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This has been the longest winter EVER- one that would give even Elsa from Frozen a run for her money, but summer is only a few months away and it's time to start making plans. And for some of us, that means it’s time to hunt down a minimally hideous one-piece swimsuit and get that sleeping bag out of the attic, because it's time to head back to camp! As those of us who used to have the job (or still do) know, volunteering as a camp counselor is both ridiculously exhausting — and one of the most rewarding experiences in the world. People might think we’re crazy for choosing to sleep with bugs and small children, but for us, this is less a job, and more a way of life.
As much as we love kids, being a counselor at Catholic Youth Camp is not always a picnic (although sometimes it is literally a picnic). Yup, there are some things only fellow counselors can truly understand. Things like...
Saturday orientation awkwardness...But by Sunday morning you know you've found your people.
How you feel watching campers start to line up outside the lodge.
When you walk into the cabin on Monday morning and realize swimming does not count as showering.
Your first counselor social...
Feeling like a proud parent when you see your camper conquer a fear.
Wondering how the staff stay alive eating like this all summer.
That feeling you get when you hear a camper say "what happens at carnival night, stays at carnival night."
Trying to play it cool in front of your Director like...
You have announcement PTSD
Nike shorts. Bright T-shirts. Chacos.
When you promised yourself you wouldn't spend all your canteen money.... but bought all the camp gear anyways.
Pasta night dishes. Nuff said.
Admitting to yourself that the campers taught you more about Jesus than you could have ever taught them.
And finally feeling the peace you've been looking for all year gazing at the stars during night chapel.
Realizing this has been the quickest week of your life and it's time to say goodbye (or head to PJ's for ice cream).
But knowing that no matter what, Catholic Youth Camp will always have a little piece of your heart and always feel like "home."
