I had 3 summers of being a camp counselor. It’s my absolute favorite job I’ve had, and I have lifelong friends from it. It’s been 21 years (!!) since my last summer there. I’ve been a teacher since, still wearing all those hats.
You could have written my own love story. Gavin and I met as campers in 1989, worked as counselors, and then married in 1996. Now, my own son is a counselor at the same camp, and lo and behold, he met his future wife there as well. (They're getting married in September!). Summer camp really is magic, isn't it?
Ah! I love love love it. The stuff of storybooks. What a legacy of love and camp magic. Thank you so much for sharing this. Yep, summer camp really is magic. ALL THE BEST TO YOU ALL!
Thank you for this Brad! I made some of the best friends of my life as a camp counselor. My co-counselor (from the UK)’s eldest son is now my youngest son’s counselor and one of our other co-workers is the Camp Director. As I get older (sigh) I realize how valuable those skills, friendships and experiences can be over a lifetime. It remains one of the key humanist experiences of my life.
If you know, you know. Camp counselors who try to explain to friends and family why you keep doing this crazy but rewarding work are often met with blank stares. I always love to see camp counseling on the resume of a potential candidate for a job, it lets me know they have a particular set of skills.
YES! It's a particular kind of wild wisdom, right? I completely agree with the power of seeing ' camp counselor ' on a resume. Tells you so much! Usually it's a leader who can handle just about anything with heart and humor.
Just sent to our son who is getting ready to head out for another day of “adventure camp” escorting younger kids around outdoor venues in our area every day —thank you 😊
Sending this right now to my daughter 🥹 — who has probably been up since 6 to get a quick iced coffee in town before her campers wake up, but still went to bed long after I did. Thanks for this, Brad.
Kim, thank you for raising such a difference-maker. I'm encouraged to know there's someone like her, coffee in hand, heart full, quietly prepping to lead with care. Have a blast! Cheering for her and for you!
Love this post, and that beautiful phrase "Be who you needed when you were younger." Although I had very bad experiences at summer camp as a kids. I was repeatedly bullied and felt alone and isolated, and those experiences left trauma scars in my tiny heart and soul. I probably did not meet the right camp educators then, but I'm sure they could have made a big difference.
Thanks Brad! Once again, you have spoken right into my heart! I was not a camp counselor-- but was able to experience that camp magic as an adult!
There was a beautiful camp created about 40 + years ago for single parents and their kids! Each family had the "camp experience" but it also centered on strategies and support for raising your kids alone, but with boundaries, love and laughter! Some of our strongest friendships were forged at that camp-- we became each others family-- sharing lifes ups and downs and supporting each other through lifes challenges as only a single parent could. The counselors were as wonderful as you describe and many grew up in front of us...and they also became part of the family! My kids and I attended and then volunteered for about 20 years! One of the BEST experiences of life! 💙💜
I had 3 summers of being a camp counselor. It’s my absolute favorite job I’ve had, and I have lifelong friends from it. It’s been 21 years (!!) since my last summer there. I’ve been a teacher since, still wearing all those hats.
You could have written my own love story. Gavin and I met as campers in 1989, worked as counselors, and then married in 1996. Now, my own son is a counselor at the same camp, and lo and behold, he met his future wife there as well. (They're getting married in September!). Summer camp really is magic, isn't it?
Ah! I love love love it. The stuff of storybooks. What a legacy of love and camp magic. Thank you so much for sharing this. Yep, summer camp really is magic. ALL THE BEST TO YOU ALL!
Thank you for this Brad! I made some of the best friends of my life as a camp counselor. My co-counselor (from the UK)’s eldest son is now my youngest son’s counselor and one of our other co-workers is the Camp Director. As I get older (sigh) I realize how valuable those skills, friendships and experiences can be over a lifetime. It remains one of the key humanist experiences of my life.
If you know, you know. Camp counselors who try to explain to friends and family why you keep doing this crazy but rewarding work are often met with blank stares. I always love to see camp counseling on the resume of a potential candidate for a job, it lets me know they have a particular set of skills.
YES! It's a particular kind of wild wisdom, right? I completely agree with the power of seeing ' camp counselor ' on a resume. Tells you so much! Usually it's a leader who can handle just about anything with heart and humor.
How camp grounds humanity. Stuff you know. Thanks for saying so, Brad!
Emily, Thank you. So beautifully put. "how camp grounds humanity". Thank you for seeing, feeling and naming it so well.
Just sent to our son who is getting ready to head out for another day of “adventure camp” escorting younger kids around outdoor venues in our area every day —thank you 😊
Kim, Wishing your son a full summer of muddy shoes, wide-eyed campers, and stories worth retelling! Love this. Thank YOU for passing it along.
Sending this right now to my daughter 🥹 — who has probably been up since 6 to get a quick iced coffee in town before her campers wake up, but still went to bed long after I did. Thanks for this, Brad.
Kim, thank you for raising such a difference-maker. I'm encouraged to know there's someone like her, coffee in hand, heart full, quietly prepping to lead with care. Have a blast! Cheering for her and for you!
Love this post, and that beautiful phrase "Be who you needed when you were younger." Although I had very bad experiences at summer camp as a kids. I was repeatedly bullied and felt alone and isolated, and those experiences left trauma scars in my tiny heart and soul. I probably did not meet the right camp educators then, but I'm sure they could have made a big difference.
Thanks Brad! Once again, you have spoken right into my heart! I was not a camp counselor-- but was able to experience that camp magic as an adult!
There was a beautiful camp created about 40 + years ago for single parents and their kids! Each family had the "camp experience" but it also centered on strategies and support for raising your kids alone, but with boundaries, love and laughter! Some of our strongest friendships were forged at that camp-- we became each others family-- sharing lifes ups and downs and supporting each other through lifes challenges as only a single parent could. The counselors were as wonderful as you describe and many grew up in front of us...and they also became part of the family! My kids and I attended and then volunteered for about 20 years! One of the BEST experiences of life! 💙💜
Love this so much. As a former counselor and director I also have seen it all! Well said, Brad!
Thanks Jason! Fellow camp veterans do know. The grit, the glitter, the mystery rashes. Moments that shape lives. Grateful to be in such good company
Thank you! Our camp starts at the end of July 😌
Oh yay!!! I hope it's a wonderful season, Deb!
Love this! Thank you!
Grateful for you and your two campers, Marc!