Camp Counselors Can Do Anything

A pep talk for the miracle workers of summer

Hi friends!

This is my tenth summer working with the camp where I met my wife.

Walking with the family out at camp. Somehow this was 10 summers ago.

We met here as kids.

We worked here as counselors.

We got married on the soccer field.

Our dear photographer climbed a ladder to capture this moment at the end of the ceremony. Now, 22 years later, his daughter is working at the camp as a counselor. Camp is magic like that.

Over the years, our role and responsibilities at camp have changed, but Kristi (my wife) and I have always found our way back. Showing up in some capacity at camp for the love of camp, for the sake of kids, and because we deeply believe in this:

Be who you needed when you were younger.

One of my first weeks as a camp director, 10 summers ago. Holding our daughter and a megaphone. Responsible for so much and feeling unqualified for it all. We’ve all grown so much since then.

One of my favorite parts of this whole experience isn’t just the starry nights, goofy songs, or wide-eyed campers. It’s the counselors.

Kristi found this photo from a former counselor’s scrapbook.

Camp counselors are rare and remarkable human beings. A unique breed of person who steps away from comfort and the typical summer job. They trade steady air-conditioning and predictability for one of the most joyful, exhausting, and meaningful roles imaginable.

I’ve been honored to witness some of the very best to do this job. Truly.

So I wanted to share something to honor all you camp counselors out there (and really for anyone who has ever led a group of kids through games, growth, snacktime, storytime, and extreme emotions all while standing in the sun surrounded by chaos and campfire smoke.)

A little reminder:

If you’ve ever been a camp counselor, you’re pretty much qualified to now do most any job in the world.

ASTRONAUT

Space isolation is nothing compared to the homesickness of a first-time camper.

CEO

You led culture-shifting meetings in a canoe while dodging water balloons. You coordinated people, schedules, supplies, and dreams. This is next-level executive-caliber leadership.

STAGE MANAGER

You pulled off a talent show with zero tech, a homemade Minion costume, and skits that made little sense to anyone, yet everyone got a standing ovation. Broadway would be lucky to have you.

WILDERNESS SURVIVAL EXPERT

You led a hike with cranky campers, a questionable trail map, bug spray, and one juice box. Everyone returned. You even made it fun.

CRISIS NEGOTIATOR

You once settled a high-stakes snack dispute using a flashlight, two granola bars, and a look. There’s no conflict you can’t settle.

PUBLIC RELATIONS EXPERT

You’ve spun delayed swim time into a surprise adventure. You’ve delivered awkward news (“The canoe is technically *gone*, but we learned SO MUCH!) with grace and grit.

INTERIOR DESIGNER

You transformed an old cabin into a cozy little world using string lights, thrift store art, and random items from the previous camp session’s lost and found. HGTV has nothing on your bunk.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

You’ve seen things. Mystery rashes. Nosebleeds. THAT ONE INCIDENT. YOU KNOW THE ONE. You’re ready.

EDUCATOR

You’ve taught life lessons using a marshmallow and a stick. You’ve led impromptu field trips, hikes, kindness circles, and science experiments. You’ve lit a spark in someone’s mind, then handed them the matchbook.

EMOTIONAL FIRST RESPONDER

You’ve sat in the dirt with a crying camper and reminded them they are safe. You reminded them they are seen. They are supported and celebrated. They’re okay. That’s a kind of kindness this world could sure use more of.

Counselors, you’re essentially ready for anything.

Those who work at a camp might leave with strange tan lines, mismatched socks, and glitter somehow permanently embedded in their skin, but you also leave with something else:

weird rocks from campers who loved you …

inside jokes that make no sense to anyone else …

moments you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Never forget how powerful you are. You’re a listener. You’re a leader. You’re a rare gift to this world. You can love with your whole self and show up when it’s hard and still laugh until your stomach hurts.

After the camp-wide tug of war (or WAR OF TUG! as the counselors proudly call it), all hands go in just before we break for the next thing.

If you’ve ever worked as a camp counselor, or worked with young people in any capacity,

I hope you know what belonging feels like.

I hope you remember your power to create it anywhere.

You can shift the entire atmosphere of a room with a nickname, a story, a song, or (even more so) simply with your presence. It’s who you are.

Carry this kind of leadership and courage into classrooms and boardrooms and anywhere else you might go.

The world could use more camp counselors.

You do the impossible and you make it fun.

Best job ever.

HAVE AN AMAZING SUMMER!

1. STORY CONFERENCE! October 9-10! Nashville, TN!

   This event is sort of like a summer camp’s older, more caffeinated cousin. It’s full of BOLD ideas, BIG-HEARTED people, and breathtaking performances and insights. I’ll be speaking alongside a stellar lineup of artists. Would love to see you there. GET YOUR TICKETS NOW.

2. BOOKS! With pages and words and pictures and stuff!

   Kristi and I are currently working on the art for our next book. I’m reminded yet again what an honor, joy, and TOTAL MESS it is to make a book. If you’d like to encourage us, one way to do so is by BUYING BOOKS! Support your favorite local bookseller, too, while you’re at it. GET OUR BOOKS NOW!

3. SPEAKING! Me talk words at people on stage!

   For the first time in over 5 years, my speaking calendar is full. I’m feeling incredibly grateful. It’s a joy to be busy sharing stories and encouragement with such a wide range of audiences (from creative communities to corporate teams and beyond). I’m now booking for 2026 and beyond.

   Planning something meaningful? Reach out here.