YMCA

Lead Camp Counselor

June - August 2022 • Greensboro, NC

What I liked

I loved being able to hang out with the kids everyday. I loved leading and creating new and fun ways for them to play and interact with each other. I loved going on field trips as well.

What I wish was different

I liked everything about summer camp. Although, I wish we went on more big field trips.

Advice

Have fun! Enjoy the summer and do what you think would be fun for you and the kids.

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Ymca camp counselor

June - August 2023 • Los Angeles, CA

What I liked

This job is definitely for the love of children as it takes a lot. My coworkers and I worked hand and hand to plan daily activities for the kids. We had different stations. A arts and crafts station, outdoor gaming station and an indoor gaming station. The field trips were nice and the kids really enjoyed them. We had full control over the events we wished to do, of course we had to get approval from the person over us but that was never an issue. Working there you form so many bonds and it helps you grow as well. Learn new skills and perfect current ones Thad you have. Overall a great experience

What I wish was different

I wish the ymca provided us with more supplies. It was hard planning sometimes with so little resources.

Advice

This job requires so much patience. Patience dealing with the children and the parents. You can not be easily angered or explosive. I advise you to always have a back up plan and extra activities you can do to fill in time. Children have a short attention span and certain activities will only keep them distracted for so long.

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Summer counselor

June - August 2023 • Orchard Park, NY

What I liked

Being outside all day

What I wish was different

Better co workers

Advice

Be patient

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Camp counsler

May - August 2022 • Commerce City, CO

What I liked

Working with kids and having fun all summer

What I wish was different

Shorter hours and more staffing

Advice

Working with kids is so rewarding and summer camp lets you enjoy your summer too.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Philadelphia, PA

What I liked

I enjoyed being an influence and assisting with the children. Grades 1st-8th I was able to deal with different types of personalities and free spirits and it made my summer infinitely better. I loved being able to play basketball and do arts and crafts with them on a daily experience.

What I wish was different

Nothing at all. I had a phenomenal experience where I was able to be a guiding figure and enjoy my time with the youth.

Advice

One piece of advice I would share with others interested in roles similar to this is patience. Patience is key because there will be days when they get on your nerves and push certain buttons. However, it is important to stay calm and handle it in a respectful manner. Either than that, taking it day by day and building that camaraderie with the staff and students.

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Camp counselor

May - July 2023 • Lincoln, NE

What I liked

I enjoyed working with the kids and other responsible staff.

What I wish was different

Some coworkers did not take their jobs seriously and I was left with their responsibilities.

Advice

Getting to know your coworkers is just as important as getting to know the kids, it helps a lot to know who you’re working with and communication is a lot easier when you know what they’re like.

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Camp Counselor

June - August 2023 • Wausau, WI

What I liked

I learned a lot about how to resolve conflict whilst maintaining good personal relations with coworkers and the children. I found that we can balance being an authority figure and friend and I learned a lot about my own strengths and weaknesses as a person.

What I wish was different

Due to some staffing issues, things often could be a bit chaotic. It was an adaptable learning curve, and sometimes the ability to be so adaptable was a hard one to find, often needing to fill in whatever need be. It is a good learning experience, but I do think continuing to find better methods of organization will be of best interest.

Advice

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Kids will remember what you say to them, and you are making a big impact, but you will do better as a counselor when you admit your faults and have open and honest communication with coworkers and kids. Establish good personal relations and you will look forward to going to work every day and seeing those familiar faces. Learn from each other because everything is a learning experience.

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