Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Cabin Counselor

June - August 2023 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I enjoyed being able to work closely with campers of a variety of ages and who were majoring a variety of fine arts disciplines at camp. I also loved being able to play my instrument in several high level ensembles with frequent performance opportunities.

What I wish was different

Advice

This job is exhausting and really challenging at times, but it's also extremely rewarding. It has been a great opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone in many ways and become a more confident teacher and leader.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

The community of counselors

What I wish was different

N/a

Advice

The campers always come first, but also take time for self care.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2021 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

Working with the kids was amazing, and I absolutely loved my coworkers, the other counselors! I worked at Camp Bernstein, the junior camp, which meant I got to teach the theatre minor in addition to being in charge of a cabin, and it was an amazing teaching experience!

What I wish was different

I wish there were more mental health supports at camp, because sometimes kids share very emotionally charged baggage with you, and sometimes I didn't know how to deal with that.

Advice

Remember that as a camp counselor a child could be watching you at any time, so you have to be a good role model at all times and ready to jump into any emergency. That being said, use your hours off to get off the camp!!! This is your time to unwind and refresh yourself which is super important.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2021 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

The experience, working with kids and making bonds and connections to other people that are successful within the fine arts.

What I wish was different

Nothing! It was a wonderful summer

Advice

Do it, move to the forest and enjoy the music and people that exist there too!

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

The atmosphere of the camp was amazing. I got to spend my days working with campers and working with people that I bonded with while doing the things that I love.

What I wish was different

I wish the summer had been longer.

Advice

A summer at this camp will give you lifelong friends, and your relationships with campers and coworkers will keep you coming back.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

May - July 2019 • Muskegon, MI

What I liked

This opportunity gave me the chance to build my leadership and communication skills with children and adults alike. I worked as a counselor for Blue Lake's International Choir, mentoring students ages 12-19 as we performed in France and Germany for three weeks. This was an incredible experience which I recommend to anyone interested in music or music education.

What I wish was different

Working with children can sometimes test your patience. Additionally, many things on an international trip can go wrong or change the schedule at the last minute. You just have to go with the flow, be patient, have a positive attitude, and stay hydrated.

Advice

One can easily get overwhelmed working this job. Just stay calm, address one issue at a time, and be patient.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Cabin counselor

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

Working with kids and music

What I wish was different

I disagreed with some of the camp procedures

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

Fulfilling and enjoyable work.

What I wish was different

insufficient time off and very low pay

Advice

If you're going into Music Education this is a perfect step in the right direction.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I loved working with the kids and all my coworkers!

What I wish was different

I wish it would have been longer

Advice

Make sure to have patience

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Health Assistant

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

It was amazing to get healthcare experience: you get to do it all! From medication distribution to rear station, you get a well-rounded feel for healthcare. Additionally, you get to help children with not only their physical health, but also their mental health. It is so rewarding to help kids through negative thought loops, especially when you see them feel better when they leave than when they came. My bosses were extremely supportive and patiently answered all my questions. They are super friendly, encouraging, and genuinely believe in your potential. Each day, you give back to campers who come to you for help, which is very rewarding. There is always a positive thing a camper or coworker said or did that makes no day entirely stressful. You get to learn how to do a C-collar! How cool is that?

What I wish was different

The hours, while long, are a realistic and honest representation of what healthcare is like, in particular for those pursuing careers in medicine or nursing. It's an awesome job to find your healthcare niche. Also, even though you'll have overnight shifts, many hours of designated sleep time are built into the shift schedule before and after the overnights. Self care is made a priority at this workplace. Any stress that came with the job was well worth the experience in healthcare that you receive. For those who are pursuing healthcare as your main career, with music as a hobby, while it depends on which year you work here, you might not have time to do both due to the hours. This can, however, be a worthwhile sacrifice.

Advice

There is a good self-care culture at work: make sure you take advantage of this and use self-discipline. While it is sometimes necessary to stay past your shift, losing too much sleep has negative cumulative effects. Everyone needs all of your energy to help the kiddos. Don't be afraid to be assertive. For instance, some kids can be talkative during treatments or during med rush. Don't ever be afraid to tell them to please focus.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I like being able to help influence the lives of young artists and growing my communication skills, as well as artistry.

What I wish was different

I wish my personal boss/higher up was different and that they could have made a positive influence as a supportive figure instead of making it a difficult work environment.

Advice

This job is a great experience and opportunity but many factors that affect your overall experience are dependent on things that you don’t find out until a week or so into the job. You have to be ready for anything and be willing to communicate with kids age (about) 10-17. You have to love working with kids in order to do this job.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Cabin Counselor/Dance Assistant

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I enjoyed working closely with middle schoolers and high schoolers while being able to dance and gain experience for my dance degree.

What I wish was different

Some of the leadership that I worked closely with was over controlling and disorganized. When we complained to higher ups about it, nothing was done.

Advice

I would recommend applying and trying it, especially if you are interested in teaching. It is a really great opportunity to meet people from all over the country and to network with professionals in the fine arts. However, it can be very mentally taxing so make sure you are in a good head space.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Health assistant

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

The experience was amazing, I met some of the best coworkers I have ever had!

What I wish was different

You work all day and don’t get a lot of sleep.

Advice

Although it was a tough experience, it was very worth it!

1 One person found this helpful

Cabin Counselor

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I liked this job exposed me to a broader spectrum working not only with kids, but also being surrounded with more professional music settings. The kids' age ranged from middle school to high school. Practicing speaking with them has helped me with communication skills. The music teachers at the camp were all distinguished and experienced professors from other colleges, that knew how to teach kids in a classroom. I saw them as encouraging, supportive, and inspiring.

What I wish was different

I wished the food was better! But what could be complained about living at a camp?

Advice

Working with these age groups' kids (middle school and high school) was great! I would get to know them each better if I were to do it again!

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Health Assistant

June - August 2019 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

The community of the camp with all the staff and campers was one of encouragement, creativity, and growth mindset. I learned a lot about healthcare, working with kids, team cooperation, and selfcare.

What I wish was different

I wish the health staff could've been more integrated with the rest of the counseling staff, but I understand the differences in schedules and work expectations.

Advice

Prepare for little sleep and to be stretched personally and professionally. But ultimately, prepare to fall in love with the camp and everyone there.

1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Muskegon, MI

What I liked

The campers made the camp amazing. Their energy was awesome which made the job very enjoyable. The other counselors that also worked made the camp experience something I'll never forget. We were like a family for 2 months and I wouldn't change it for anything.

What I wish was different

The food is not very good but luckily there are multiple options.

Advice

Allow the kids to be themselves and you will become a better person and counselor because of it. If the kids re having a good time then you will have a good time.

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor/ Lifeguard

June - August 2018 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I loved the people and the enthusiasm the kids brought to the camp. There were many fun activities for the counselors to lead. It was an exciting time to be able to entertain kids and show them what a mature college student can be.

What I wish was different

Advice

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Head server

May - August 2018 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I had the opportunity to lead and work with a great group of people.

What I wish was different

Advice

Having a good work ethic will do nothing but benefit you in the workplace

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

August 2018 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

It's wonderful for teaching experience and practice working with kids!

Be the first to mark this as helpful

Camp Counselor

June - August 2018 • Twin Lake, MI

What I liked

I enjoyed the educational opportunities provided through our training and the hands-on experience working with campers. Blue Lake works hard to give staff many different roles so that the summer is very comprehensive.