child who for the past 6 days has told me they want nothing more than to go home, or with a whole group of children who are trying their best not to listen to me, or even with myself, when I'm still adjusting to new time zones, places & people.
2. That everyone has a different story but when it's important everyone comes together no matter what. Team work was absolutley compulsory at camp; from the kids to the counsellors, it was pretty difficult to get anything done if no one is cooperating. However it's really surprising and comforting to see that no matter people's differences everyone supports each other when it's vital. You can see this in the girls in group activities and in the staff when events take up your entire weekend meaning you don't get a day off that week.
3. That I can organise 16 girls, myself and 12 horses on 6 hours sleep (if that). Obviously I had help, my amazing co-counsellors, but really the sleep I got was precious! When my head hit the pillow at night I was out like a light; it was exhausting but so so worth it! I was an equine counsellor so even though it was technically my job to supervise the girls, I still had to help at the barn, that included feeding, mucking out, exercising, grooming and more. If I didn't think I could multi-task before, I definitely learned to at camp! This also showed me that I can be organised and I can lead, something that really boosted my confidence over summer.
4. It is the hardest job you'll ever love. I was told this my first week of being at camp whilst we were in training and it is the truest statement. Don't get me wrong I have the highest praises for it as a job but it is hard work. The days are long, the breaks are short and it requires all of your effort all of the time; but that is what makes it great! It is all consuming and it makes you give everything you have. It is so rewarding and teaches you things you can't learn anywhere else.
5. Being a kid is fun and so cleansing! Essentially my job was to ensure that the kids were having as much fun as possible. The easiest way to do this was to join them! Literally become a big kid and they love it. It's so enjoyable and rewarding to become friends with them and for them to look up to you; but also, you'll never believe how restorative it is, just acting silly without any worries really is a form of therapy!
6. Worries from the outside world are smaller than they seem. Following on from my last point, camp is like its own little bubble. Allowing yourself to fully let go of the worries and concerns you had in the outside world for a period of time, really highlights how a lot of our anxieties aren't necessarily as bad as we thought. As well as this things we felt obligated to do eg. wear makeup or act a certain way to to please people, seem trivial and pointless. 
7. You will make friends for life and they will be the BEST. I made friends at camp who saw me at my most exhausted, my most worn down, at the tipping point sometimes, but they were also there to see me at my highest, they were there when I was crying with laughter, when I was soaking wet and covered in bubbles. They saw me with no makeup, when I'd just woken up and they saw me at the end of a really long, tough day. They celebrated with me when we got through training, open house, Mommy and Me weekends, each and ever week of kids and finally clean up. You go through so much in such a short period of time and somehow that just makes you so much closer.

I realise this post is a lot longer than I anticipated but that just shows how much good I have to say about the experience. It truly is unforgettable and irreplaceable and one of the best choices I have ever made.

Beth xo

If this sounds like something that you would like to join in on then visit USA Summer Camp here and apply today! Hint: The sooner you apply the better chance you have of being placed.