Summer Top Ten

Man this summer went by so fast! I cannot believe that just 10 weeks ago, I was sitting at home waiting for this summer to start and already it is over. I can honestly say that this has been the greatest summer of my life. And I owe it all to the Place of Friends, Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya! After my first summer at camp, I have learned many new things and grown in many different ways.

That is the reason for this post, the Top Ten Things I Have Learned From Being A Camp Counselor!

10.) Everything about Nature is amazing and should be appreciated more. -- I think this goes without explanation, but this was a re-discovery for me. Too often I would not stop to appreciate all that is around me and how fantastic and awe-inspiring it is. I now slow down and look more closely at our environment. Everything from the trees and rivers and sunsets to the frogs, fish, bears, birds, and even mosquitoes. There is nothing more exhilarating than witnessing nature's spectacle first hand.

9.) Even the Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus are cool (and I secretly know all the words to most of their songs). -- Not only are the JoBros and Ms. Cyrus musical geniuses (oh who am I kidding, they are awful!). But they do inspire countless youngsters across the country and at camp. These kids listen to them religiously, and therefore, all of us counselors do too. I can sing "See You Again," "7 Things," "S.O.S.," and "Year 3000" for you upon request (and I actually will only because it would remind me of all of those kids who we would sing them with.).

8.) The most "troubled" kids are usually the greatest ones to know. -- Coming in to each week, some parents would say what to watch out for. Little did they know that that behavior that happened at home hardly ever showed up at camp. See, at camp, kids can be themselves and not have to worry about looking like a fool. There is no facade or front that they need to put on, so their behavior changes. One of my favorite campers was one who was sent to a military school because he beat up kids until he was 12. Not only was he the most polite kid I have ever met; he had maturity I had never seen before. He openly discussed his situation and took them as learning experiences. All someone needed to do in his life is give him some tough love and he responded so much better. These are the kids that inspire me!

7.) A pink lawn Flamingo can have many valuable uses. -- Ask if intrigued...

6.) I long to go on a canoe trip to the Boundary Waters and experience a part of history and tradition. -- Pity Nor'Wester 2009 here we come!

5.) Even 14 year old boys can have an emotional group experience without judging or labeling each other. -- On one of my overnights this summer, my group of 14 year old boys were sitting around the campfire at night just talking. I named off a few questions ranging from normal to gross to deeply personal. After getting to the first personal question, two guys broke down sobbing at their answers. Everyone in the group remained silent and did not laugh or judge. In fact, each went on to share their answers with raw emotion. The trust between our group was amazing. That group inspired me so much. It is so neat to see a diverse group come together over hearing each other's happiest moments in life or biggest goals. I found out 14 year old boys have hearts and souls, with no need to torment or ridicule.

4.) I was a teacher, role model, leader, artist, singer, and dancer. -- It's weird to think about, but yes, I was all of those to a different group of kids each week. Even though I am an awful dancer and make due with my singing and artistry, I was a role model and teacher to over 50 kids this summer. Teaching core values of honesty, respect, and responsibility, I had to follow those values just as the kids did. I was the role model. It is such a neat experience being a rockstar in some of these kids' minds. We, as counselors, mean so much to these kids who look to us as their best friend and teacher.

3.) Showers are not necessary; in fact, they are only a useless task that people in the real world feel the need to do. -- This is pretty self-explanatory. At camp, we don't shower that often (like 2 times a week). Don't get grossed out! Showering was too laboring to do daily, and besides, you're just going to get dirty again as soon as you are done, so why bother? After a while your hair stops producing oil and everyone around you is smelly so you can't tell the difference if you smell or it's your neighbor. The point is, there is no need to shower so frequently. It's going to be tough doing this again everyday now that I am back in the "real-world."

2.) In 3 months, I have met and bonded with an amazing group of people. -- Never so quickly have I bonded and shared such great friendships with so many people. In 3 months, I feel like family amongst the staff. Each and every one of the staff has left a valuable impression on me. I feel stronger every day knowing that I have an amazing camp family there ready for that spontaneous reunion or sandbar club meeting.

1.) Camp can change your life, if you let it. -- This goes with a lot of things, but honestly, camp is a life changing event. Not only have I learned all of these previously mentioned amazing things, but I can come away from camp knowing that I am a better person because of it. I could have gone through this summer looking at this as just a job, but it soon became a lifestyle. Camp has changed who I am in so many great ways. I have learned that I need to enjoy the present and live in the "now." I need to stop worrying about future things and live life to the fullest each and every single day. I also have learned to live simply. I have gone many weeks without a cell phone, computer, or television. They are simply not a necessary item to have at all times. I can honestly say that it is has been so liberating to be without these items for so long. I am no longer dependent on them!

There may be some who are reading this who may laugh or not understand the impact this has made upon not only my life, but among all of the staff and campers' lives too. I can only wish that you have some kind of opportunity like I have had to experience the world in a different way, a much simpler way. I can honestly say that camp has changed my life, and I am so happy and peaceful because of it.