Probably a bunch of kids running around causing an absolute scene and driving the counselors insane. However, that's not necessarily completely accurate; and the purpose of this blog post is to dispel that belief and invite you to understand a little more about my camp, and how it has the potential to change your life.
You're probably reading this blog post because you've been a camp counselor, or because you're interested in being a camp counselor. If you're neither of those, then you're probably here because I've pestered you and bugged you to do so. Hopefully at the end though, you'll be happy you've read it, and will feel like you've learnt something in the last few minutes of reading.
Our camp is quite different to what you would expect when applying for a summer camp, in the sense that it is one that caters for individuals with special needs. Our jobs are quite intense and totally different to what I imagined summer camp would be like. We have 5 sessions every summer, 3 adult sessions and two sessions for kids. The people who attend our camp have a wide range of intellectual and physical disabilities. The amazing thing about this camp is that each camper is equally unique and delightful to work with. There are so many things you can learn from working at a camp that caters for those with special needs, and below I have listed five reasons as to why working at a special needs camp will change your life.
- You become tolerant;
This is the most important life lesson I've ever learnt. Have you ever been in a grocery store and seen a child throwing a tantrum, assuming they are a spoilt brat that didn't get what they want? I have - and many times I've made that uneducated assumption. From working at a special needs camp, I've became more tolerant to people and more understanding.
- You discover a home away from home;
228 Four Corners Road, Ancramdale. My home away from home. The place where I feel unconditional love and happiness. The place where you spend ten weeks of the year working 17 hour days, yet spend 42 weeks a year dreaming about.
- You learn to live without a phone;
Living without decent WiFi at camp was hard to get used to; but after a while it became normality. I promise you, if you go to camp, you will not need your phone or social media, because you will not find a better connection anywhere else on this earth.
- You have the power to make a difference;
You are a role model; your actions are what define you. You are in a position in which you can have such a massive impact on someone else's life. You have the power to make a positive difference. You create such a special bond with each of your campers that cannot be replicated anywhere else.
- You make friends for life;
Sounds cliché I know, but its true. You spend 10 weeks with the same people in such a confined environment, and you spend most of your time around the same bunch of people in your cabin. These people are so inspiring. My fellow counselors at camp continue to inspire me, not just when they are at camp, but in how they spread positivity and try to make a difference every day. There is a happiness in my heart knowing I've met some of the most incredible, selfless people ever, yet an overwhelming sadness that they are all so far away.
I've just written about the great things about camp; so I know you're wondering; what's the worst thing about working at a special needs summer camp?
The worst thing; camp is our home, our happy place. The problem is, that we can't do it forever. We have to move on sometime. The problem is, that we cling on to the precious memories to comfort us in the times when all we can think about is those 10 weeks of happiness and freedom. We search so hard for something else in our life that will fill the void of not having camp in our lives. But nothing else compares. The worst thing is that camp will always be there, but inevitably we will not. Things change as we grow older, but the memories that we have will never burn out.
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