Working and relaxing with the other staffers was so much fun. I made some really valuable relationships because of it and look forward to their growth in future years. It's also great working with kids who are loving, fun, eager to learn, and excited to play. Connecting with their parents to learn more about them is also a valuable skill that allows you to interact with adults in a professional and friendly setting. There's a large amount of responsibility that you have in this job, but the higher-ups make it feel a lot more relational and casual which helps cultivate relationships, learning, and development through programs that are safe and well run.
What I wish was different
I wish that I had had a better understanding of the maturity level of the 8th grade that I worked with. I came in with expectations that I should not have had, and that made a fair amount of the summer discouraging and disappointing. Coming in without tremendously high expectations for those you will be working with will improve your attitude about and involvement with the program.
Advice
It's important to remember that while it's a lot of fun to hang out with your fellow staffers, it can be a money trap. Don't eat out too often, make sure to give the Church your gas and other purchase receipts promptly, and spend time with your kids. Get to know your superiors. They're really helpful, and having a personal relationship with them improves your work and respect for them. Use the devotional times to actually do a devotional. It can be very tempting to sleep or hang out with friends because that's what most others do, but it's a tremendously valuable time if used correctly.
