http://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/

Sanborn Western Camps

Camp Counselor

May - August 2018 • Colorado Springs, CO

What I liked

Everything. Unique camp with expansive property and tons of different activities to do. Great adventures outside of camp grounds like hiking 14ers and visiting other beautiful locations. Happy energetic proud employees who all make sure they are not just doing their jobs but having a blast while at it. They provide housing, Three great hot meals a day, and do laundry. You have plenty of time off and free time. They have legit all the equipment you will need.

What I wish was different

Advice

For anyone that wants to work at a camp, especially one that is outdoors were you are away from civilization and get the real outdoor experience, you should be prepared to be yourself. I came from a big city and i am very social and outgoing. Remember that at camp you are meeting new people and you are forming a community. So do not be afraid to be the best version of yourself and share that with your co workers and campers. Camp isn't just about Fun little gateways. Camp is about developing a sense of wonder, forming communities, learning about yourself and the world, and meeting people from all corners of the world. So remember camp is more than just "Camp." Also remember camp isn't just about you. Its about the community. You are one individual in a sum of many other unique individuals.
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Camp Counselor

June - August 2019 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

All of it. I got to spend my summer in a beautiful place with amazing kids enjoying the outdoors. My coworkers were amazing people who inspired me regularly. I am so excited to be returning this summer.

What I wish was different

I wish it didn’t have to end. It was amazing.

Advice

This job is hard and it’s demanding. Be prepared to be pushed in a lot of significant ways. All of these challenges have shaped me into a better and more resilient human.
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Assistant counselor

May - August 2019 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

I loved working in the outdoors and being able to share my passion for nature with the kids that attended camp. I made meaningful and exciting relationships. The community makes any time you can spend at Sanborn amazing.

What I wish was different

Honestly, there is nothing I would have changed.

Advice

It's more work than you'll expect, but it will be worth it. As they say in the interview process, working at summer camp will be that hardest job you will ever love.
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Camp Counselor

May - August 2019 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

Worked in the outdoors educating kids in various activities such as hiking, ecology, sports and games.

What I wish was different

Longer summer and more kids to work with.

Advice

1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

May - August 2019 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

It was a great way to spend time outside while simultaneously building my interpersonal and leadership skills.

What I wish was different

It was great to work in a different part of the country but sometimes it was really hard to be so far away from home.

Advice

Make sure that you're up for the task of working with kids 24/7! I loved it but I worked with a few people who were really burnt out by the end of the summer.
1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

May - August 2018 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

I really liked this job because it was outdoors and provided valuable resources that helped me develop my ability to colaberate with others, be flexible in a working environment and how to work with peers that were younger or older than me.

What I wish was different

I wish I would have known going how rigorous and time consuming the job was.

Advice

Really evaluate how you communicate with people who are younger than you because this will either make your job easier or harder.
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Counselor

May - August 2018 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

Loved being in the outdoors, and interacting with kids on a daily basis. It was really rewarding, especially after reviewing their growth as their month came to an end.

What I wish was different

I loved everything up until the second month and then everything started to feel much more like work, rather than fun.

Advice

Don’t bother considering working at a summer camp because you think it’ll be “easy money.” It’s not, and you will be worn out in under two weeks, and you will be taking away from your own summer, as well ass everybody at camps as
1 One person found this helpful

Camp Counselor

May - August 2018 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

Working with kids and outdoors!

What I wish was different

That it didn't have to end.

Advice

It was amazing everyone should do it!
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Mountain Bike Supervisor

May - August 2018 • Florissant, CO

What I liked

The session structure was something of a marvel. The emphasis of the camp is long expedition trips, but the in-camp environment was still engaging and positive for the kids. There was a strong emphasis on competency for the staff, which led to efficient and effective risk management.

What I wish was different

The staff was worn thin by the end of the summer. Some more emphasis on time off and staff care would be welcomed.

Advice

Enjoy the ride! The trips the staff get to lead are world class, take care of yourself and trust the process.
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